Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1806GS-5-30-Z

Overview

MCS1806GS-5-30-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a galvanically isolated, bidirectional Hall-effect current sensor with 5V supply, ±30A optimized sensing range, ±2.5% total output error, 3kVRMS isolation voltage, and SOIC-8 package. It replaces optoisolators in high-voltage motor control and power supply feedback loops by measuring primary conductor current via differential Hall sensing while rejecting stray magnetic fields.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1806GS-5-30-Z datasheet, MCS1806GS-5-30-Z pinout, MCS1806GS-5-30-Z application, or MCS1806GS-5-30-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 66 mV/A sensitivity, 0.9 mΩ internal conductor resistance, adjustable 100 kHz bandwidth, ratiometric analog output, and IEC62368-1 certified 3kVRMS isolation - all validated for industrial motor drives and multi-phase inverters.

Technical Context

The MCS1806GS-5-30-Z integrates two matched Hall plates with asymmetric primary conductor geometry to generate differential magnetic field sensing (PMCF1 = 0.6 mT/A, PMCF2 = 0.3 mT/A), enabling precise current measurement without magnetic hysteresis. Its spinning current technique cancels offset drift, achieving ±10 mV zero-current offset over –40°C to +125°C.

Galvanic isolation is achieved via reinforced dielectric barrier between primary current path (IP+/IP–) and signal side (VCC/VOUT/FILT/GND), supporting 500VRMS working voltage and 6kV surge withstand per IEC61000-4-5. The internal 1.5 kΩ filter resistor and 1 nF capacitor allow external bandwidth tuning via CF pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOIC-8 package (5 mm × 4 mm, 1.5 mm height) with creepage and clearance ≥4.2 mm, rated MSL 1, RoHS-compliant, lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-30AB-T and TMC1100-30A, MCS1806GS-5-30-Z delivers optimal balance of 3kVRMS isolation, 100 kHz bandwidth, and 0.9 mΩ conduction loss - making it ideal for cost-sensitive industrial inverters requiring IEC62368-1 compliance without sacrificing speed or efficiency.

Availability

MCS1806GS-5-30-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor controls, switch-mode power supplies, and over-current fault protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MCS1806GS-5-30-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 over 20 years of expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and isolated sensors.

The MCS1806 product line delivers compact, high-accuracy isolated current sensing for space-constrained industrial and automotive power systems, emphasizing low-loss conduction, magnetic immunity, and IEC-certified safety.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCS1806GS-5-30-Z can handle without exceeding junction temperature limits?

The device supports ±30A continuously within its specified accuracy range. At 25°C ambient and standard PCB copper area, self-heating data shows ≤35°C rise at ±30A DC. For sustained operation above 85°C ambient, derating is required per Figure 10 - maximum continuous current drops to ~22A at 100°C ambient to maintain TJ ≤125°C.

Can the MCS1806GS-5-30-Z measure AC currents up to 50 Hz with full accuracy?

Yes. Its 100 kHz bandwidth and flat frequency response (±0.5% gain error up to 10 kHz) ensure ±2.5% total error is maintained for 50/60 Hz AC waveforms. The differential Hall architecture inherently rejects 50 Hz magnetic interference from nearby transformers or busbars.

How does the FILT pin affect noise performance and what capacitor value is recommended for 20 kHz switching applications?

FILT sets bandwidth via RC filter with internal 1.5 kΩ resistor and 1 nF capacitor. For 20 kHz fundamental switching (e.g., Si IGBT inverters), a 100 pF external capacitor yields ~100 kHz bandwidth, preserving dynamic response while attenuating high-frequency noise above 1 MHz. Larger values reduce bandwidth and increase settling time.

Is the output voltage truly ratiometric, and how does VCC variation impact measurement accuracy?

Yes - sensitivity (KSENS) and zero-current output (KVO) vary only ±2% and ±1% respectively across 4.5–5.5V VCC. This means a 5% VCC drop causes <0.1% absolute error in current reading, making the device robust against SMPS ripple and line regulation variations without external compensation.

What is the minimum recommended PCB copper area for thermal management at ±30A continuous current?

MPS evaluation board uses 2 oz copper with 100 mm² thermal pad per IP+ and IP− pair. For ±30A continuous, ≥50 mm² per terminal on inner/outer layers with thermal vias (≥8×0.3 mm) to internal ground planes is required to limit temperature rise to <30°C above ambient per Figure 10.

Does the MCS1806GS-5-30-Z require calibration during system production?

No factory or end-user calibration is needed. Total output error is guaranteed ±2.5% across temperature and lifetime, with ±1% lifetime drift. Offset and sensitivity are trimmed at wafer level; the spinning current architecture ensures stable zero-current output without periodic recalibration.