Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z

Overview

MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-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 power-constrained systems. It features ±50A rated current range, 40 mV/A sensitivity at 5V supply, 0.6mΩ internal conductor resistance, ±2.5% total output error, and 120kHz bandwidth - enabling precise motor phase current monitoring in compact inverters.

For engineers reviewing the MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z datasheet, MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z pinout, MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z application, or MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z equivalent, this device supports ratiometric or absolute analog output, differential stray-field immunity, factory-trimmed offset, fast 1µs OCD response, and operates across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z implements a dual-point differential Hall array with spinning current offset cancellation to reject external magnetic gradients and minimize thermal drift. Its primary conductor is fused and embedded within the TQFN-12 package, delivering galvanic isolation up to 100 VPK per IEC62368-1.

Signal conditioning includes a POR-regulated internal power supply, dynamic offset cancellation loop, and bandwidth-tuned amplifier driving a rail-to-rail analog output (VOUT) referenced to VCC or ground. The /OCD pin provides open-drain, active-low fault signaling with user-configurable threshold via external pull-up resistor (10kΩ–500kΩ).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFN-12 (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) 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 linear Hall-effect current sensing applications.

Compared with ACS724LLCB-50AB-T and TLE4971-50S4, the MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z uniquely combines integrated OCD, 0.6mΩ conductor, ratiometric/absolute output selection, and guaranteed ±2.5% accuracy over temperature - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-critical power stages requiring minimal external components.

Availability

MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, switch-mode power supplies, and automotive battery management systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-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, isolated current sensing in high-efficiency power conversion systems - emphasizing low conductor loss, magnetic immunity, and integrated protection for next-generation motor drives and energy infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current the MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z can measure without saturation?

The device maintains linear output up to ±50A (IPMAX) with ±2.5% total error. Beyond that, analog output remains proportional but nonlinearity increases; saturation occurs at VOUT(H) = VCC – 0.5V and VOUT(L) = 0.5V under 4.7kΩ load - corresponding to ~±62.5A at 5V supply before clipping.

How is the over-current detection threshold configured for this part?

The /OCD pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor (10kΩ–500kΩ) to VCC. Threshold is set between 50% and 240% of ±50A by selecting RPULLUP value per datasheet Figure 11; default is 100% (±50A) with no external resistor needed for basic use.

Does the MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z require external calibration for zero-current offset?

No. Factory trimming achieves ±5 mV zero-current offset over –40°C to +25°C and ±10 mV over –40°C to +125°C. Spinning current architecture and matched Hall plates (±1% matching) ensure stable offset without user calibration or EEPROM storage.

Can the VOUT pin drive a microcontroller ADC directly?

Yes. VOUT provides rail-to-rail analog output (0.5V to 4.5V at 5V supply) with 4.7kΩ minimum load capability and 35mA(rms) noise floor. For 12-bit ADCs, no external buffer is needed; for 16-bit systems, a low-noise op-amp buffer is recommended to maintain SNR.

Is the TQFN-12 package thermally enhanced for high-current operation?

Yes. The exposed thermal pad beneath the die is electrically connected to GND and must be soldered to a dedicated PCB copper pour. Thermal resistance θJA is 45°C/W with 2-layer 2oz copper; adding internal planes reduces it to ≤30°C/W, enabling continuous ±50A operation at +85°C ambient.

What isolation standard does the MCS1823GQTE-550BRN-Z comply with?

It meets IEC62368-1 basic insulation requirements with VIOWM = 100 VPK or VDC. This qualifies it for reinforced isolation in secondary-side sensing applications but does not meet IEC61000-4-5 surge or UL60950 creepage/clearance standards - external spacing must be verified per end-equipment requirements.

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

By measuring magnetic field difference between two spatially separated Hall elements, common-mode stray fields (e.g., from nearby inductors or cables) cancel out. This eliminates >95% of external interference, enabling ±0.5% nonlinearity and eliminating need for magnetic shielding in dense power modules.