Texas Instruments INA168QPWRG4Q1

Overview

INA168QPWRG4Q1 from Texas Instruments is an automotive-grade, high-side, current-output current-shunt monitor IC designed for unidirectional current sensing in harsh environments. It features 2.7 V to 60 V supply voltage, ±0.2 mV offset voltage, 200 µA/V transconductance, and operates across –40°C to +125°C - enabling precise shunt-based current measurement in electric power steering and brake systems.

For engineers reviewing the INA168QPWRG4Q1 datasheet, INA168QPWRG4Q1 pinout, INA168QPWRG4Q1 application, or INA168QPWRG4Q1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 60 V common-mode range, SOT-23-5 package compatibility, current-output architecture requiring external RL for gain setting, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification for automotive safety-critical subsystems.

Technical Context

The INA168QPWRG4Q1 implements a precision current-output architecture based on a high-voltage operational amplifier with laser-trimmed thin-film resistors and a low-noise output transistor. Its input common-mode voltage (2.7 V to 60 V) is fully independent of supply voltage (V+), allowing operation with VIN+ exceeding V+ - critical for high-side sensing above battery rail.

It delivers 200 µA/V transconductance with ±0.2 mV input offset and <±0.2% total output error at 100 mV sense voltage. Bandwidth ranges from 32 kHz (RL = 125 kΩ) to 800 kHz (RL = 5 kΩ), and output compliance is governed by two constraints: VOUT ≤ (V+) − 0.7 V − (VIN+ − VIN−) and VOUT ≤ VIN− − 0.5 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 package (2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body size), thermally optimized for automotive PCB layouts with exposed pad not present; suitable for reflow assembly and high-reliability solder joints.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side current-sensing applications.

Compared with INA168QPWRG4Q1, INA240A1QDRQ1 offers superior DC accuracy and bidirectionality but demands layout changes and signal conditioning; MAX40010FAUA+ matches the current-output topology and voltage range but lacks automotive qualification - making INA168QPWRG4Q1 the only AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified SOT-23-5 current-output monitor in its class.

Availability

INA168QPWRG4Q1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering (EPS), brake systems, body control modules (BCM), and electronic stability control (ESC) requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA168QPWRG4Q1 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions.

INA168QPWRG4Q1 belongs to TI's automotive-qualified current-sense amplifier product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, high-common-mode-voltage current monitoring in safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA168QPWRG4Q1?

The INA168QPWRG4Q1 supports a maximum common-mode input voltage of 60 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This allows direct high-side sensing on 48 V automotive systems including transient overvoltage conditions. The absolute maximum rating extends to 75 V, but continuous operation above 60 V is not recommended per datasheet guidance.

How does the INA168QPWRG4Q1 generate its output signal?

The INA168QPWRG4Q1 is a current-output device: it converts the differential input voltage (VIN+ − VIN−) into a proportional output current (IOUT = gm × VSENSE), where gm = 200 µA/V. An external load resistor (RL) connected from OUT to GND converts this current into a measurable voltage (VOUT = IOUT × RL). No internal voltage buffer is present - RL defines both gain and output impedance.

Can the INA168QPWRG4Q1 be used for bidirectional current sensing?

No - the INA168QPWRG4Q1 is strictly unidirectional. Its architecture assumes VIN+ ≥ VIN−; applying reverse polarity causes output current to collapse to zero without damage, but no negative current representation is provided. For bidirectional sensing, TI recommends using two INA168QPWRG4Q1 devices in opposing configurations or selecting a dedicated bidirectional part like the INA240A1QDRQ1.

What is the purpose of the NC pins in the TSSOP-8 version, and does the INA168QPWRG4Q1 have them?

The INA168QPWRG4Q1 is packaged exclusively in SOT-23-5 (DBV), which has no NC pins. The TSSOP-8 (PW) package shown in the datasheet applies only to the pin-compatible INA138-Q1 variant. The SOT-23-5 footprint of INA168QPWRG4Q1 uses all five pins functionally: OUT, GND, VIN+, VIN−, and V+ - eliminating layout concerns related to unused terminals.

Is the INA168QPWRG4Q1 compatible with 48 V mild-hybrid automotive architectures?

Yes - the INA168QPWRG4Q1 is explicitly rated for 2.7 V to 60 V common-mode and supply voltage operation, covering nominal 48 V systems and their transient envelopes (e.g., load dump up to 65 V). Its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, –40°C to +125°C operation, and 25 µA quiescent current make it suitable for continuous monitoring in 48 V mild-hybrid battery management and DC-DC converter current loops.