Texas Instruments INA169QPWRG4Q1

Overview

INA169QPWRG4Q1 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 a 2.7 V to 60 V supply range, −40°C to +125°C operating temperature, 1000 μA/V transconductance, and TSSOP-8 package - enabling precise shunt-based current measurement in electric power steering and brake systems.

For engineers reviewing the INA169QPWRG4Q1 datasheet, INA169QPWRG4Q1 pinout, INA169QPWRG4Q1 application, or INA169QPWRG4Q1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 60 V common-mode input capability, low 60 μA quiescent current, ±0.2 mV offset voltage (RTI), 440 kHz bandwidth at 10 kΩ load, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification for automotive safety-critical subsystems.

Technical Context

The INA169QPWRG4Q1 implements a precision high-voltage op amp with laser-trimmed thin-film resistors and a low-noise output transistor to convert differential shunt voltage into a proportional output current. Its architecture supports independent supply and input common-mode voltages - VIN+ can exceed V+ by up to 57.3 V (60 V − 2.7 V).

It operates as a transconductance amplifier with fixed gm = 1000 μA/V, delivering current output IO = gm × (VIN+ − VIN−). Output compliance is governed by two constraints: VOUT ≤ (V+) − 0.7 V − (VIN+ − VIN−) and VOUT ≤ VIN− − 0.5 V - limiting usable output swing based on both supply and sensed node voltages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-8 package (4.40 mm × 3.00 mm), thermally enhanced for automotive under-hood operation; pin 1 marked with dot, pin 4 GND, pin 6 OUT, pin 8 V+.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA169QPWRG4Q1, INA240A1QDRQ1 delivers superior DC accuracy and speed but requires redesign for voltage-output interface and lacks identical pin compatibility; MAX40056ATA+T matches current-output topology and gm but omits automotive qualification and thermal margin for under-hood deployment.

Availability

INA169QPWRG4Q1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering (EPS), brake system actuators, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA169QPWRG4Q1 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 automotive IC development and AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

The INA1x9-Q1 product line delivers high-side current-shunt monitors optimized for functional safety-compliant automotive subsystems including EPS, ESC, and BCM - emphasizing robustness, precision, and seamless integration into ASIL-B architectures.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA169QPWRG4Q1?

The INA169QPWRG4Q1 supports an input common-mode voltage range of 2.7 V to 60 V. This allows direct high-side sensing on 48 V battery rails and compatibility with automotive cold-crank conditions down to 2.7 V. The absolute maximum rating extends to 75 V, but operation above 60 V violates recommended conditions and risks specification noncompliance.

How does the INA169QPWRG4Q1 generate its output signal?

The INA169QPWRG4Q1 is a transconductance amplifier that outputs a current IO = gm × (VIN+ − VIN−), where gm = 1000 μA/V. This current must be converted to a voltage using an external load resistor RL connected between the OUT pin and GND. The resulting VOUT = IO × RL defines system gain - e.g., RL = 10 kΩ yields 10 V/V gain for a 100 mV shunt voltage.

Is the INA169QPWRG4Q1 suitable for bidirectional current measurement?

The INA169QPWRG4Q1 is unidirectional and cannot directly measure reverse current flow. However, bidirectional sensing is achievable using two INA169QPWRG4Q1 devices in opposing configurations with a polarity-detecting comparator, as documented in TI's SGLS185F datasheet Figure 15. Each device handles one direction, and the comparator selects the active output.

What is the purpose of the NC pins on the INA169QPWRG4Q1 TSSOP-8 package?

Pins 3, 5, and 7 of the INA169QPWRG4Q1 are internally not connected. They must remain unconnected in the PCB layout - neither tied to GND nor routed - to avoid parasitic coupling or thermal stress. TI's layout guidelines recommend leaving them floating or optionally grounding them only if adjacent to high-noise traces, with no electrical benefit claimed.

Does the INA169QPWRG4Q1 require external calibration for accurate current measurement?

No, the INA169QPWRG4Q1 does not require external calibration. Its transconductance (gm = 1000 μA/V) and input offset voltage (±0.2 mV RTI) are factory-laser-trimmed. Total output error remains within ±0.5% over temperature when used with a precision RL resistor - eliminating need for system-level calibration in most automotive applications.