Analog Devices Inc. LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF

Overview

LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a dual high-voltage, high-side current sense amplifier designed for precision shunt-based current monitoring in 4V–60V systems. It features two independent amplifiers sharing only the V– terminal, 450µV max input offset, 275µA typical supply current per amplifier at 12V, and 1µs response time - enabling accurate battery monitoring and overcurrent protection in automotive power distribution units.

For engineers reviewing the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF datasheet, LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF pinout, LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF application, or LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-channel current-output architecture, MS8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts, ±450µV offset tolerance across –40°C to 85°C, and ability to translate high-common-mode shunt voltages into ground-referenced output currents without external level-shifting circuitry.

Technical Context

The LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF implements a transconductance-based sensing architecture: each amplifier forces its –IN pin to match +IN potential, converting V_SENSE across an external shunt into a proportional output current I_OUT = V_SENSE/R_IN. Its internal MOSFET current source delivers up to 1mA per channel into external R_OUT, supporting configurable gain and low-power operation.

It operates with 4V–60V supply range and 70V absolute maximum common-mode voltage, achieving 110dB PSRR (6V–60V), 120kHz signal bandwidth (I_OUT = 200µA), and guaranteed performance over –40°C to 85°C. The shared V– terminal enables single-point grounding while maintaining channel independence for differential or parallel monitoring configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (MS8) package with exposed pad for thermal enhancement (θ_JA = 300°C/W). Pin 3 is NC; pins 5 and 8 serve dual roles as +IN inputs and positive supply terminals for amplifiers B and A respectively.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual high-side current sense amplifier applications.

Compared with MAX40056ATA+T and INA229AQDGSRQ1, the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF provides unique dual analog current outputs with shared V– grounding - reducing component count in systems requiring independent analog feedback paths while maintaining design flexibility in gain and filtering.

Availability

LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery management systems, industrial power supplies, automotive HVAC controls, and server power distribution units requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains full product support, documentation, and manufacturing continuity for the LTC portfolio.

The LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF belongs to Linear's precision current sense amplifier family, engineered specifically for high-voltage, high-accuracy shunt-based monitoring where low offset, wide supply range, and fast response are critical - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF can handle?

The LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF supports a total supply voltage of up to 70V between +INA/+INB and V–, enabling reliable operation with 60V system rails. This absolute maximum rating allows direct connection to high-voltage buses without external attenuation, provided the differential sense voltage remains within specified limits and proper PCB layout practices (e.g., Kelvin connections) are followed to maintain accuracy.

How does the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF achieve high accuracy with low shunt resistor values?

The LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF achieves high accuracy with low-value shunts (e.g., 1–10mΩ) primarily due to its ±450µV maximum input offset voltage and 170nA maximum input bias current. These specifications minimize error contributions from V_OS × (R_OUT/R_IN) and I_B × R_OUT, allowing usable dynamic range even when V_SENSE is below 10mV - critical for minimizing power loss in high-current applications.

Can the two amplifiers in the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF operate at different supply voltages?

No - both amplifiers share the same V– terminal and derive their supply from +INA and +INB pins, which must be referenced to the same ground or negative rail. However, +INA and +INB may be connected to different positive rails (e.g., 12V and 48V), enabling independent high-side monitoring of multiple voltage domains as long as each +IN pin sees its respective system voltage and all grounds tie to the common V– node.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 3) on the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF?

Pin 3 of the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF is a no-connect (NC) terminal with no internal connection. It must remain unconnected in the PCB layout - neither tied to ground nor left floating near sensitive analog traces. Its presence accommodates the MS8 package footprint used across Linear's amplifier families and ensures mechanical compatibility with standard pick-and-place equipment and reflow profiles.

Does the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF require external components to function as a current sense amplifier?

Yes - the LTC6103CMS8#TRPBF requires external R_IN (between +IN and –IN) to set transconductance gain and external R_OUT (between OUT and V–) to convert output current to voltage. Typical values are 100Ω ≤ R_IN ≤ 5kΩ and 1kΩ ≤ R_OUT ≤ 10kΩ. No compensation capacitors or additional active components are needed for basic operation, though output filtering (e.g., C_OUT || R_OUT) may be added for noise reduction.