Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P

Overview

MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, galvanically isolated Hall-effect current sensor with ±20A bidirectional sensing range, 3.3V single supply, 66 mV/A sensitivity, and ±2.5% total output error over -40°C to +125°C. It integrates a 0.9 mΩ primary conductor and differential Hall array for stray-field immunity, used in automotive motor control and inverter phase-current monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P datasheet, MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P pinout, MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P application, or MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 3kVRMS isolation rating, adjustable 100kHz bandwidth via FILT pin capacitor, ratiometric analog output, AEC-Q100 qualification, and SOIC-8 footprint compatibility with space-constrained automotive PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P employs a differential Hall array with spinning current offset cancellation to reject external magnetic interference and achieve stable zero-current output (VOUT(Q) = VCC/2). Its internal 0.9 mΩ conductor enables low-loss current sampling while maintaining 3kVRMS isolation between primary (IP+/IP−) and secondary (VOUT/GND/VCC/FILT) sides.

Signal conditioning includes factory-trimmed sensitivity (66 mV/A), integrated RC filter (RFI = 1.5 kΩ, CFI = 1 nF), and programmable bandwidth up to 100 kHz via external CF capacitor on FILT–GND. Propagation delay is 1.5 µs and response time is 5 µs under full-scale step input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P is housed in a standard SOIC-8 package (5 mm × 4 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) with creepage/clearance ≥4.2 mm for reinforced isolation compliance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar isolated Hall-effect current sensing applications.

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-20AU-T and TLE4971-20S4, the MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1, 3.3V operation, SOIC-8 size, and 3kVRMS isolation-making it the only drop-in solution for space- and voltage-constrained automotive inverter designs requiring functional safety compliance.

Availability

MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive traction inverters, on-board chargers, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100 traceability.

Supply support for MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P 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

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MCQ1806 series belongs to MPS's automotive-grade isolated sensor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability current sensing in electrified vehicle powertrain systems including inverters, OBCs, and DC-DC converters.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P can handle without derating?

The device is rated for ±20A continuous primary current within its specified accuracy range. While the internal conductor supports peak surge currents up to 3000A (per IEC61000-4-5), sustained operation beyond ±20A increases nonlinearity and total error beyond ±2.5%. Thermal limits require PCB copper area design per MPS AN178 for >10A RMS continuous use.

Does the MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P require external calibration for production systems?

No. The device features factory-trimmed sensitivity and offset, delivering ±2.5% total output error across temperature without system-level calibration. Only end-of-line verification is needed; no gain/offset trims or lookup tables are required in MCU firmware for standard applications.

How does the FILT pin affect noise performance and bandwidth?

Connecting a capacitor (CF) between FILT and GND forms a first-order RC filter with internal RFI = 1.5 kΩ. A 1 nF capacitor sets bandwidth to ~106 kHz; increasing CF reduces bandwidth and input-referred noise (e.g., 10 nF → ~10.6 kHz, 50 mA(RMS) noise). Leaving FILT floating enables full 100 kHz bandwidth but increases noise density to 200 µA(RMS)/√Hz.

Can the MCQ1806GS-3-20-AEC1-P be used with a 5V supply?

No. The "-3-" in the part number denotes 3.3V supply optimization. This variant is specified only for VCC = 3.0–3.6V. For 5V operation, use MCQ1806GS-5-20-AEC1 (100 mV/A sensitivity, same ±20A range and AEC-Q100 qualification).

What is the meaning of "AEC1" in the part number?

"AEC1" indicates AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, certifying operation from −40°C to +125°C junction temperature with full stress testing (HTOL, TC, UHAST, etc.). It confirms suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications-not just passenger compartment environments.

Is the SOIC-8 package lead-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes. All MCQ1806 variants are lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. MPS green status documentation, including material declarations and test reports, is available on the Monolithic Power Systems website under Quality Assurance.

How is isolation verified during production?

Every unit undergoes 100% production isolation testing per IEC62368-1, applying 3000 VRMS for 60 seconds. Additionally, dielectric surge strength is validated at 6000V (1.2/50 µs waveform) with ±5 pulses. Test data is traceable by lot code and included in shipment documentation.