Diodes Incorporated ZXCT1012ET5TA

Overview

ZXCT1012ET5TA from Diodes Incorporated is a high-side current sense monitor IC in TSOT25 package, converting differential sense voltage (10–2500 mV) across a shunt resistor into a proportional output current with 10 mA/V transconductance. It operates from 2.5 V to 20 V supply, draws only 3.5 µA quiescent current, and delivers ground-referenced voltage output via external ROUT - ideal for battery fuel gauging and portable power management.

For engineers reviewing the ZXCT1012ET5TA datasheet, ZXCT1012ET5TA pinout, ZXCT1012ET5TA application, or ZXCT1012ET5TA equivalent, key selection criteria include its micro-power operation, high common-mode rejection (80 dB), user-defined gain scaling, TSOT25 footprint constraints, and guaranteed performance over –40°C to +85°C ambient range.

Technical Context

The ZXCT1012ET5TA functions as a voltage-to-current transducer: it senses differential voltage (VSENSE = VSENSE+ − VSENSE−) and generates a precise output current (IOUT = Gm × VSENSE) with Gm = 10 mA/V. Its SENSE+ pin serves dual roles - as positive input and primary power supply - enabling true high-side sensing without ground-plane disruption.

It features rail-to-rail input common-mode range (2.5 V to 20 V), monotonic output behavior, and inherent saturation at low VSENSE (<10 mV) due to input offset limitations. Output voltage swing is limited to 0 V to (VSENSE− − 1.5 V), requiring ROUT placement between OUT and GND for proper voltage translation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSOT25 (Thin Small Outline Transistor, 5-pin) package: 1.00 mm height, 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm footprint, 0.95 mm pitch. Designed for space-constrained portable PCBs with thermal resistance θJA = 250°C/W on standard FR4 board.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side current monitor applications.

Compared with MAX4080TASA+ and INA219AIDR, the ZXCT1012ET5TA uniquely balances ultra-low IQ (3.5 µA), 2.5 V start-up, and analog scalability - making it optimal for long-life, space-constrained, analog-signal-chain battery monitoring where digital overhead or high supply voltage is unnecessary.

Availability

ZXCT1012ET5TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery fuel gauge, portable charger, and overcurrent monitor applications requiring stable component supply, consistent TSOT25 packaging, and guaranteed long-term availability for consumer and industrial OEM programs.

Supply support for ZXCT1012ET5TA 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-efficiency power management, signal integrity, and precision analog solutions for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The ZXCT1012ET5TA belongs to Diodes' high-side current monitor product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, space-constrained battery instrumentation - emphasizing micro-power operation, wide input voltage range, and simplified analog interface.

FAQ

What is the minimum sense voltage for accurate operation of the ZXCT1012ET5TA?

The ZXCT1012ET5TA achieves best linearity and accuracy above 10 mV sense voltage, with specifications fully characterized at 10 mV, 40 mV, 100 mV, and 200 mV. Below 10 mV, input offset voltage dominates, increasing error beyond ±2.5%. For precision applications, use ≥40 mV VSENSE to maintain full accuracy.

Can the ZXCT1012ET5TA be used in low-voltage 2.5 V battery systems?

Yes - the ZXCT1012ET5TA supports a minimum supply voltage of 2.5 V on the SENSE+ pin, enabling direct operation from single-cell Li-ion (2.7–4.2 V) or alkaline (up to 1.5 V × 2) batteries. Its 3.5 µA quiescent current ensures minimal impact on battery runtime even at this low voltage.

How is output voltage calculated, and what limits its maximum value?

VOUT = IOUT × ROUT, where IOUT = 10 mA/V × VSENSE. Maximum VOUT is constrained by the OUT pin's voltage compliance: it cannot exceed (VSENSE− − 1.5 V). For example, if VSENSE− = 3.0 V, VOUT must stay ≤1.5 V. Exceeding this causes output saturation and measurement error.

Is the ZXCT1012ET5TA suitable for bidirectional current sensing?

No - the ZXCT1012ET5TA is unidirectional. Its architecture produces only positive output current proportional to (VSENSE+ − VSENSE−). Reverse current (i.e., negative VSENSE) yields zero IOUT, as the device lacks internal circuitry to resolve polarity. Use dedicated bidirectional monitors like INA226 for such applications.