Texas Instruments INA163UAE4

Overview

INA163UAE4 from Texas Instruments is a low-noise, low-distortion instrumentation amplifier optimized for professional audio signal conditioning. It delivers 1nV/√Hz input voltage noise at 1kHz, 0.002% THD+N at G=100, and 800kHz bandwidth at G=100, operating from ±4.5V to ±18V supplies. It serves as the front-end gain stage in balanced microphone preamplifiers and bridge transducer interfaces where precision differential amplification is critical.

For engineers reviewing the INA163UAE4 datasheet, INA163UAE4 pinout, INA163UAE4 application, or INA163UAE4 equivalent, this page provides verified pin functions, real-world audio interface use cases, gain-setting resistor design guidance, thermal and supply robustness data, and validated alternative options for low-noise instrumentation amplifier selection.

Technical Context

The INA163UAE4 employs current-feedback architecture with laser-trimmed internal 3kΩ feedback resistors, enabling wide bandwidth (800kHz at G=100) and fast settling (2µs to 0.1% for 10V step). Its distortion cancellation circuitry achieves 0.002% THD+N at 1kHz and G=100, while maintaining >100dB CMR at G=100 over DC–10kHz.

Gain is set externally via RG using the equation G = 1 + 6000/RG, supporting 1–10,000 V/V range. Input stage noise performance is optimized for 200Ω source impedance, delivering near-theoretical 1nV/√Hz RTI noise; bias current (2–12µA) and current noise (0.8pA/√Hz) reflect its low-Z audio focus.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA163UAE4 is housed in a SOIC-14 (D package), 1.75mm max height, RoHS-compliant surface-mount package rated for –40°C to +85°C operation. Pin 1 identifier is marked with a beveled corner; MSL Level-3 per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA163UAE4, INA165UAE4 improves noise by 0.15nV/√Hz at cost of +5mA supply current, while AD8253ARMZ trades analog gain-setting simplicity for digital programmability and wider bandwidth-making each suitable for distinct audio or measurement architectures.

Availability

INA163UAE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for professional audio equipment, industrial transducer interfaces, medical signal acquisition, and test instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for INA163UAE4 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, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of leadership in precision amplifiers and signal chain solutions.

The INA163UAE4 belongs to TI's high-performance instrumentation amplifier product line, engineered specifically for low-noise, low-distortion audio and measurement applications demanding exceptional dynamic range and DC precision.

FAQ

What is the recommended gain-setting resistor value for INA163UAE4 to achieve G = 100?

The INA163UAE4 uses the gain equation G = 1 + 6000/RG. For G = 100, solving yields RG = 6000/(100 − 1) ≈ 60.6Ω. A standard 60.4Ω ±0.1% metal-film resistor is recommended to minimize gain error and temperature drift. Layout best practice is to place RG close to pins 4 and 5 with short, direct traces to avoid noise pickup or parasitic inductance affecting stability.

Does INA163UAE4 support single-supply operation?

No, INA163UAE4 is specified only for dual-supply operation from ±4.5V to ±18V. It lacks rail-to-rail input or output stages and requires symmetric supplies to maintain input common-mode range centered at 0V and preserve CMR performance. Attempting single-supply use (e.g., 0V and +15V) will violate input voltage limits and cause malfunction or damage.

How does the Sense pin (pin 8) improve gain accuracy in INA163UAE4?

The Sense pin (pin 8) in INA163UAE4 connects the feedback loop to the actual load point rather than the amplifier output pin, thereby including I·R drop across PCB traces or cables inside the closed loop. This compensates for voltage loss and maintains precise gain accuracy even under heavy load (±60mA), especially critical in long-line audio distribution or high-current sensor interfaces where trace resistance would otherwise degrade gain flatness.

Can INA163UAE4 drive a 600Ω professional audio line directly?

Yes, INA163UAE4 can drive a 600Ω load with full swing: its output delivers ±60mA short-circuit current and swings to within 1.8V of each rail into 2kΩ. At ±15V supply, it sustains >20Vpp into 600Ω with <0.002% THD+N at 1kHz. For optimal performance, use the Sense pin (pin 8) tied directly to the load and ensure low-impedance layout to preserve CMR and prevent instability.

What is the maximum source impedance compatible with INA163UAE4's 1nV/√Hz noise specification?

The 1nV/√Hz input voltage noise specification of INA163UAE4 is valid and optimal for source impedances ≤10kΩ. At 200Ω, it achieves near-theoretical noise performance; above 10kΩ, current noise (0.8pA/√Hz) dominates, increasing total RTI noise. For >10kΩ sources (e.g., piezoelectric sensors), TI recommends alternatives like INA828 or OPA1611 to maintain lowest integrated noise.