Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P

Overview

MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P 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 ±20A primary current, featuring 100mV/A sensitivity, 0.6mΩ internal conductor resistance, and 120kHz bandwidth-used in motor control and switch-mode power supply current monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P datasheet, MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P pinout, MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P application, or MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact package mapping, validated OCD response timing, confirmed ratiometric/absolute output options, and real-world application constraints for embedded power systems design.

Technical Context

The device employs a differential Hall array to reject stray magnetic fields, with two physically separated sensing points (PMCF1 = 1.15mT/A, PMCF2 = 0.25mT/A) generating a magnetic field difference proportional to primary current. Spinning current offset cancellation ensures stable zero-current output voltage (VOUT(Q) = VCC/2 = 2.5V at 5V supply).

It integrates fast OCD with 1µs response time, configurable via external pull-up resistor (10kΩ–500kΩ) to set thresholds from 50% to 240% of IPMAX (±20A), and supports both ratiometric and absolute output modes-factory-trimmed for ±2.5% total accuracy across –40°C to +125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFN-12 (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad; ultra-small footprint optimized for space-constrained power stages.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS724LLCTR-20AB-T and TLE4971-20S4H, MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P uniquely combines 5V operation, user-configurable OCD, and 120kHz bandwidth in a 3mm×3mm package-enabling faster, simpler, and more adaptable current protection in compact high-power systems.

Availability

MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P 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 production continuity.

Supply support for MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-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.

The MCS1823 product line targets space-constrained, high-efficiency power systems requiring accurate, isolated current sensing-designed specifically for motor drives, server PSUs, and automotive-grade industrial converters.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous primary current the MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P can handle without derating?

The device is rated for ±20A continuous primary current (IPMAX) with guaranteed linearity and ±2.5% total error. Its 0.6mΩ conductor resistance results in ≤240mW power dissipation at 20A, allowing uninterrupted operation at ambient temperatures up to +125°C when mounted on ≥2oz copper with thermal vias-no external heatsink required.

Can the /OCD pin be used in latched mode, and how is it configured?

No-the MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P uses non-latching OCD (suffix 'N' in part number). The /OCD pin asserts low for the duration of over-current and returns high automatically when current falls below the hysteresis threshold (3–12% of I/OCD). Latched operation requires external logic; MPS offers latched variants (e.g., suffix 'L') in other part numbers.

Is the VOUT output ratiometric or absolute by default for this variant?

This variant ('R' in position D of part number) is ratiometric: VOUT scales with VCC. At 5V supply, zero-current output is 2.5V (VCC/2), and full-scale ±20A yields 2.0V swing (±1.0V), maintaining proportionality even if VCC varies within 4.5–5.5V-critical for systems where supply rail stability is not guaranteed.

How does the differential Hall architecture improve immunity to external magnetic fields?

Two Hall plates sense magnetic fields at spatially separated points above the current conductor. Stray uniform fields induce equal voltages in both plates, canceling out in the differential amplifier stage. Only the field gradient-produced solely by the primary current-generates net output, rejecting interference from nearby transformers, chokes, or adjacent phase conductors.

What is the minimum recommended bypass capacitance on the VCC pin, and why is it critical?

A minimum 0.1µF ceramic capacitor (X7R, 0603 or larger) must be placed between VCC and GND, located ≤2mm from the pin. This suppresses high-frequency switching noise from the internal Hall driver and regulator, preventing output ripple and ensuring stable OCD triggering-capacitance below 0.1µF risks false OCD assertions under transient load conditions.

Does the MCS1823GQTE-520BRN-P meet reinforced or basic insulation standards?

It meets basic insulation per IEC62368-1 with VIOWM = 100V_PK/V_DC. It is not rated for reinforced insulation or UL62368-1 creepage/clearance compliance. For safety-critical isolation, external galvanic barriers (e.g., optocouplers or digital isolators) must be used between VOUT and system controller.

Can the sensitivity be adjusted externally, or is it fixed after factory trimming?

Sensitivity is fixed at 100mV/A and factory-trimmed; no external adjustment is possible. Gain scaling must occur downstream (e.g., in MCU ADC firmware or external op-amp stage). The device's ±2% sensitivity error over temperature is fully characterized and included in the ±2.5% total output error specification.