Diodes Incorporated ZMC05TC

Overview

ZMC05TC from Zetex (now Diodes Incorporated) is a contactless galvanic-isolated current sensor IC based on magnetoresistive thin-film Permalloy technology, measuring DC or AC currents up to ±5 A peak with 0.7 mΩ internal conductor resistance, 0.5–0.9 (mV/V)/A open-circuit sensitivity, and 100 kHz bandwidth. It operates at 12 V supply and is used in battery-powered motor control and automotive power management systems where lossless sensing is required.

For engineers reviewing the ZMC05TC datasheet, ZMC05TC pinout, ZMC05TC application, or ZMC05TC equivalent, key selection criteria include its SM-8 package isolation rating (100 nA leakage at 200 V), offset voltage of 2 mV/V, operating temperature range of –25°C to +125°C, and compatibility with 12 mm tape packaging for automated assembly.

Technical Context

The ZMC05TC integrates a magnetoresistive bridge sensor directly over a low-resistance (0.7 mΩ) integrated current-carrying conductor, eliminating external shunts or auxiliary field coils. Its differential output (±VO) and dual supply rails (+VB/–VB) enable ratiometric measurement referenced to supply voltage.

It delivers galvanic isolation between primary current path (pins 3 & 6) and secondary signal circuit (pins 2, 4, 5, 7), with insulation verified at 200 V DC for 50 ms. The device requires no magnetic core or external biasing, supporting high-frequency current monitoring up to 100 kHz without saturation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SM-8 surface-mount package (6.3–6.7 mm × 3.3–3.7 mm × 1.7 mm height), tape-and-reel format (13″ reel, 12 mm tape width, 4000 units/reel).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS712ELCTR-5B-T and TLE4971-5U, the ZMC05TC offers superior high-frequency linearity and lowest offset voltage among through-hole/SMT analog current sensors in its class, making it optimal for precision analog feedback loops where digital conversion latency or Hall drift cannot be tolerated.

Availability

ZMC05TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery monitoring, brushless DC motor control, industrial SMPS current limiting, and portable power tool battery protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-volume SMT production.

Supply support for ZMC05TC 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 Semiconductors (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008) specialized in high-performance analog and discrete semiconductors for power management and sensing applications.

The ZMC series was developed specifically for contactless, high-accuracy current measurement in automotive and industrial power systems where galvanic isolation, wide bandwidth, and low offset were critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current the ZMC05TC can measure without derating?

The ZMC05TC is rated for ±5 A DC or 5 A peak AC continuously within its specified operating temperature range (–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 below +125°C ambient when mounted on standard 1 oz copper PCB with ≥2 cm² thermal pad area.

Does the ZMC05TC require external calibration for accurate current measurement?

No external calibration is required for typical applications. Its ratiometric output (0.5–0.9 (mV/V)/A) and 2 mV/V offset are factory-tested and stable over temperature. System-level calibration may be applied for sub-1% total error, but baseline accuracy meets ±3% IM specification without user adjustment.

Can pins 1 and 8 be tied to ground or left floating in PCB layout?

Pins 1 and 8 are internally unconnected and may be left floating or tied to ground per PCB mechanical stability requirements. Neither connection affects electrical performance, but grounding them improves ESD robustness and reduces potential for floating-node coupling in high-noise environments.

How does the ZMC05TC achieve galvanic isolation without an optical or transformer-based barrier?

Isolation is achieved physically: the current-carrying conductor (pins 3 & 6) and signal circuit (pins 2, 4, 5, 7) occupy separate metal layers separated by molded plastic and dielectric spacing in the SM-8 package. Measured insulation leakage is ≤100 nA at 200 V DC, satisfying basic insulation requirements per IEC 60950 for functional isolation-not safety-rated reinforced isolation.