A current sensing analog to digital converter (CS-ADC) is disclosed. The
current sensing analog to digital converter comprises a modulator adapted
to sense a change in current and generate an oversampled signal. The
converter further includes a decimation filter system coupled to
modulator for removing out of band noise from the signal and reduce the
data rate to achieve a high resolution signal. A current sensing analog
to digital converter (CS-ADC) is disclosed that samples the charge or
discharge current flowing through an external sense resistor R.sub.SENSE.
The sample from the R.sub.SENSE is processed by a delta-sigma modulator
which generates an over sampled noise shaped signal. From this signal a
decimation filter system removes the out-of band noise and reduces the
data rate to achieve a high-resolution signal. The CS-ADC also provides
regular current detection. The regular current detection compares the
data from conversion against charge/discharge threshold levels specified
by the user. To save power a special mode where the user configures the
regular current sampling interval is provided. This allows ultra-low
power operation in power-save mode when small charge or discharge
currents are flowing.