INA219 Current & Voltage Sensor using Arduino Uno with Proteus Simulation

Introduction

This microcontroller project demonstrates how to measure load voltage and current using an Adafruit INA219 current sensor with an Arduino Uno in a Proteus simulation environment.
It is a practical embedded systems example that shows real-time electrical measurements using I²C communication.
Such projects are widely used in DIY electronics, power monitoring, and battery-powered systems.
By combining Arduino, INA219, and Proteus VSM, this project offers a safe and visual way to test current-sensing circuits.
It is ideal for learners working on practical electronics and sensor-based microcontroller projects.

How the Project Works (Overview)

The Arduino Uno communicates with the INA219 current sensor over the I²C bus.
The INA219 measures:

• Shunt voltage across a small resistor

• Bus voltage of the load

Using these values, the sensor internally calculates the current flowing through the load.
The Arduino reads this data and sends voltage and current readings to the serial monitor at regular intervals.

Block Diagram / Workflow Explanation

1. Power Source supplies voltage to the load

2. INA219 Sensor is placed in series with the load to measure current

3. I²C Interface (SDA & SCL) transfers sensor data to Arduino Uno

4. Arduino Uno processes the measurements

5. Serial Terminal displays voltage and current readings

This workflow reflects a real-world power monitoring system implemented through Proteus simulation.

Key Features

• Measures bus voltage, shunt voltage, and load voltage

• Real-time current measurement in milliamps

• Uses I²C communication for efficient data transfer

• Fully simulated using Proteus VSM for AVR

• Arduino-compatible and easy to expand

• Clean and readable serial output for debugging

Components Used

• Arduino Uno

• Adafruit INA219 Current Sensor Breakout

• DC Power Source (Battery)

• Load Resistor

• Shunt Resistor (integrated with INA219)

• Virtual Serial Terminal (Proteus)

Applications

• Battery monitoring systems

• Power consumption analysis

• Embedded energy meters

• DIY electronics testing tools

• Educational embedded systems labs

• Load monitoring in power supplies

Explanation of the Code (High-Level)

• Wire Library initializes I²C communication

• Adafruit_INA219 Library handles sensor configuration and calculations

• During setup(), the INA219 is initialized with default voltage and current ranges

• In loop():

  • Shunt voltage, bus voltage, and current are read from the sensor

  • Load voltage is calculated

  • All values are printed to the serial monitor every two seconds

The code is modular and can be easily extended for LCD display, data logging, or alarms.

Source Code

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 #ifndef ESP8266
    while (!Serial);     // will pause Zero, Leonardo, etc until serial console opens
  #endif
    
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("Hello!");
  
  // Initialize the INA219.
  // By default the initialization will use the largest range (32V, 2A).  However
  // you can call a setCalibration function to change this range (see comments).
  ina219.begin();
  // To use a slightly lower 32V, 1A range (higher precision on amps):
  //ina219.setCalibration_32V_1A();
  // Or to use a lower 16V, 400mA range (higher precision on volts and amps):
  //ina219.setCalibration_16V_400mA();

  Serial.println("Measuring voltage and current with INA219 ...");

Download Source Code

Proteus Simulation

In Proteus, the Arduino Uno interfaces with the INA219 sensor via SDA and SCL pins.
The simulation accurately shows voltage and current changes as the load varies.
A virtual terminal displays serial output, making debugging and observation straightforward.
This setup closely mirrors real hardware behavior without physical risk.

FAQs

Conclusion

This INA219 current and voltage sensor project using Arduino Uno with Proteus simulation is a solid learning example for embedded systems enthusiasts.
It combines sensor interfacing, I²C communication, and real-time monitoring in a clean and modern way.
The project is practical, expandable, and ideal for understanding power measurement in microcontroller-based designs.

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INA219 Current & Voltage Sensor using Arduino Uno with Proteus Simulation

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