Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1806GS-5-05-Z

Overview

MCS1806GS-5-05-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a galvanically isolated, linear Hall-effect current sensor optimized for ±5A bidirectional DC/AC sensing with 400 mV/A sensitivity, ±2.5% total output error, and 3kVRMS isolation. It integrates differential Hall transducers and a 0.9mΩ primary conductor in an SOIC-8 package, enabling high-accuracy current monitoring in space-constrained motor control and power supply feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1806GS-5-05-Z datasheet, MCS1806GS-5-05-Z pinout, MCS1806GS-5-05-Z application, or MCS1806GS-5-05-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5V supply compatibility, ratiometric analog output, adjustable bandwidth up to 100kHz via external FILT capacitor, and immunity to stray magnetic fields through differential sensing architecture.

Technical Context

The device implements a spinning-current technique to minimize offset drift and uses dual Hall plates with asymmetric conductor geometry to generate differential magnetic field coupling (PMCF1 = 0.6 mT/A, PMCF2 = 0.3 mT/A), enabling precise current-to-voltage conversion. Its internal filter network (RFI = 1.5kΩ, CFI = 1nF) allows bandwidth adjustment from DC to 100kHz using an external capacitor on the FILT pin.

Galvanic isolation is achieved via reinforced insulation between primary current path (IP+/IP−) and signal pins (VCC/VOUT/FILT/GND), meeting IEC62368-1 with 3000VRMS withstand voltage and 500VRMS working voltage. The device features under-voltage lockout (2.5V threshold), 10.5mA operating current, and propagation delay of 1.5µs for real-time current monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOIC-8 package (5mm × 4mm, 1.5mm height) with creepage and clearance ≥4.2mm, supporting reinforced isolation per IEC62368-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-05AB-T and TMC1100A1XUMA1, MCS1806GS-5-05-Z delivers superior isolation robustness, factory-trimmed accuracy over temperature, and flexible bandwidth tuning-critical for industrial motor drives and grid-tied inverters requiring IEC62368-1 compliance and long-term reliability.

Availability

MCS1806GS-5-05-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor controls, switch-mode power supplies, and over-current fault protection requiring stable component supply, full production traceability, and long-lifecycle availability.

Supply support for MCS1806GS-5-05-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 MCS1806 product line delivers isolated Hall-effect current sensors targeting high-reliability industrial, automotive, and renewable energy systems where galvanic isolation, accuracy, and thermal resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCS1806GS-5-05-Z can handle without exceeding its thermal limits?

The device supports ±5A as its optimized accuracy range, but its 0.9mΩ conductor allows continuous currents up to ±50A depending on PCB copper area and ambient conditions. Self-heating data shows ≤15°C rise at ±5A on standard evaluation board; derating is required above 125°C junction temperature.

Can the MCS1806GS-5-05-Z operate with a 3.3V supply?

No-this variant is specified exclusively for 4.5–5.5V operation. The "-5-" in the part number denotes the 5V supply option; use MCS1806GS-3-05-Z for 3.3V-compatible versions with different sensitivity (264 mV/A) and UVLO thresholds.

How does the FILT pin affect bandwidth and noise performance?

Connecting a capacitor (CF) between FILT and GND forms a first-order RC filter with internal RFI (1.5kΩ) and CFI (1nF). Increasing CF reduces bandwidth and input-referred noise-for example, 1nF yields ~100kHz, while 10nF lowers it to ~10kHz and cuts RMS noise from 50mA to ~16mA.

Is external zero-current calibration required for achieving ±2.5% accuracy?

No-factory trimming ensures ±2.5% total output error across –40°C to +125°C without user calibration. Offset voltage is guaranteed ±15mV at full temperature range, and ratiometric behavior (KVO = 99–101%) maintains zero-point stability versus supply variation.

What is the minimum recommended PCB copper area for thermal management at ±5A continuous current?

Based on MPS evaluation board data, ≥250mm² of 2oz copper on both top and bottom layers with thermal vias achieves <15°C temperature rise at ±5A. For higher currents or elevated ambient temperatures, increase copper area or add forced airflow per AN178 guidelines.

Does the MCS1806GS-5-05-Z support bidirectional current measurement out of the box?

Yes-the device outputs VOUT = VCC/2 ± (400 mV/A × IP), delivering 2.5V at zero current, rising to ~4.5V at +5A and falling to ~0.5V at –5A. This ratiometric, centered output enables direct connection to standard 0–5V or 0–3.3V ADC inputs without level-shifting circuitry.

Are there any layout restrictions for maintaining isolation integrity?

Yes-maintain ≥4.2mm creepage and clearance between IP+/IP− pads and all signal pins (VCC/VOUT/FILT/GND). Avoid routing signal traces under the primary conductor path, and use slotting or guard rings in high-voltage designs to prevent surface tracking per IEC62368-1 Annex G.