Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z

Overview

MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a bidirectional linear Hall-effect current sensor IC with integrated over-current detection (OCD), operating from a 5V supply, rated for ±5A primary current, delivering 400mV/A sensitivity and ±2.5% total output error across -40°C to +125°C. It features a 0.6mΩ internal conductor, 120kHz bandwidth, and 1µs OCD response time-used in motor control feedback loops where compact size and fast fault detection are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z datasheet, MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z pinout, MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z application, or MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include ratiometric/absolute output mode, OCD threshold configurability via external pull-up, isolation rating (100VPK), and TQFN-12 package thermal performance in high-density power stages.

Technical Context

The device employs a differential Hall array with spinning current offset cancellation to reject stray magnetic fields and eliminate hysteresis. Its functional block includes dynamic offset cancellation, POR-regulated internal power supply, and dedicated OCD comparator with user-adjustable threshold (50–240% of IPMAX) via /OCD pin pull-up resistor.

Signal path integrates two Hall transducers sensing vertical magnetic field gradients (PMCF1 = 1.15mT/A, PMCF2 = 0.25mT/A) across an asymmetric primary conductor; output voltage is factory-trimmed for linearity and ratiometric accuracy (98–102% KSENS), supporting both analog current monitoring and fast fault signaling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TQFN-12 (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch, exposed thermal pad). Ultra-small footprint reduces PCB area by >40% vs. SOIC-8 current sensors while enabling high-power density layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS712ELCTR-05B-T and TLE4971-2500S-DS, MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z delivers superior board-area efficiency (3×3mm vs. 5.9×4.9mm), integrated OCD with sub-microsecond response, and optimized analog interface simplicity-making it ideal for space-constrained, high-speed protection-critical designs.

Availability

MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, switch-mode power supplies, and over-current fault protection requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-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 compact, high-accuracy current sensing in automotive, industrial, and computing applications-designed to replace bulky shunt-based solutions with integrated Hall-effect technology and fast fault response.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z can handle without saturation?

The device maintains linear output up to ±5A (IPMAX) with ±2.5% total error. Beyond this, analog output remains proportional but nonlinearity increases; saturation voltages are VOUT(H) = VCC − 0.5V and VOUT(L) = 0.5V at 5V supply, allowing safe operation up to ~±7.5A before hard saturation.

How is the OCD threshold configured, and what resistor value sets 150% of IPMAX?

OCD threshold is set by connecting an external resistor (RPULLUP) from /OCD to VCC. For 150% of IPMAX (i.e., ±7.5A), RPULLUP ≈ 100kΩ based on the /OCD current hysteresis (3–12%) and typical /OCD_L voltage (0.3V). Exact value depends on process variation and should be validated per application using Equation (3) in the datasheet.

Does the MCS1823GQTE-505BRN-Z require external calibration for zero-current offset?

No. The device uses spinning current technique and factory trimming to achieve ±15mV offset voltage over -40°C to +125°C-equivalent to ±37.5mA error at 400mV/A sensitivity. This eliminates need for system-level offset calibration in most applications.

Can the VOUT pin drive an ADC directly, and what is the recommended load impedance?

Yes. VOUT is specified to drive a minimum 4.7kΩ resistive load and 4.7nF capacitive load. For direct ADC interfacing, use a series RC filter (e.g., 100Ω + 10nF) to limit bandwidth to match sampling rate and suppress switching noise without degrading step response.

What is the thermal performance of the TQFN-12 package under 5A continuous current?

With 2-layer PCB (2oz copper, 1in² thermal pad area), junction-to-ambient θJA ≈ 65°C/W. At 5A, conduction loss = I² × RP = 25 × 0.0006 = 15mW, resulting in ~1°C junction rise-well within -40°C to +125°C operating range. No heatsink required for typical use.

Is the /OCD output latched or non-latching, and how is reset handled?

The /OCD output is non-latching (N suffix in part number). It returns high-impedance when primary current falls below the threshold minus hysteresis (3–12%). No external reset is needed-automatic recovery occurs once fault condition clears, enabling seamless restart in transient overload scenarios.

What is the isolation structure, and does it meet reinforced insulation standards?

The device provides basic isolation per IEC62368-1 with VIOWM = 100VPK. It does not meet reinforced insulation requirements (which demand ≥150VPK). For reinforced isolation, external galvanic barriers or optocouplers must be added in series with the signal path.