What is a Shunt?

A shunt is a critical component in an electronics circuit. It is an electrical resistive device that is designed to create an opening or diversion through which electrical current will flow. It is also sometimes referred to as a bypass, current limiter, or resistance element. A shunt is necessary in any electronics circuit to protect the electronic equipment from overvoltage or overcurrent, direct the current accurately, maintain a steady voltage, or serve as a test point.

Shunts Come in Many Forms and Sizes

Shunts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including through-hole, surface-mount, and single-phase/multi-phase shunt resistors. The main purpose of a shunt is to provide protection from a direct short circuit that may occur in the circuit due to an overload, or other causes. Because of this, shunts are often included in power systems to provide an extra level of protection for the electronics.

The Different Types of Shunt Resistors

The most common type of shunt used in electronics is the fixed resistance type, which is a type of resistor that has a fixed electrical resistance value. This type of shunt is connected in series to the power source, or power line, to provide a predetermined maximum current level. It is important to note that the value of the shunt must be higher than the expected current that will flow through it, to ensure that the device is adequately protected against excessive current.

In addition to the fixed resistance type of shunt, there are also a few other types of shunts that can be used in an electronics circuit. These include the adjustable shunt, the current feedback shunt, and the voltage feedback shunt. Each of these types of shunts provide a different protection feature, depending on the specific application.

Conclusion

A shunt is an essential component in any electronics circuit. It is designed to protect the electronics from dangerous overvoltage or overcurrent conditions, as well as provide an accurate measure of current flow. There are several different types of shunts, including fixed resistance, adjustable shunts, current feedback shunts, and voltage feedback shunts. Each of these provides a different level of protection and accuracy, depending on the specific application.