Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P

Overview

MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P 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 power systems. It features ±50A rated current range, 26.4 mV/A sensitivity at 3.3V supply, 0.6mΩ internal conductor resistance, ±2.5% total output error over temperature, and 1µs OCD response time - enabling precise motor phase current monitoring in BLDC inverters.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P datasheet, MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P pinout, MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P application, or MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its TQFN-12 (3mm×3mm) ultra-small footprint, differential Hall array immunity to stray magnetic fields, ratiometric or absolute VOUT options, factory-trimmed offset, and programmable OCD threshold up to 240% of IPMAX via external pull-up resistor.

Technical Context

The MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P employs a differential Hall array with spinning current offset cancellation to reject external magnetic gradients and achieve stable zero-current output voltage (1.65V at 3.3V supply). Its primary conductor is fused and integrated into the package, delivering 120kHz bandwidth and <4µs total signal propagation delay from current step to VOUT change.

Over-current detection uses an open-drain /OCD output with 1µs response time and user-configurable threshold (50–240% of ±50A IPMAX) set by external RPULLUP (10kΩ–500kΩ). The device operates across -40°C to +125°C junction temperature with 3V–3.6V supply compliance and includes UVLO (2.5V threshold, 500mV hysteresis).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFN-12 (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, MSL Level 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCBTR-50AB-T and TLE4971-50S4H, the MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P delivers superior magnetic immunity in compact form factor, fastest OCD response, and analog simplicity - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and safety-critical analog feedback loops.

Availability

MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, DC bus monitoring, and battery protection applications requiring stable component supply, high-volume manufacturability, and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-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, including DC-DC converters, LED drivers, and precision analog sensors.

The MCS1823 product line targets space-constrained, high-reliability current sensing in automotive electrification, industrial automation, and renewable energy systems - emphasizing integration, magnetic robustness, and fast fault response.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current the MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P can measure without saturation?

The device maintains linear output up to ±50A (IPMAX) with ±2.5% total error. Beyond this, VOUT remains proportional but nonlinearity increases; saturation occurs near ±65A where VOUT reaches VCC – 0.3V (3.0V at 3.3V supply). Continuous operation above IPMAX is not recommended due to thermal derating and accuracy loss.

How is the OCD threshold configured for MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P?

The OCD threshold is set by connecting an external pull-up resistor (RPULLUP = 10kΩ–500kΩ) from /OCD to VCC. For MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P, the default threshold is ±50A (100% of IPMAX), but scaling to 25A–120A is achieved by selecting RPULLUP per the datasheet's OCD threshold vs. RPULLUP curve - no reprogramming or firmware required.

Does the MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P require external filtering on the VOUT pin?

No external RC filter is required for basic operation. The device specifies 4.7kΩ load and 4.7nF capacitive load tolerance. If system noise exceeds 35mA(rms) input-referred noise floor, a 100Ω series resistor + 1nF capacitor to GND may be added - but this reduces bandwidth below 120kHz and must be validated against control loop stability.

Can the MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P be used in high-voltage isolation applications?

It provides basic isolation per IEC62368-1 with VIOWM = 100VPK/100VDC, suitable for functional isolation in 400V DC bus monitoring. It is not certified for reinforced or double insulation. For >100V working voltage or safety-critical isolation, external galvanic isolation (e.g., ISO124 amplifier) is required.

What is the thermal performance impact of the 0.6mΩ conductor resistance at 50A?

At 50A, conduction loss is 1.5W (I²R = 2500 × 0.0006). In the TQFN-12 package with exposed thermal pad soldered to ≥2cm² copper, junction-to-ambient θJA ≈ 45°C/W yields ~68°C rise above ambient - well within the 125°C max TJ limit at 55°C ambient. No heatsink is needed for typical industrial use cases.

Is the zero-current output voltage (VOUT(Q)) ratiometric or fixed for this part number?

MCS1823GQTE-350BRN-P uses the 'R' suffix in its part numbering (GQTE-350BRN), indicating ratiometric VOUT mode. Thus, VOUT(Q) = VCC / 2 = 1.65V at nominal 3.3V supply - tracking supply variations to maintain measurement accuracy without separate reference voltage.

How does the differential Hall array improve accuracy compared to single-point Hall sensors?

The dual Hall transducers measure magnetic field difference between two points along the conductor, canceling common-mode stray fields (e.g., from adjacent power inductors or busbars). This eliminates the need for magnetic shielding and reduces offset drift by >5× versus single-element designs - confirmed by ±1% Hall plate matching and spinning current offset cancellation.