Texas Instruments INA169QPWRQ1

Overview

INA169QPWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an automotive-grade, high-side, current-output current-shunt monitor IC designed for unidirectional current sensing in systems with up to 60 V common-mode voltage. It features 1000 μA/V transconductance, ±0.2 mV input offset voltage, 440 kHz bandwidth (RL = 10 kΩ), and operates from –40°C to +125°C in TSSOP-8 package. It is used in electric power steering and brake control modules for precise shunt-based current measurement.

For engineers reviewing the INA169QPWRQ1 datasheet, INA169QPWRQ1 pinout, INA169QPWRQ1 application, or INA169QPWRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 60 V max common-mode range, single-resistor gain configuration, low 60 μA quiescent current, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, and compatibility with high-side sensing topologies requiring output current-to-voltage conversion via external RL.

Technical Context

The INA169QPWRQ1 implements a precision high-voltage op amp with trimmed thin-film resistors and a low-noise output transistor, enabling accurate differential voltage-to-current conversion independent of supply voltage. Its input common-mode range extends to 75 V (absolute max) while operating from 2.7 V to 60 V supply, supporting high-side placement above the load.

It delivers fixed 1000 μA/V transconductance with ±0.01% nonlinearity (10–150 mV input), 100 dB minimum CMRR at DC, and output compliance governed by VOUT ≤ (V+) − 0.7 V − (VIN+ − VIN−) or VIN− − 0.5 V - critical for stable operation across wide voltage rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-8 package (4.40 mm × 3.00 mm), thermally enhanced for automotive environments; pin 4 is GND, pin 6 is current-output OUT, pins 1 and 2 are differential inputs (VIN−, VIN+), pin 8 is V+, and pins 3/5/7 are NC.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA169QPWRQ1, INA240A1QPWRQ1 offers superior DC accuracy and integrated voltage output but consumes 40× more supply current; MAX40056ATA+T provides higher speed and fixed gain yet lacks full automotive temperature coverage and current-output configurability.

Availability

INA169QPWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering, brake systems, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA169QPWRQ1 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.

The INA1x9-Q1 product line delivers high-side current sensing for automotive safety-critical systems, emphasizing AEC-Q100 qualification, wide common-mode operation, and robust performance under harsh thermal and electrical conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA169QPWRQ1?

The INA169QPWRQ1 supports a recommended operating common-mode voltage range of 2.7 V to 60 V, with an absolute maximum rating of 75 V. This allows direct high-side placement on 48 V battery rails in modern automotive architectures. Operation beyond 60 V common-mode may degrade accuracy or reliability, and the device must remain within its specified operating conditions to ensure AEC-Q100 compliance. The INA169QPWRQ1 datasheet specifies these limits under Recommended Operating Conditions and Absolute Maximum Ratings sections.

How does the INA169QPWRQ1 convert sensed current into a usable output signal?

INA169QPWRQ1 converts the differential voltage across a shunt resistor (VIN+ − VIN−) into a proportional output current: IOUT = 1000 μA/V × (VIN+ − VIN−). This current flows through an external load resistor (RL) connected from OUT to GND, generating VOUT = IOUT × RL. Gain is thus set solely by RL - e.g., 10 kΩ yields 10 V/V - eliminating need for precision gain resistors. The INA169QPWRQ1 itself provides no internal voltage conversion; RL defines both gain and output compliance.

Can the INA169QPWRQ1 be used for bidirectional current sensing?

The INA169QPWRQ1 is designed for unidirectional high-side current measurement only. Its architecture assumes VIN+ > VIN−; applying reverse polarity drives output current to zero without damage but yields no negative current indication. For bidirectional sensing, TI recommends using two INA169QPWRQ1 devices in complementary configuration (one sensing forward, one reverse) with external logic or a differential-input ADC - as detailed in the INA169QPWRQ1 datasheet Figure 15 and Figure 17. No internal circuitry supports bipolar operation.

What is the purpose of the NC pins on the INA169QPWRQ1 TSSOP-8 package?

Pins 3, 5, and 7 of the INA169QPWRQ1 are designated NC (No Connect) and have no internal connection to die circuitry. They must not be used for signal routing, grounding, or thermal relief. TI's layout guidelines recommend leaving them floating or connecting them to GND only if required for mechanical stability - but never to active signals or supply rails. Improper use may introduce parasitic coupling or violate thermal metrics defined in the datasheet's Thermal Information table.

Does the INA169QPWRQ1 require a separate power supply for the input stage?

No - the INA169QPWRQ1 operates from a single supply applied to V+ (Pin 8), and its input stage functions correctly even when VIN+ and VIN− exceed V+. This is enabled by its high-voltage input architecture, which isolates the input common-mode path from the supply rail. The device draws only 60 μA quiescent current from V+, and the input common-mode range (2.7 V to 60 V) is fully independent of V+ as long as V+ remains within 2.7 V to 60 V. This feature is essential for high-side sensing where VIN+ connects directly to battery voltage.