Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1806GS-5-10-P

Overview

MCS1806GS-5-10-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a galvanically isolated, linear Hall-effect current sensor optimized for ±10A bidirectional DC/AC sensing with 5V single-supply operation, 200mV/A sensitivity, ±2.5% total output error over -40°C to +125°C, and 3kVRMS isolation - deployed in motor control feedback loops, inverter phase-leg monitoring, and over-current protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1806GS-5-10-P datasheet, MCS1806GS-5-10-P pinout, MCS1806GS-5-10-P application, or MCS1806GS-5-10-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOIC-8 package with integrated 0.9mΩ primary conductor, adjustable 100kHz bandwidth via external FILT capacitor, ratiometric analog output referenced to VCC/2, and immunity to stray magnetic fields via differential Hall array architecture.

Technical Context

The MCS1806GS-5-10-P implements a dual-Hall transducer architecture with spinning current offset cancellation, where magnetic field gradients across two sensing points (PMCF1 = 0.6mT/A, PMCF2 = 0.3mT/A) are converted into a proportional voltage output. Its internal 1.5kΩ filter resistor and 1nF capacitor enable bandwidth tuning up to 100kHz using an external CF capacitor between FILT and GND.

Galvanic isolation is achieved through reinforced dielectric barrier separating primary current path (IP+/IP−) from signal pins (VCC/VOUT/FILT/GND), rated for 3kVRMS withstand voltage and 500VRMS working voltage per IEC62368-1. The device features factory-trimmed sensitivity, <5µs response time, and operates from 4.5V–5.5V with 10.5mA typical supply current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOIC-8 (5mm × 4mm, 1.27mm pitch), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-10AU-T and TMC1100A1XUMA1, the MCS1806GS-5-10-P delivers superior isolation integrity, SOIC-8 footprint efficiency, and configurable bandwidth - making it optimal for automotive-grade inverters and safety-certified industrial power supplies where layout density and regulatory compliance are critical.

Availability

MCS1806GS-5-10-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control systems, switch-mode power supplies, and automotive on-board chargers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MCS1806GS-5-10-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 MCS1806 product line targets high-reliability current sensing in energy-efficient power conversion systems, emphasizing galvanic isolation, magnetic immunity, and minimal external component count for space-constrained designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCS1806GS-5-10-P can handle without saturation?

The device maintains linearity up to ±10A, its specified optimized range. Beyond that, output remains proportional until reaching saturation voltages: VOUT(H) = VCC − 0.5V (high) and VOUT(L) = 0.5V (low) at RL = 4.7kΩ. At ±50A, nonlinearity increases beyond ±2.5%, but thermal limits (TJ ≤ 165°C) govern absolute max current based on PCB copper area and airflow.

Can the MCS1806GS-5-10-P be used with a 3.3V supply?

No - the "-5-" suffix denotes 5V supply optimization. This variant requires 4.5V–5.5V operation. Using 3.3V will trigger under-voltage lockout (UVLO threshold = 2.5V typ), preventing startup. For 3.3V systems, select MCS1806GS-3-10 or equivalent.

How does the FILT pin affect 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: e.g., 1nF yields ~100kHz and 50mA(RMS) noise; 10nF lowers bandwidth to ~10kHz and noise to ~16mA(RMS), improving SNR for low-frequency measurements.

Is the zero-current output voltage (VOUT(Q)) factory-trimmed?

Yes - VOUT(Q) is trimmed to VCC/2 ±15mV over temperature (−40°C to +125°C). Offset voltage (VOE) is the deviation from VCC/2 and is specified as ±15mV max at full temperature range. This trimming enables accurate bidirectional current measurement without external calibration.

Does the MCS1806GS-5-10-P require external magnetic shielding?

No - its differential Hall array and spinning current technique inherently reject uniform external magnetic fields. Layout guidelines emphasize avoiding localized ferromagnetic materials near the package and maintaining ≥4.2mm clearance from adjacent current-carrying traces to prevent coupling into the primary conductor itself.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the SOIC-8 package under standard JEDEC conditions?

MPS does not publish θ_JA for MCS1806 in standard JEDEC 2s2p test boards. Thermal performance depends heavily on PCB copper area: Figure 10 shows self-heating of ~15°C at 10A DC on the evaluation board (2oz Cu, 25mm² thermal pad). For accurate junction temperature estimation, use measured ΔT and power dissipation (I_P² × 0.9mΩ) with custom board thermal modeling.

Are there recommended layout practices for minimizing EMI susceptibility?

Yes - place the 1µF VCC bypass capacitor within 2mm of pin 8; route IP+ and IP− traces as wide, parallel, and symmetric as possible; keep FILT and GND connections short and direct; avoid routing noisy digital signals beneath the SOIC-8 body; and isolate primary current path from sensitive analog ground with a moat or split plane.