Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z

Overview

MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a bidirectional linear Hall-effect current sensor IC with integrated over-current detection (OCD), designed for high-accuracy AC/DC current sensing in space-constrained systems. It features ±20A rated current range, 66 mV/A sensitivity, 0.6 mΩ internal conductor resistance, 120 kHz bandwidth, and operates from a 3.3V supply. Used in motor control and switch-mode power supplies where galvanic isolation and fast fault response are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z datasheet, MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z pinout, MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z application, or MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of specifications, validated pin functions, application-specific implementation insights, and confirmed alternative options - all grounded in Monolithic Power Systems' official Rev. 1.0 documentation.

Technical Context

The MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z employs a differential Hall array to reject external magnetic field gradients, enabling stable operation in noisy environments. Its spinning current technique minimizes offset drift, while factory trimming ensures ±2.5% total output error across –40°C to +125°C.

It integrates a fast open-drain /OCD output with 1 µs response time and user-configurable threshold (100% of IPMAX = ±20A) via external pull-up resistor. The analog VOUT is ratiometric, scaling with VCC, and supports bidirectional current sensing with zero-current output at VCC/2 (1.65V @ 3.3V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFN-12 (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; ultra-small footprint reduces PCB area by >40% vs. SOIC-8 current sensors.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-20AB-T and TLE4971-20B5-U, the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z offers superior space efficiency (3×3 mm vs. 5×6 mm or 10×7 mm), lowest conduction loss (0.6 mΩ), and analog simplicity with configurable OCD - making it optimal for next-gen compact motor drives and high-efficiency SMPS.

Availability

MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, switch-mode power supplies, and over-current fault protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-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, including DC-DC converters, LED drivers, and precision analog sensors.

The MCS1823 product line targets space-constrained, high-reliability current sensing applications in industrial motor drives, automotive subsystems, and energy-efficient power conversion - emphasizing integration, accuracy, and magnetic immunity.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z can measure accurately?

The device is specified for ±20A full-scale linear operation with ±2.5% total output error across –40°C to +125°C. While the internal conductor handles higher peak currents, accuracy degrades beyond ±20A due to increased nonlinearity; sustained operation above ±20A is not recommended for precision measurement.

Does the /OCD pin require an external pull-up resistor, and what value should be used?

Yes - /OCD is an open-drain output and requires an external pull-up resistor to VCC. For the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z (100% IPMAX OCD threshold), a 10–500 kΩ resistor is valid; 100 kΩ is commonly used to balance speed (lower R) and power (higher R), delivering reliable 1 µs response with <10 µA quiescent current.

Can the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z be used with a 5V supply?

No - this variant is designated for 3.3V operation only (suffix "3" in part number). Using 5V on VCC exceeds the absolute maximum rating of 3.6V and will damage the device. For 5V systems, select MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-Z (±20A, 100 mV/A, 5V supply).

How does the differential Hall architecture improve noise immunity compared to single-point Hall sensors?

The dual Hall transducers sense magnetic field differences between two spatially separated points, canceling uniform external fields (e.g., from nearby inductors or cables). This rejects common-mode interference up to 100 Oe gradient - a capability absent in single-Hall devices - enabling reliable operation in electrically noisy motor drive and power supply environments.

Is the VOUT output ratiometric or absolute, and how does that affect system design?

VOUT is ratiometric: its zero-current level is VCC/2 (1.65V @ 3.3V) and full-scale swing scales linearly with VCC. This eliminates supply voltage variation errors when the same VCC powers both the sensor and the ADC reference, simplifying calibration and improving stability in systems with shared 3.3V rails.

What is the thermal performance of the TQFN-12 package under 20A continuous current?

With 0.6 mΩ conductor resistance, power dissipation is 240 mW at 20A. In a standard 2-layer PCB with 1-in² 2-oz copper pour under the exposed pad, junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is ~65°C/W, resulting in ~15.6°C rise above ambient - well within the 125°C max junction limit and enabling reliable continuous operation without forced air cooling.

Does the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN-Z provide galvanic isolation, and what is its isolation rating?

Yes - it provides basic galvanic isolation per IEC62368-1 with a maximum working voltage (VIOWM) of 100 VPK or VDC. This isolation separates primary current path (IP+/IP–) from secondary signal domain (VOUT, /OCD, GND), eliminating the need for optocouplers or isolated amplifiers in low-voltage industrial applications.