Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z

Overview

MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, galvanically isolated Hall-effect current sensor for bidirectional AC/DC current measurement up to ±25A, featuring ±2.5% total output error over -40°C to +125°C, 3.3V single-supply operation, and 3kVRMS isolation rating. It replaces optocouplers in high-reliability automotive motor control and inverter systems where compact SOIC-8 footprint and magnetic field immunity are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z datasheet, MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z pinout, MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z application, or MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its ±25A optimized range, 52.8 mV/A sensitivity, differential Hall architecture for stray-field rejection, 100kHz bandwidth (FILT disconnected), and AEC-Q100 qualification for under-hood automotive use.

Technical Context

The MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z integrates a low-resistance (0.9mΩ) primary conductor with two spatially separated Hall plates (PMCF1 = 0.6 mT/A, PMCF2 = 0.3 mT/A) to generate a differential magnetic signal, enabling stray-field cancellation. Its spinning current technique minimizes offset drift, while internal filter components (RFI = 1.5kΩ, CFI = 1nF) support adjustable bandwidth via external CF capacitor.

Galvanic isolation is achieved through reinforced insulation across the SOIC-8 package, delivering 3kVRMS withstand voltage (IEC62368-1), 500VRMS working voltage, and 4.2mm creepage/clearance - meeting basic isolation requirements for automotive traction inverters and on-board chargers without external isolation barriers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z uses a standard SOIC-8 (5mm × 4mm) surface-mount package with reinforced creepage and clearance for high-voltage isolation. Primary current path pins (IP+, IP−) are physically separated from signal pins (VCC, VOUT, FILT, GND) to maintain isolation integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-25AB-T, MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z offers AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliance and 3.3V operation for modern low-power ECUs; versus TLE4971-25S4, it provides SOIC-8 compatibility and lower system cost at the expense of ultimate accuracy - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive inverters.

Availability

MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive traction inverters, on-board chargers, and 48V mild hybrid systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z 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 product line delivers integrated, isolated Hall-effect current sensors targeting automotive electrification - designed specifically for high-accuracy, high-reliability current sensing in traction inverters, battery management, and charging systems where size, thermal performance, and AEC-Q100 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z can handle without derating?

The device is rated for ±25A with guaranteed ±2.5% total output error across its full operating temperature range. While it can conduct higher currents (up to 250A transient per IEC61000-4-5), sustained operation beyond ±25A increases nonlinearity and thermal stress on the 0.9mΩ conductor - derating is required above 85°C ambient to maintain junction temperature ≤125°C.

How does the FILT pin affect bandwidth and noise performance?

Connecting an external capacitor (CF) between FILT and GND forms a first-order RC filter with internal RFI (1.5kΩ) and CFI (1nF). A 1nF CF yields ~100kHz bandwidth; increasing CF to 10nF reduces bandwidth to ~10kHz and lowers RMS input-referred noise from 50mA to ~16mA - enabling trade-offs between dynamic response and measurement precision.

Is the MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z compatible with 5V logic systems?

No - this variant is specified for 3.3V supply only (3.0–3.6V). Applying 5V to VCC exceeds absolute maximum ratings and will damage the device. For 5V systems, select MCQ1806GS-5-25-AEC1-Z, which has identical ±25A range and accuracy but is optimized for 4.5–5.5V operation and 80mV/A sensitivity.

Does the device require calibration after soldering or during system operation?

No factory or end-user calibration is required. The device is fully factory-trimmed for sensitivity and offset, with ±1% lifetime drift specifications. Its spinning current architecture and differential Hall design ensure stable zero-current output (VOUT(Q) = VCC/2 ±10mV) and minimal thermal drift - enabling plug-and-play integration into automotive control units.

What is the minimum recommended external bypass capacitor for VCC?

A 1µF low-ESR ceramic capacitor must be placed as close as possible to the VCC pin (Pin 8) and GND (Pin 5). This stabilizes the internal regulator during fast load transients and ensures accurate ratiometric output. Larger capacitors (>10µF) are not recommended as they may delay power-on time beyond the specified 90µs.

Can the MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z replace shunt resistors in high-side current sensing?

Yes - its galvanic isolation eliminates the need for high-side signal conditioning, level-shifting, or isolated amplifiers. With 3kVRMS isolation and 4.2mm creepage, it safely measures high-voltage bus currents (e.g., 400V DC link) while providing a ground-referenced analog output - simplifying design and improving noise immunity compared to shunt-based solutions.

What packaging and marking details confirm authenticity of MCQ1806GS-3-25-AEC1-Z?

Authentic units feature SOIC-8 packaging with top marking "MCQ1806" followed by eight-character lot code (e.g., "LLLLLLLL") and "MPSYWW" date code. Moisture sensitivity level is MSL 1 (unlimited floor life), and reels are labeled with part number, quantity, and MPS logo - verified via Aetrix's traceable sourcing from authorized MPS distributors.