Diodes Incorporated ZXCT1081E5TA

Overview

ZXCT1081E5TA from Diodes Incorporated is a high-side current sense monitor IC with fixed 10× voltage gain, operating from 3V to 40V common-mode input and delivering a rail-to-rail output up to 1.5V. It enables non-intrusive load current measurement without ground-plane disruption and supports industrial 24V/28V rails, battery management, and overcurrent protection in power adapters and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ZXCT1081E5TA datasheet, ZXCT1081E5TA pinout, ZXCT1081E5TA application, or ZXCT1081E5TA equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOT23-5 package, ±3% total output error, 50kHz bandwidth, -40°C to +125°C operation, and compatibility with 4.5V–12V VCC supplies in high-voltage sensing nodes.

Technical Context

The ZXCT1081E5TA implements a unidirectional, single-supply high-side current monitor using an internal voltage-current converter and MOSFET-based transconductance stage, followed by a unity-gain buffered output. Its architecture avoids ground-loop interference and supports monotonic response down to 0mV VSENSE while maintaining linearity from 10mV to 150mV differential input.

It features independent VCC and SENSE+ rails, enabling 5V logic interfacing while monitoring up to 40V (65V transient) common-mode voltages. CMRR of 60–75dB and PSRR of 54–60dB ensure robust performance in noisy industrial power environments with minimal supply or common-mode coupling into the output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5 surface-mount package (3.1mm × 2.2mm × 1.3mm), thermally optimized for PCB trace heat dissipation in high-density power modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ZXCT1081E5TA, ZXCT1083E5TA offers superior accuracy and bandwidth in identical packaging, while INA219AIDR trades analog simplicity for digital configurability and bidirectionality - making the former a direct upgrade and the latter a system-level architecture change.

Availability

ZXCT1081E5TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply monitoring, battery management systems, overcurrent protection circuits, and AC-DC adapter feedback loops requiring stable component supply and long-term design continuity.

Supply support for ZXCT1081E5TA 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-reliability power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and automotive markets.

The ZXCT series targets high-side current sensing in cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where ground-integrity, wide common-mode range, and analog simplicity are prioritized over digital features or bidirectional capability.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous common-mode voltage the ZXCT1081E5TA can withstand?

The ZXCT1081E5TA supports a continuous common-mode input voltage range of 3V to 40V on both SENSE+ and SENSE− pins, with transient tolerance up to 65V. This rating is validated per Absolute Maximum Ratings in DS32102 Rev. 2–3, and applies across the full −40°C to +125°C operating temperature range without derating.

Can the ZXCT1081E5TA be used with a 3.3V supply on VCC?

No - the ZXCT1081E5TA requires a minimum VCC of 4.5V per Recommended Operating Conditions. Using 3.3V will result in undefined operation, reduced gain accuracy, and possible output saturation. For 3.3V systems, consider the ZXCT1083E5TA (same package, 4.5V min VCC) or redesign with a local 5V LDO.

Is the ZXCT1081E5TA suitable for bidirectional current sensing?

No - the ZXCT1081E5TA is unidirectional only. Its internal architecture produces a positive-only output proportional to forward load current. Reverse current yields zero output. For bidirectional sensing, Diodes recommends the ZXCT1085 (dual-output variant) or external circuitry with polarity reversal.

Why does the datasheet state "not recommended for new designs"?

Diodes has superseded the ZXCT1081E5TA with the ZXCT1083/85/87 family, which offer improved accuracy (±1.5% vs ±3%), lower bias currents, and extended bandwidth. The ZXCT1081E5TA remains fully functional and supported for legacy production, but new designs should adopt the newer variants for better performance and long-term supply assurance.