Analog Devices Inc. LTC6103HMS8#PBF

Overview

LTC6103HMS8#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a dual high-voltage, high-side current sense amplifier designed for precision shunt-based current monitoring in systems with common-mode voltages up to 60V. It features two independent amplifiers sharing only the V– terminal, 450µV maximum input offset voltage, 1µs response time, and operates from 4V to 60V supply. It is used in automotive battery monitoring and industrial power management where accurate, isolated current sensing is required.

For engineers reviewing the LTC6103HMS8#PBF datasheet, LTC6103HMS8#PBF pinout, LTC6103HMS8#PBF application, or LTC6103HMS8#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed –40°C to 125°C operation, dual-channel independence, low 275µA per amplifier supply current at 12V, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with high-side Kelvin-sense layouts.

Technical Context

The LTC6103HMS8#PBF implements a transconductance architecture: each amplifier forces its –IN pin to match its +IN pin potential, then sources output current I_OUT = V_SENSE/R_IN through the OUT pin. Gain is set externally via R_IN, while output voltage is generated by routing I_OUT through R_OUT to V–, yielding V_OUT = I_OUT × R_OUT.

It supports true high-side sensing with 70V absolute maximum +IN-to-V– rating and 110dB minimum PSRR across 6V–60V supply range. The device's 170nA max input bias current and 450µV max offset enable use of small-value shunts (e.g., ≤50mΩ) without sacrificing dynamic range or introducing significant error at low currents.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LTC6103HMS8#PBF is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (θ_JA = 300°C/W, T_JMAX = 150°C), optimized for compact high-voltage PCB layouts with thermal relief pads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA240A1QDRQ1 and MAX40056ATA+T, the LTC6103HMS8#PBF offers guaranteed dual-channel operation in a single MSOP-8 with tighter offset spec (450µV vs. 500µV) and superior PSRR (110dB vs. 105dB), making it optimal for thermally demanding, space-constrained dual-rail monitoring where layout simplicity matters.

Availability

LTC6103HMS8#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery monitoring, industrial power supply overcurrent protection, and high-voltage level translation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for LTC6103HMS8#PBF 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, manufacturing, and qualification for all Linear ICs including the LTC6103 family.

The LTC6103 product line delivers high-accuracy, high-voltage current sensing for safety-critical and thermally demanding applications such as automotive electrification and industrial power systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the LTC6103HMS8#PBF can handle?

The LTC6103HMS8#PBF supports a total supply voltage of up to 70V between +INA/+INB and V–, enabling operation with common-mode voltages up to 60V. This rating is absolute maximum and applies across the full –40°C to 125°C operating range. Exceeding 70V risks permanent damage per Absolute Maximum Ratings.

How does the LTC6103HMS8#PBF achieve high accuracy with low shunt resistor values?

The LTC6103HMS8#PBF achieves high accuracy with low shunt resistors via its 450µV maximum input offset voltage and 170nA maximum input bias current. For example, with a 10mΩ shunt, a 100mA load produces only 1mV across the shunt - the 450µV offset contributes just 45% error, which is manageable with calibration. Low bias current further minimizes voltage drop errors in Kelvin traces.

Can the two amplifiers in the LTC6103HMS8#PBF share the same R_IN and R_OUT resistors?

No - the two amplifiers in the LTC6103HMS8#PBF are independent except for sharing the V– terminal, so each requires its own dedicated R_IN and R_OUT. Sharing resistors would couple the channels and invalidate the specified gain accuracy and offset performance. The datasheet explicitly shows separate R_IN and R_OUT networks for each amplifier in all typical applications.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 3) on the LTC6103HMS8#PBF?

Pin 3 of the LTC6103HMS8#PBF is a no-connect (NC) terminal - it is not internally bonded and serves no electrical function. The datasheet mandates that this pin remain unconnected in PCB layout. Routing traces to or placing solder on Pin 3 may cause mechanical stress or unintended coupling and is strictly prohibited.

Does the LTC6103HMS8#PBF require external reverse-polarity protection?

Yes - the LTC6103HMS8#PBF has no internal reverse-supply protection. If the system may experience reversed V– polarity (e.g., during service or fault conditions), a Schottky diode must be placed in series with the V– pin. As noted in the datasheet Application Information section, this prevents damage but reduces effective supply voltage by ~0.3V, which must be accounted for in low-voltage operation.