Texas Instruments INA101CM

Overview

INA101CM from Burr-Brown (now Texas Instruments) is a high-accuracy, three-op-amp instrumentation amplifier optimized for low-level DC-coupled signal conditioning in precision measurement systems. It delivers 0.25µV/°C max input offset drift, 25µV max initial offset voltage, 0.002% max nonlinearity, 13nV/√Hz input voltage noise at 1kHz, and 106dB CMR at 60Hz - enabling stable amplification of microvolt-level sensor outputs such as strain gages and thermocouples.

For engineers reviewing the INA101CM datasheet, INA101CM pinout, INA101CM application, or INA101CM equivalent, key selection criteria include its TO-100 metal-can package, ±25°C to +85°C commercial temperature range, laser-trimmed 40kΩ internal resistor network, dual offset adjustment capability, and gain-setting via single external RG resistor (G = 1 + 40kΩ/RG).

Technical Context

The INA101CM integrates three precision op amps and laser-trimmed metal-film resistors on a monolithic die to realize a fully differential, three-op-amp instrumentation topology with buffered inputs and a high-impedance common-mode rejection path. Its architecture supports precise gain programming and independent input/output offset trimming without degrading CMR.

It operates from ±5V to ±20V supplies, delivers ±12.5V output swing into 2kΩ, achieves 2.5kHz full-power bandwidth at G=1000, and maintains 0.1% settling in 470µs at G=1000 - all while sustaining >100dB CMR up to 100Hz when source imbalance is ≤1kΩ.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA101CM uses a hermetically sealed 10-pin TO-100 metal can package (Burr-Brown drawing 007), rated for commercial temperature range (–25°C to +85°C), with leads suitable for through-hole mounting and wave soldering (300°C, 10s).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar instrumentation amplifier applications.

Compared with AD620ARZ and INA128UA, the INA101CM offers uniquely tight offset drift control and dual-point trimming - making it the only option among the three qualified for applications demanding <0.3µV/°C drift and simultaneous input/output nulling, such as calibrated pressure transmitters and laboratory-grade data loggers.

Availability

INA101CM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for strain gage amplification, thermocouple signal conditioning, and RTD temperature sensing requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA101CM 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

Burr-Brown Corporation, acquired by Texas Instruments in 2000, specialized in high-precision analog ICs for test and measurement, industrial control, and medical instrumentation.

The INA101 product line was engineered specifically for DC-stable, low-drift amplification of microvolt-level sensor outputs in harsh electromagnetic environments - targeting applications where laser-trimmed resistor matching and metal-can shielding were essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the INA101CM?

The INA101CM is specified for commercial temperature operation from –25°C to +85°C. Its TO-100 metal-can package provides superior thermal stability compared to plastic DIP variants, and the internal laser-trimmed resistors maintain gain accuracy across this full range. The device may operate beyond these limits, but performance parameters such as offset drift and CMR are only guaranteed within the –25°C to +85°C specification band.

Can the INA101CM be used with a single supply?

No, the INA101CM requires dual symmetric supplies (e.g., ±15V or ±5V) and is not designed for single-supply operation. Its input common-mode range extends to ±12V with ±15V supplies, and the output swings symmetrically about the Common pin reference. Attempting single-supply use will result in clipping, loss of CMR, and potential damage if input voltages exceed the supply rails.

How does the RG resistor affect gain accuracy in the INA101CM?

In the INA101CM, gain is set by G = 1 + 40kΩ/RG, where the 40kΩ term comes from laser-trimmed on-die resistors. The external RG resistor's tolerance and temperature coefficient directly contribute to total gain error - for example, a 1% RG yields ~1% gain error at G=100. At high gains (G≥100), parasitic resistance in sockets or PCB traces also introduces measurable error, which is why the DIP/SOL-16 variants include separate gain-sense pins (not present in the TO-100 INA101CM).

Is the INA101CM RoHS compliant?

Yes, the INA101CM is RoHS compliant per TI's packaging addendum. It carries "Yes" for RoHS status and uses Au (gold) lead finish. As a TO-100 metal-can device manufactured prior to full RoHS transition, its compliance is verified under TI's legacy exemption framework and confirmed in the official TI PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM dated 9-Jan-2026.

Does the INA101CM require external decoupling capacitors?

Yes, the INA101CM requires local decoupling: a 1µF tantalum capacitor between +VCC (Pin 6) and Common (Pin 7), and another between –VCC (Pin 3) and Common (Pin 7), placed within 1cm of the package. These capacitors suppress high-frequency supply noise and prevent oscillation - especially critical given the device's high open-loop gain and sensitivity to layout-induced parasitics.