Texas Instruments INA181A2IDCKR

Overview

INA181A2IDCKR from Texas Instruments is a single-channel, bidirectional current-sense amplifier optimized for high-accuracy, low-power current monitoring in both high-side and low-side configurations. It features 50 V/V fixed gain, –0.2 V to +26 V input common-mode range, ±500 µV max offset at 12 V VCM, 210 kHz bandwidth, and 2 V/µs slew rate-enabling precise motor control and battery monitoring in 2.7–5.5 V systems.

For engineers reviewing the INA181A2IDCKR datasheet, INA181A2IDCKR pinout, INA181A2IDCKR application, or INA181A2IDCKR equivalent, key selection criteria include its rail-to-rail output swing (within 5 mV of GND and 30 mV of VS), matched resistor gain network minimizing drift, and SC70-6 package suitability for space-constrained power management PCBs.

Technical Context

The INA181A2IDCKR employs a precision current-sense topology with integrated 50 V/V gain resistors, enabling accurate measurement of differential voltages across shunt resistors while rejecting common-mode signals up to 26 V-fully independent of its 2.7–5.5 V supply. Its internal architecture supports bidirectional sensing via REF pin biasing and maintains linearity over –40°C to +125°C.

It delivers 210 kHz small-signal bandwidth and 2 V/µs large-signal slew rate, making it suitable for fast transient detection in motor phase current feedback and overcurrent protection circuits. Input bias current remains below 75 µA across the full common-mode range, ensuring minimal error in high-impedance sense networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The INA181A2IDCKR is housed in a 6-pin SC70 package (2.00 mm × 2.10 mm), optimized for compact, thermally efficient layouts in high-density power modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar current-sense amplifier applications.

Compared with INA240A2IDR and MAX40056ATA+T, the INA181A2IDCKR uniquely balances 26-V common-mode capability, 210 kHz bandwidth, and 260 µA quiescent current-making it the optimal choice for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 24-V embedded systems needing reliable bidirectional sensing without over-spec'ing performance.

Availability

INA181A2IDCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, battery monitoring, and solar inverter applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for INA181A2IDCKR 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 expertise in precision signal conditioning and power management ICs.

The INA181 family was designed specifically for cost-optimized, high-accuracy bidirectional current sensing in industrial, automotive, and renewable energy systems-emphasizing integration, thermal robustness, and wide common-mode operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA181A2IDCKR?

The INA181A2IDCKR supports a common-mode input voltage range of –0.2 V to +26 V, independent of its 2.7–5.5 V supply voltage. This allows direct connection to 24-V bus rails in high-side configurations without external level-shifting circuitry. The specification is validated across the full –40°C to +125°C operating temperature range per SBOS793H datasheet Section 6.3.

Does the INA181A2IDCKR require external gain-setting resistors?

No, the INA181A2IDCKR integrates a precision-matched 50 V/V resistor gain network internally-eliminating external components, reducing board area, and minimizing temperature-induced gain drift. This fixed-gain architecture is confirmed in Section 3 (Description) and Table 4-1 of the SBOS793H datasheet, which explicitly lists INA181A2 as the 50 V/V variant.

How does the REF pin enable bidirectional current sensing in the INA181A2IDCKR?

The REF pin sets the output voltage midpoint for bidirectional operation: with VREF = VS/2, a positive shunt voltage produces OUT > VREF (indicating forward current), while a negative shunt voltage produces OUT < VREF (indicating reverse current). This is defined in Equation 1 (Section 7.3.2) and verified in Figure 7-4's low/high-side schematics in the SBOS793H datasheet.

What is the typical output swing capability of the INA181A2IDCKR?

The INA181A2IDCKR provides rail-to-rail output swing: within 5 mV of GND and 30 mV of VS under load (RL = 10 kΩ), as specified in Section 6.5 "Voltage Output" of SBOS793H. This enables full utilization of 12-bit ADC reference ranges and minimizes quantization error in precision current measurement systems.

Is the INA181A2IDCKR compatible with SC70-6 PCB footprints used for other TI current-sense amplifiers?

Yes-the INA181A2IDCKR uses the standard SC70-6 package (DCK) with 0.65-mm pitch and 2.00 mm × 2.10 mm body dimensions, matching TI's footprint guidelines in Section 11 of SBOS793H. Pinout alignment (IN+, IN−, OUT, REF, GND, VS) is identical across all INA181 variants in SC70, enabling drop-in replacement within the same gain grade.