This Python package provides a platform-agnostic driver for the TI INA260 precision power monitor. Conveniently, the INA260 has a built-in sense resistor so it's very easy to integrate into your projects. It can sense from 0 to 36V and up to 15A(!) with 16-bit resolution. Thus, it's perfect for pretty much all hobbyist projects.
This library was forked from Josh Veitch-Michaelis and slightly modified to work on Lopy4 using I2C instead of smbus2.
from machine import I2C
from lib.ina260 import INA260
import time
sda = 'P9'
scl = 'P10'
bus = I2C(0, mode=I2C.MASTER, baudrate=100000, pins=(sda, scl))
stuff = bus.scan()
time.sleep_ms(50)
c = INA260(bus)
print("Bus voltage:", c.voltage(), "V")
print("Bus current:", c.current(), "A")
print("Bus power:", c.power(), "W")see main.py in the repository. Note that the power measurement is usually not the same as voltage times current unless you read all three registers instantaneously.
The chip itself is very easy to hook up (although it comes in a VSSOP package which can be challenging to solder if you've not had much experience with SMD soldering).
Be sure to follow TI's guidelines in the datasheet about proper power planes and PCB layout. The package is designed so that your power rail goes in one side and out the other. Otherwise, the chip is very easy to integrate and minimally just needs a standard 0.1uF bypass capacitor.
This package has a comprehensive test suite that you can use to check that commands are being received and interpreted properly. You need pytest. Run with:
python -m pytest test
Coverage is 99% because there should also be a check for reverse current which is difficult to do simultaneously with forward current.