Texas Instruments INA185A4IDCKR

Overview

INA185A4IDCKR from Texas Instruments is a bidirectional, high-precision current sense amplifier optimized for space-constrained, cost-sensitive applications. It delivers 200 V/V fixed gain, ±100 µV maximum offset at 12 V common-mode voltage, 350-kHz bandwidth, and operates from 2.7–5.5 V supply across –40°C to +125°C - enabling accurate low-side and high-side motor current monitoring in compact power stages.

For engineers reviewing the INA185A4IDCKR datasheet, INA185A4IDCKR pinout, INA185A4IDCKR application, or INA185A4IDCKR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated SOT-563 pin functions, confirmed bidirectional sensing behavior, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The INA185A4IDCKR uses a precision matched-resistor gain network to achieve 200 V/V fixed gain with ±0.25% max gain error over temperature, eliminating external gain-setting components and minimizing drift. Its proprietary topology supports common-mode input voltages from –0.2 V to +26 V independent of the 2.7–5.5 V supply rail.

It implements true bidirectional sensing via REF pin biasing, delivering rail-to-rail output swing (within 25 mV of VS and 3.5 mV of GND), 2 V/µs slew rate, and 40 nV/√Hz input-referred noise - making it suitable for fast transient detection in motor control and battery protection circuits without requiring external op-amps or level-shifting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-563 (DRL) package: ultra-small 1.6 mm × 1.6 mm × 0.55 mm footprint with 6-pin configuration; 39% smaller than SC70, ideal for dense PCB layouts in motor drivers and portable power modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA240A4QDR and MAX40056ATA+T, the INA185A4IDCKR uniquely balances ultra-small SOT-563 size, true bidirectional operation via REF pin, and sub-300-µA IQ - making it optimal for compact, battery-aware, dual-direction current sensing where 26-V CM suffices.

Availability

INA185A4IDCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, battery monitoring, and solar inverter applications requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for INA185A4IDCKR 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 amplifiers and power management ICs.

The INA185 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained current sensing in motor drives, battery systems, and renewable energy - delivering integrated gain, wide CM range, and ultra-low power in miniature packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA185A4IDCKR?

The INA185A4IDCKR 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 high-side sensing on 24-V industrial buses without level-shifting circuitry. The specification is validated across –40°C to +125°C and applies specifically to the A4 gain variant per TI SBOS378A datasheet Section 5.3.

How does the REF pin enable bidirectional current sensing in the INA185A4IDCKR?

The REF pin sets the output's zero-current baseline voltage. When biased to mid-supply (e.g., 2.5 V on 5-V rail), positive differential inputs raise OUT above REF, while negative inputs lower OUT below REF - enabling detection of both charge and discharge currents. This behavior is intrinsic to the INA185A4IDCKR's architecture and confirmed in Section 6.4.3 of the official datasheet.

What is the bandwidth of the INA185A4IDCKR, and how does it differ from other INA185 variants?

The INA185A4IDCKR has a small-signal bandwidth of 105 kHz, as specified for the 200-V/V gain option (A4). This is lower than the A1 variant (350 kHz) due to gain-bandwidth trade-off - a direct consequence of its internal fixed-resistor network. Bandwidth values are measured with 10-pF load and documented in Table 5-5 of the SBOS378A datasheet.

Can the INA185A4IDCKR be used in low-side current sensing with high accuracy?

Yes - the INA185A4IDCKR achieves ±100 µV maximum offset at 12 V common-mode voltage, enabling accurate low-side sensing down to ~50-mV shunt drops. Its 0.5 µV/°C offset drift and 200-V/V gain minimize error sources, making it suitable for precision battery discharge monitoring where shunt power loss must be minimized.

What package type is used for the INA185A4IDCKR, and what are its mechanical dimensions?

The INA185A4IDCKR uses the SOT-563 (DRL) package: 1.6 mm × 1.6 mm × 0.55 mm body size with 6 pins. Its 2.56-mm² total footprint (including pins) is 39% smaller than SC70, as confirmed in TI's Package Information table and Mechanical Drawing SLMS200. This package is distinct from the SC70 (DCK) variant and is explicitly assigned to INA185A4IDCKR in TI's orderable part matrix.