Texas Instruments INA170EA/250G4

Overview

INA170EA/250G4 from Texas Instruments is a high-side, bidirectional current shunt monitor IC in MSOP-8 package, supporting common-mode voltages up to +60V and supply voltages from +2.7V to +40V, with resistor-programmable gain (1–100×), 75µA typical quiescent current, and ±0.5% total output error at 100mV input - used for precision battery charge/discharge monitoring in automotive power systems.

For engineers reviewing the INA170EA/250G4 datasheet, INA170EA/250G4 pinout, INA170EA/250G4 application, or INA170EA/250G4 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases in portable power and battery management, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional differences.

Technical Context

The INA170EA/250G4 implements a transconductance architecture with 1mA/V nominal transconductance, enabling current-output conversion of differential shunt voltage (VIN+ – VIN−) independent of supply and common-mode voltage. Its offsetting circuit uses external ROS and VREF to shift output current zero point, supporting true bipolar current measurement with single-supply operation.

Input bias current is only 10nA at VIN+ and VIN−, minimizing shunt measurement error; common-mode rejection exceeds 100dB across 0.1Hz–10kHz, and bandwidth reaches 400kHz with 10kΩ load - optimized for fast transient response in switched-mode power supplies and battery protection circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA170EA/250G4 is housed in an MSOP-8 (DGK) package, 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm profile, with exposed thermal pad (non-electrical), RoHS-compliant NIPDAUAG finish, and MSL Level-2 moisture sensitivity rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA170EA/250G4, INA219BIDR trades analog flexibility and ultra-low quiescent current for integrated digital functionality, while MAX4080TASA+ sacrifices programmable offset and gain for higher common-mode tolerance and simpler implementation - choice depends on whether system requires analog configurability, lowest power, or highest voltage margin.

Availability

INA170EA/250G4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery management, portable device power monitoring, and industrial SMPS current feedback requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for INA170EA/250G4 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The INA170 product line was designed specifically for high-accuracy, high-common-mode, bidirectional current sensing in space-constrained and power-sensitive applications - targeting automotive subsystems, battery-powered instrumentation, and industrial power supplies.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA170EA/250G4 can measure?

The INA170EA/250G4 supports a common-mode input voltage range of +2.7V to +60V, independent of its supply voltage (which may be as low as +2.7V). This allows it to accurately sense current on high-voltage rails such as 48V automotive batteries or industrial DC buses while powered from a lower-voltage microcontroller supply. The absolute maximum rating extends to +75V for transient survival, but specified operation remains within +60V.

How does the INA170EA/250G4 achieve bidirectional current measurement?

The INA170EA/250G4 achieves bidirectional current measurement by using an external resistor (ROS) and reference voltage (VREF) to inject a programmable offset current into its output stage. When shunt current flows in one direction, the output current increases above the offset; when reversed, it decreases below the offset - enabling a single-supply system to distinguish charge vs. discharge. This architecture avoids dual supplies or complex level-shifting required by conventional amplifiers.

What is the role of the NC pin (Pin 7) on the INA170EA/250G4?

Pin 7 of the INA170EA/250G4 is designated NC (No Connection) and is internally unconnected. It must remain electrically floating - no trace, pull-up, pull-down, or capacitor should be attached. Connecting Pin 7 risks internal leakage paths or ESD vulnerability, potentially degrading common-mode rejection or causing parametric drift. TI's layout guidelines explicitly require this pin to be left open on PCBs.

Can the INA170EA/250G4 operate with a 3.3V supply while measuring a 24V common-mode voltage?

Yes, the INA170EA/250G4 can operate with a 3.3V supply while measuring a 24V common-mode voltage. Its input common-mode and supply voltage domains are fully independent: the VIN+ and VIN− pins accept +2.7V to +60V regardless of V+, and the internal circuitry functions correctly as long as V+ is within +2.7V to +40V. This decoupling is fundamental to its high-side sensing capability and is verified across the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range.

What load resistor (RL) value should be used to achieve 10× gain with the INA170EA/250G4?

To achieve 10× gain (i.e., 10mV input → 100mV output), use RL = 10kΩ, as confirmed in TI's SBOS193D datasheet Table "VOLTAGE GAIN" - where "EXACT RL (Ω)" lists 10kΩ for gain = 10. The nearest 1% standard value is also 10kΩ, ensuring no gain error from resistor tolerance. At this RL, bandwidth remains ≥400kHz and output compliance supports typical 3.3V or 5V ADC interfaces without clipping.