The MCS1806 is a linear Hall-effect current sensor for AC or DC current sensing. The Hall array is differential, which cancels out any stray magnetic field.

A primary conductor with a low resistance allows the current to flow close to the IC, which contains high-accuracy Hall-effect sensors. This current generates a magnetic field that is sensed at two different points by the integrated Hall-effect transducers. The magnetic field difference between these two points is then converted into a voltage that is proportional to the applied current. A spinning current technique is used for a low, stable offset.

The galvanic isolation between the pins of the primary conductive path and the sensor leads allows the MCS1806 to replace optoisolators and other isolation devices.

The MCS1806 requires a minimal number of readily available, standard external components. The device’s small SOIC-8 footprint saves board area and makes it well-suited for space-constrained applications.