Texas Instruments INA146UAG4

Overview

INA146UAG4 from Texas Instruments is a high-voltage, programmable-gain difference amplifier designed for precision measurement of differential signals in the presence of ±100V common-mode voltages. It delivers 0.1V/V to 100V/V gain via external resistors, features 80dB CMRR, 0.025% gain error, and operates from ±2.25V to ±18V dual supplies or 4.5V–36V single supply - enabling accurate battery cell voltage monitoring and industrial power supply current sensing.

For engineers reviewing the INA146UAG4 datasheet, INA146UAG4 pinout, INA146UAG4 application, or INA146UAG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its rail-to-rail input common-mode range beyond supply rails, laser-trimmed internal resistor network for stable gain accuracy over temperature, low 570µA quiescent current, and SOIC-8 packaging qualified for –40°C to 85°C operation.

Technical Context

The INA146UAG4 integrates two precision amplifiers (A1 and A2) with a fixed 10:1 input attenuator stage followed by a programmable-gain output buffer. Its input architecture enables measurement of VIN+ and VIN− signals up to ±100V while rejecting common-mode interference through matched on-die thin-film resistors trimmed for <0.025% gain error and 80dB CMRR at DC.

Gain is set externally using RG1 and RG2 per G = 0.1 × (1 + RG2/RG1), preserving full common-mode input range regardless of gain setting. The Ref pin (Pin 1) allows offset trimming or level-shifting, and VO1 (Pin 8) provides access to A1's output for filter insertion or precision current source implementation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The INA146UAG4 is housed in an SOIC-8 surface-mount package (4.90mm × 6.00mm), specified for operation from –40°C to 85°C and compatible with standard reflow soldering profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA146UAG4, INA149IDR offers higher bandwidth but sacrifices programmability and rail-exceeding input range, while AD8479ARZ delivers unmatched 60Hz CMRR yet lacks gain flexibility and consumes more power - making INA146UAG4 optimal for cost-sensitive, multi-range industrial DAQ where configurability and supply compatibility are critical.

Availability

INA146UAG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery cell formation & test equipment, AC drive control modules, and HVAC controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for INA146UAG4 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision signal conditioning ICs.

The INA146UAG4 belongs to TI's high-voltage difference amplifier product line, engineered specifically for accurate, rail-exceeding differential measurement in industrial power systems, energy storage, and automated test equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA146UAG4 can handle?

The INA146UAG4 supports ±100V common-mode voltage when operated with ±15V supplies, and 40V at 5V single supply. This capability stems from its internal 10:1 resistor divider architecture and rail-to-rail input stage, enabling direct measurement of high-side signals in battery stacks and motor drives without external level-shifting circuitry. The exact common-mode range depends on supply voltage and Ref pin potential, as defined in the datasheet's Section 6.1.3.

How is gain programmed on the INA146UAG4?

Gain on the INA146UAG4 is set externally using two resistors (RG1 and RG2) connected between pins 1 (Ref) and 5 (RG), following the formula G = 0.1 × (1 + RG2/RG1). Standard 1% resistor values are provided in Table 6-1 of the datasheet for gains from 0.1V/V to 100V/V. The internal 10kΩ resistor at VO1 is trimmed to ±1% absolute accuracy to maintain offset performance, and external resistor selection must preserve 10kΩ parallel resistance for bias cancellation.

Does the INA146UAG4 require external compensation or filtering?

The INA146UAG4 is internally compensated and stable with capacitive loads up to 1nF. However, external RC filtering is recommended at the RG node or VO1 output for noise-sensitive applications - for example, a 1MΩ/15pF network at VO1 creates a 10.6Hz pole to suppress high-frequency EMI in battery monitor circuits. Figure 6-4 in the datasheet shows a validated 106Hz noise filter design using 1MΩ and 1500pF at the main output.

What is the operating temperature range for the INA146UAG4?

The INA146UAG4 is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, with electrical characteristics guaranteed across this extended industrial range. Key parameters including gain error (±0.1%), offset drift (±10µV/°C), and output swing are tested and binned per JEDEC JESD22-A108. Thermal metrics such as RθJA = 110.3°C/W (SOIC-8) confirm suitability for convection-cooled industrial enclosures without forced airflow.

Can the INA146UAG4 be used with single-supply operation?

Yes, the INA146UAG4 fully supports single-supply operation from 4.5V to 36V. Its input common-mode range extends beyond both supply rails - for example, with a 5V supply, inputs can range from –25V to +19V - and the Ref pin allows precise output level-setting relative to the ADC reference. Applications like programmable DC power supplies use VREF = VS/2 to center the output within the ADC's input range, as detailed in Section 6.1.1 of the datasheet.