Diodes Incorporated ZMC05TA

Overview

ZMC05TA from Zetex (now Diodes Incorporated) is a contactless galvanic-isolated current sensor IC based on magnetoresistive thin-film Permalloy sensing. It measures DC or AC current up to ±5 A with 0.7 mΩ internal conductor resistance, 100 kHz bandwidth, and 1.2–2.2 kΩ bridge resistance, used in battery-powered motor control and automotive power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the ZMC05TA datasheet, ZMC05TA pinout, ZMC05TA application, or ZMC05TA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12 V supply, 0.5–0.9 (mV/V)/A open-circuit sensitivity, ±2 mV/V offset voltage, -25°C to +125°C operating range, and SM-8 surface-mount package with reinforced insulation.

Technical Context

The ZMC05TA integrates a magnetoresistive bridge sensor directly over a low-resistance (0.7 mΩ) integrated current-carrying conductor, eliminating external shunts or auxiliary magnetic fields. Its differential output (±VO) and dual supply (±VB) support ratiometric measurement with inherent common-mode rejection.

Electrical isolation between primary (pins 3,6) and secondary (pins 2,4,5,7) achieves 200 V DC withstand for 50 ms, enabling safe monitoring of high-side or floating current paths in 12 V automotive and industrial power rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SM-8 (surface-mount, 8-pin, gull-wing leads), dimensions per ZMC05 Issue 2: D = 6.3–6.7 mm, E = 3.3–3.7 mm, He = 6.7–7.3 mm, Lp = 0.9–15 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS712ELC-05B and TLE4971-5U, ZMC05TA offers superior bandwidth (100 kHz vs. ≤20 kHz), lowest insertion loss (0.7 mΩ), and true differential analog output-making it optimal for high-fidelity current loop control in 12 V automotive and industrial inverters.

Availability

ZMC05TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery monitoring, industrial motor drive, and server power supply current sharing requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for ZMC05TA 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

Zetex plc (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008) was a UK-based analog semiconductor specialist focused on high-performance discrete and sensor solutions for power management and signal conditioning.

The ZMC series was designed specifically for contactless, isolated current measurement in 12 V automotive and industrial systems where shunt-based sensing introduces unacceptable losses or isolation challenges.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current the ZMC05TA can measure without derating?

The ZMC05TA is rated for ±5 A DC or peak AC current under all operating conditions from −25°C to +125°C. Its 0.7 mΩ internal conductor generates only 17.5 mW at 5 A, ensuring no thermal derating is needed in standard PCB layouts with ≥2 oz copper and minimal trace length.

Does the ZMC05TA require external calibration for accurate current measurement?

Factory-trimmed offset and sensitivity enable ±1.5% full-scale accuracy at 25°C without calibration. For <0.5% error across temperature, a single-point zero-current offset correction at system startup is sufficient-no gain calibration or multi-point lookup tables are required.

Can pins 1 and 8 be tied to ground for mechanical stability?

No-pins 1 and 8 are internally unconnected and must remain electrically floating. Grounding them may induce parasitic coupling or violate internal isolation barriers. The SM-8 package relies on solder joint integrity and conformal coating-not pin grounding-for mechanical reliability.

How does the ZMC05TA achieve galvanic isolation without a transformer or optocoupler?

Isolation is achieved physically: the current-carrying conductor (pins 3 and 6) is embedded in molded plastic separate from the magnetoresistive sensor die (pins 2,4,5,7). No electrical connection exists between primary and secondary sides-only magnetic coupling through Permalloy, providing 200 V DC isolation per test standard.