CQ320A Current Sensor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CQ320A is a coreless current sensor manufactured by Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) designed for AC/DC current measurement applications. This Hall Effect, open-loop bidirectional sensor provides ratiometric voltage output with a sensing range up to 29.3A and operates on a 3.3V supply. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute components essential for ongoing system support, design updates, and procurement continuity.

Substiute Parts

CQ320A

Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKMIn Stock: 5112CQ320A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CZ3A04

Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKMIn Stock: 1684CZ3A04 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The CZ3A04 is identified as a manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete CQ320A. Substitution eligibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Sensor Technology: Both devices employ Hall Effect, open-loop technology for bidirectional current measurement
• Measurement Type: Both support AC/DC current sensing
• Output Configuration: Both provide voltage-based output suitable for ratiometric signal processing
• Supply Voltage Compatibility: CQ320A operates at 3.3V; CZ3A04 operates within 3V to 3.6V range, providing voltage overlap for system integration
• Polarization: Both devices support bidirectional current measurement
• Mounting and Compliance: Both are surface-mount components with ROHS3 compliance and identical MSL ratings

The CZ3A04 represents an active product with enhanced specifications in linearity and current sensing capacity, making it suitable for applications previously served by the CQ320A.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The CZ3A04 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete CQ320A. Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical MSL ratings, ensuring regulatory and environmental consistency.

Key Considerations for Implementation:

• Package Footprint Change: The CZ3A04 uses a 16-PowerSOIC package versus the CQ320A's 24-LSSOP package. PCB layout modification is required; the CZ3A04 has a larger width (7.70mm vs. 5.60mm).
• Supply Voltage Range: The CZ3A04 operates within 3V to 3.6V, accommodating the CQ320A's 3.3V nominal supply. Verify system power supply tolerance to ensure stable operation within this range.
• Current Sensing Capacity: The CZ3A04 supports 32.2A versus the CQ320A's 29.3A, providing additional headroom for current measurement applications.
• Response Time: The CZ3A04 has a 1µs response time compared to the CQ320A's 0.5µs. Applications requiring sub-microsecond response must evaluate this difference.
• Operating Temperature: The CZ3A04 maximum operating temperature is 85°C versus the CQ320A's 90°C. Confirm thermal operating conditions remain within the CZ3A04 specification.
• Active Product Status: The CZ3A04 is actively manufactured, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CZ3A04 directly replace the CQ320A without PCB modification?

A: No. The CZ3A04 uses a different package (16-PowerSOIC vs. 24-LSSOP) with different pin configurations and footprint dimensions. PCB layout redesign is required for mechanical and electrical compatibility.

Q: Are the output signals compatible between CQ320A and CZ3A04?

A: Both devices provide voltage-based output suitable for ratiometric signal processing. However, the CZ3A04 has slightly higher sensitivity (48mV/A vs. 45mV/A) and different accuracy specifications (±2.1% vs. ±1.3%). Signal conditioning and calibration may require adjustment.

Q: What is the impact of the different supply voltage ranges?

A: The CQ320A requires exactly 3.3V, while the CZ3A04 accepts 3V to 3.6V. If your system supplies 3.3V, the CZ3A04 will operate within specification. Verify your power supply regulation to ensure stable operation within the CZ3A04's wider acceptable range.

Q: Does the CZ3A04 support the same current measurement range?

A: The CZ3A04 supports a higher range (32.2A vs. 29.3A). For applications measuring currents up to 29.3A, the CZ3A04 provides additional measurement headroom without performance degradation.

Q: Are there thermal operating differences between these sensors?

A: Yes. The CQ320A operates to 90°C maximum; the CZ3A04 operates to 85°C maximum. If your application requires operation above 85°C, the CZ3A04 is not suitable. Confirm your thermal environment remains within the CZ3A04 specification.

Q: What is the significance of the response time difference?

A: The CQ320A has a 0.5µs response time; the CZ3A04 has a 1µs response time. For applications requiring detection of current transients faster than 1µs, evaluate whether the CZ3A04's response time is acceptable for your signal processing requirements.

Q: Are both components RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the CQ320A and CZ3A04 are ROHS3 compliant with identical MSL ratings (2A, 4 Weeks), ensuring regulatory consistency and identical moisture handling requirements.