Texas Instruments INA170EA/2K5

Overview

INA170EA/2K5 from Texas Instruments is a high-side, bidirectional current shunt monitor IC in MSOP-8 (DGK) package, featuring 2.7V–40V supply range, 2.7V–60V supply-independent common-mode input range, 1000 µA/V transconductance, ±0.2 mV offset voltage (RTI), and 75 µA typical quiescent current - used for precision battery charger and power management current sensing.

For engineers reviewing the INA170EA/2K5 datasheet, INA170EA/2K5 pinout, INA170EA/2K5 application, or INA170EA/2K5 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, application-specific implementation value, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The INA170EA/2K5 implements a current-output architecture where differential shunt voltage (VIN+ – VIN–) is converted to output current IO = gm × (VIN+ – VIN–), with gm = 1000 µA/V (±1%). Its offsetting circuit uses external ROS and VREF to inject programmable bias current, enabling true bipolar measurement with single-supply operation.

Input common-mode voltage (up to +60V) operates independently of V+ (as low as +2.7V), allowing high-side monitoring in systems where supply rail and load rail differ significantly. The device maintains <±0.5% total output error across –40°C to +85°C and supports gain programming from 1× to >100× via RL selection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA170EA/2K5 is housed in an 8-pin MSOP (VSSOP-DGK) package, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm height, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level-2-260°C-1 year.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA219AIDR and MAX4080TASA+, the INA170EA/2K5 uniquely combines resistor-programmable bidirectional offset, 60V common-mode, and 75µA IQ in analog current-output form - making it optimal for low-power, high-accuracy analog-signal-chain designs where gain and zero-point tuning are essential.

Availability

INA170EA/2K5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery charger monitoring, automotive body control modules, and industrial power supply current sensing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for INA170EA/2K5 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 expertise in precision signal conditioning and power management ICs.

The INA170 series belongs to TI's high-precision current sensing portfolio, designed specifically for high-side, bidirectional shunt monitoring in automotive, industrial, and portable power systems where supply independence and low IQ are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA170EA/2K5 can measure?

The INA170EA/2K5 supports a common-mode input voltage range of +2.7V to +60V, independent of its V+ supply voltage (which may be as low as +2.7V). This allows the INA170EA/2K5 to accurately monitor current on high-voltage buses - such as 48V telecom or 60V automotive load-dump conditions - while powered from a lower-voltage auxiliary rail. Absolute maximum rating is +75V, but specified operation is guaranteed only up to +60V.

How does the INA170EA/2K5 achieve bidirectional current measurement?

The INA170EA/2K5 achieves bidirectional measurement by injecting a programmable offset current through the ROS pin using an external reference voltage (VREF). This shifts the output current baseline, allowing positive and negative shunt voltage differentials (relative to zero) to produce output currents above and below the offset point. For example, with VREF = 2.5V and ROS = 20kΩ, the INA170EA/2K5 outputs 125µA at zero shunt voltage - enabling ±10A measurement with 250µA full-scale swing.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 7) on the INA170EA/2K5?

Pin 7 of the INA170EA/2K5 is designated NC (No Connection) and is internally unconnected. It must remain electrically floating - no trace, solder, or grounding is permitted. Violating this risks parasitic coupling or internal stress that could degrade performance or reliability. The MSOP-8 DGK package uses this pin position solely for mechanical symmetry and thermal balance, not electrical function.

Can the INA170EA/2K5 operate with a 3.3V supply while measuring a 24V common-mode voltage?

Yes - the INA170EA/2K5 is explicitly designed for supply-independent common-mode operation. With V+ = 3.3V, it fully supports VIN+ and VIN– inputs ranging from +2.7V to +60V. The internal circuitry isolates input stage biasing from the supply rail, ensuring accurate transconductance and offset behavior regardless of the gap between V+ and common-mode voltage. This capability is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Common-Mode Input Range" and "Supply Voltage" specifications for INA170EA/2K5.

What load resistor (RL) value should be used to achieve a gain of 50 V/V with the INA170EA/2K5?

To achieve 50 V/V gain, select RL = 50 kΩ, as the INA170EA/2K5's transconductance is 1000 µA/V - so V_OUT = I_O × R_L = (1000 µA/V × V_SENSE) × R_L. Thus, Gain = 1000 µA/V × R_L = 0.001 × R_L (with R_L in ohms). For 50 V/V, R_L = 50,000 Ω. The datasheet recommends the nearest 1% standard value: 49.9 kΩ. Using this RL ensures minimal gain error while maintaining 400 kHz bandwidth and <±0.5% total output error at full scale.