Texas Instruments INA156EA/250

Overview

INA156EA/250 from Texas Instruments (formerly Burr-Brown) is a single-supply, rail-to-rail output CMOS instrumentation amplifier with fixed gain options of 10V/V or 50V/V, ±5µV/°C offset drift, 550kHz bandwidth at G=10, and operation from +2.7V to +5.5V. It targets precision sensor signal conditioning in industrial and medical systems where low input bias current (1pA) and wide temperature range (–55°C to +125°C) are critical.

For engineers reviewing the INA156EA/250 datasheet, INA156EA/250 pinout, INA156EA/250 application, or INA156EA/250 equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, MSOP-8 package details, real-world use scenarios for bridge/RTD amplification and A/D driver stages, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The INA156EA/250 employs a three-op-amp CMOS architecture with internal laser-trimmed resistor networks enabling precise fixed gains of 10 or 50 via pin-strapping (pins 1 and 8 open or shorted). Its rail-to-rail output stage achieves 20mV swing from rails under 10kΩ load, while the high-impedance (10¹³Ω || 3pF) differential and common-mode inputs support direct connection to high-Z sensors like thermocouples and piezoelectric transducers.

Gain configuration directly impacts key AC performance: at G=10, it delivers 550kHz –3dB bandwidth and 6.5V/µs slew rate; at G=50, bandwidth reduces to 110kHz but maintains 0.1% settling in 11µs for 2V steps. Input common-mode range is dynamically constrained by internal node A1's output swing and varies with reference voltage and gain setting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA156EA/250 is housed in an MSOP-8 (VSSOP-DGK) surface-mount package measuring 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.0mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and reflow-compatible with standard Level-2 moisture sensitivity handling.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD8226ARMZ and INA333AIDRGT, the INA156EA/250 offers the lowest cost and simplest gain configuration (no external resistor), making it ideal for high-volume, fixed-gain industrial sensor nodes where ±5µV/°C drift and 550kHz bandwidth meet system requirements.

Availability

INA156EA/250 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor amplifiers, medical biopotential front-ends, and A/D converter driver circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA156EA/250 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 acquired Burr-Brown in 2000 and maintains its precision analog portfolio, emphasizing high-performance data acquisition, signal conditioning, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and medical markets.

The INA156EA/250 belongs to TI's instrumentation amplifier product line, designed specifically for low-cost, single-supply precision amplification of weak differential signals from bridges, RTDs, and biopotential electrodes in harsh environments.

FAQ

What gain options does the INA156EA/250 support, and how are they configured?

The INA156EA/250 supports two fixed gain options: 10V/V and 50V/V. Gain is selected solely by the connection state of pins 1 and 8-open for G=10, shorted for G=50. No external resistors are required, eliminating gain error from component tolerance and simplifying layout. This pin-strapping method ensures consistent, production-ready gain without trimming or calibration.

Can the INA156EA/250 operate from a single 3.3V supply, and what is its output swing capability?

Yes, the INA156EA/250 operates fully specified from +2.7V to +5.5V, including 3.3V nominal supplies. At G=10 and RL=10kΩ, its rail-to-rail output swings within 20mV of both V+ and V–, delivering a usable 3.26Vpp dynamic range on a 3.3V rail. This enables direct interface with 12-bit ADCs without level-shifting, preserving SNR and simplifying power architecture.

How does the INA156EA/250 handle input bias current, and what design considerations apply?

The INA156EA/250 features ultra-low input bias current (±1pA typical), but a return path for this current is mandatory on both inputs to prevent saturation. For low-impedance sources (e.g., bridge sensors), connecting one input to a stable reference suffices; for high-Z sources (e.g., thermocouples), balanced 10kΩ resistors to Ref or mid-supply maintain CMRR and minimize offset. The INA156EA/250's 10¹³Ω input impedance makes it uniquely suited for such configurations.

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the INA156EA/250, and how is it rated?

The INA156EA/250 is fully specified and guaranteed over –55°C to +125°C, with absolute maximum ratings extending to –65°C to +150°C for storage and junction temperature. Its thermal resistance (θJA) is 150°C/W in the MSOP-8 package, allowing reliable operation in sealed enclosures or under-hood automotive locations when PCB copper area and airflow are managed per TI's layout guidelines.

Is the INA156EA/250 pin-compatible with other TI instrumentation amplifiers like the INA333?

No, the INA156EA/250 is not pin-compatible with the INA333AIDRGT or other TI instrumentation amplifiers. Its pin 1/8 gain-strapping scheme, internal resistor network, and three-op-amp topology differ fundamentally from the auto-zeroed, single-resistor-gain INA333. Direct replacement would require PCB redesign. Always verify pin functions and package dimensions before substitution-INA156EA/250 uses MSOP-8 (DGK) with specific pin 1 quadrant orientation per TI tape-and-reel specs.