Diodes Incorporated ZMC10

Overview

ZMC10 from Zetex Semiconductors is a galvanically isolated current sensor IC using magnetoresistive thin-film permalloy to measure DC or AC current up to 10 A through an internal conductor; operates from 12 V supply, delivers ±2 mV/V offset voltage and 0.5 (mV/V)/A open-circuit sensitivity, with 100 kHz bandwidth and 2 kV isolation voltage - used in motor drive current feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the ZMC10 datasheet, ZMC10 pinout, ZMC10 application, or ZMC10 equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated current path (pins 8–10 / 11–13), mod. DIL-14 package footprint, 0.7 mΩ conductor resistance, -40°C to +120°C operating range, and absence of auxiliary field requirement.

Technical Context

The ZMC10 integrates a magnetoresistive bridge on a silicon die aligned with a low-resistance copper current path (R = 0.7 mΩ) embedded in the modified DIL-14 package. Its output voltage (VO) is ratiometric to supply (VB) and proportional to measured current (IM), with no external magnetic bias needed.

It achieves galvanic isolation via physical separation between signal circuitry and current path, rated at 2 kV RMS. The device exhibits a temperature coefficient of sensitivity of -0.3 %/K and supports operation up to 100 kHz, making it suitable for closed-loop current control in switching power converters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Modified DIL-14 (dual-in-line, 14-pin, through-hole, with internal current busbar).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ACS712ELC-10A and TLE4971-2500S4, the ZMC10 offers superior temperature resilience and simpler analog interface but trades off programmability and maximum bandwidth - optimal where robustness, ratiometric stability, and 12 V infrastructure dominate design priorities.

Availability

ZMC10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive current feedback, switch-mode power supply monitoring, and industrial battery management requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for ZMC10 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 plc was a UK-based analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company specializing in high-performance discrete and sensor ICs before its acquisition by Diodes Incorporated in 2008.

The ZMC series was developed for contactless, isolated current measurement in industrial and automotive power systems, emphasizing reliability, wide temperature operation, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum overload current the ZMC10 can withstand?

The ZMC10's internal conductor supports 300 A for 10 ms at 25 °C ambient, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This short-duration overload capability allows survival during fault events like motor stall or inrush, but continuous operation above 10 A will cause thermal saturation and measurement inaccuracy.

Does the ZMC10 require external calibration for accurate current measurement?

Yes - while the ZMC10 has a typical sensitivity of 0.5 (mV/V)/A and ±2 mV/V offset, system-level calibration is required to compensate for unit-to-unit variation in bridge resistance (1.2–2.2 kΩ) and temperature-dependent sensitivity drift (-0.3 %/K). Factory calibration is not performed; users implement gain/offset correction in host firmware or analog circuitry.

Can the ZMC10 be used with a 5 V supply instead of 12 V?

No - the ZMC10 is specified only for 12 V supply (VB = 12 V), as confirmed by Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operating below 12 V risks insufficient bridge bias, degraded SNR, and noncompliance with sensitivity and offset specifications; no derating guidance is provided for lower voltages.

How is galvanic isolation achieved in the ZMC10 without optical or transformer coupling?

Isolation is achieved physically: the current-carrying copper conductor (pins 8–10 and 11–13) is embedded in molded plastic separate from the magnetoresistive sensor die and signal pins (3, 4, 5, 6). No electrical connection exists between current path and output circuitry - verified by 2 kV RMS isolation voltage rating and creepage/clearance design in the modified DIL-14 package.