STMicroelectronics TSC212IQT

Overview

TSC212IQT from STMicroelectronics is a zero-drift, high-precision current sense amplifier optimized for bidirectional or unidirectional shunt-based current measurement across -0.3 V to +26 V common-mode voltage range. It delivers 1000 V/V fixed gain, ±35 µV max offset voltage (25 °C), ±1% max gain error, and operates from 2.7 V to 26 V supply over -40 °C to +125 °C - enabling accurate sensing in battery chargers and telecom power rails.

For engineers reviewing the TSC212IQT datasheet, TSC212IQT pinout, TSC212IQT application, or TSC212IQT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1000 V/V gain configuration, QFN10 (1.8×1.4 mm) package, input offset drift of 0.1 µV/°C, CMRR ≥105 dB, and support for both high-side and low-side sensing with externally adjustable output common-mode via REF pin.

Technical Context

The TSC212IQT employs a proprietary zero-drift chopper-stabilized architecture that actively corrects input offset and 1/f noise, achieving <35 µV RTI offset and 0.1 µV/°C drift. Its input stage draws bias current from the common-mode rail when Vicm > 2.5 V, enabling operation beyond the supply rail - critical for high-side sensing at 24 V systems.

It features dual-input topology (VIN+, VIN−) with internal thin-film resistor networks (R1/R2 = 1 MΩ, R3/R4 = 1 kΩ) defining its 1000 V/V gain. The REF pin sets output common-mode voltage, supporting unidirectional (GND- or VCC-referenced) and bidirectional (mid-rail referenced) configurations without external gain-setting resistors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: QFN10 (1.8 mm × 1.4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad). Compact footprint supports high-density PCB layouts in space-constrained power modules and notebook VRMs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar current sense amplifier applications.

Compared with TSC212IQT, the INA240A1QDRQ1 trades precision (higher offset, lower CMRR) for AEC-Q100 qualification and broader automotive adoption, while TSC210IQT offers identical architecture with reduced gain - enabling higher full-scale current sensing at the expense of fine-resolution capability.

Availability

TSC212IQT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery chargers, telecom power shelves, industrial motor drives, and notebook CPU VRMs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for TSC212IQT 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, power, microcontroller, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TSC21x series belongs to ST's precision analog portfolio, engineered specifically for high-accuracy, wide common-mode current sensing in power management systems where zero-drift performance and rail-to-rail operation are mandatory.

FAQ

Can TSC212IQT operate with VIN+ at 26 V while VCC is only 3.3 V?

Yes. The TSC212IQT's input stage draws operating current from the VIN+ rail when common-mode voltage exceeds ~2.5 V, allowing full functionality with VCC as low as 2.7 V even when sensing at 26 V. This eliminates need for level shifters or auxiliary supplies in high-side configurations.

What is the maximum capacitive load the OUT pin can drive without instability?

The TSC212IQT is stable with up to 470 pF capacitive load on the OUT pin, as verified in electrical characteristics (Table 5). For heavier loads or long traces, add a series 10–50 Ω resistor near the output to isolate capacitance and preserve phase margin.

How does REF pin voltage affect bidirectional current measurement range?

When REF is set to VCC/2 (e.g., 2.5 V with 5 V supply), the output swings symmetrically around that voltage - enabling equal positive/negative current measurement (e.g., ±2.5 V output for ±10 A). Deviating from mid-rail shifts the zero-current point, allowing asymmetric full-scale ranges tailored to application needs.

Is the QFN10 package thermally enhanced, and what is its RθJA?

Yes - the QFN10 package features an exposed thermal pad. Its typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is 124 °C/W with standard 2-layer PCB layout (2 cm² copper pour under pad). For high-power dissipation, solder the pad directly to internal ground plane using ≥4 thermal vias.