Texas Instruments INA185A4QDCKRQ1

Overview

INA185A4QDCKRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 bidirectional current-sense amplifier optimized for automotive power monitoring. It delivers 200V/V fixed gain, ±100µV max offset at 12V common-mode, 350kHz bandwidth, and operates from 2.7V–5.5V supply across –40°C to 125°C - enabling precise shunt-based current measurement in high-side or low-side configurations of zonal controllers and ADAS domain modules.

For engineers reviewing the INA185A4QDCKRQ1 datasheet, INA185A4QDCKRQ1 pinout, INA185A4QDCKRQ1 application, or INA185A4QDCKRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 200V/V gain accuracy (±0.25% max), 26V common-mode input range independent of supply, 2V/µs slew rate, bidirectional sensing capability via REF pin biasing, and SC70-6 package compatibility with space-constrained automotive PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The INA185A4QDCKRQ1 uses a matched internal resistor network to achieve 200V/V fixed gain with ±0.25% max gain error over temperature, minimizing drift-induced measurement uncertainty. Its rail-to-rail output swings within 25mV of VS and 3.5mV of GND, supporting accurate low-current detection even with unidirectional biasing.

It supports both high-side and low-side sensing by accepting common-mode voltages from –0.2V to 26V - decoupled from its 2.7V–5.5V supply - and enables bidirectional operation through externally applied reference voltage on the REF pin, with output scaling linearly as V_OUT = GAIN × (V_IN+ – V_IN–) + V_REF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The INA185A4QDCKRQ1 is housed in a 6-pin SC70 (DCK) package measuring 2.00mm × 2.10mm, optimized for thermal performance (R_θJA = 188°C/W) and high-density automotive PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA185A4QDCKRQ1, the INA240A4QDRQ1 extends common-mode range for 48V systems but increases board area and power, while the MAX40056ATA+T reduces size at the cost of thermal robustness and slightly higher offset - making INA185A4QDCKRQ1 optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding 12V/24V automotive modules.

Availability

INA185A4QDCKRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Body Control Modules, Zonal Control Modules, and ADAS Domain Controllers requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term automotive lifecycle support.

Supply support for INA185A4QDCKRQ1 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 deep expertise in automotive-grade signal conditioning and power management ICs.

The INA185-Q1 product line delivers high-precision, AEC-Q100-qualified current-sense amplifiers targeting space-constrained, cost-sensitive automotive subsystems such as body electronics, zonal controllers, and ADAS power domains.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA185A4QDCKRQ1?

The INA185A4QDCKRQ1 supports a common-mode input voltage range of –0.2V to 26V, independent of its 2.7V–5.5V supply voltage. This allows direct connection to 12V or 24V automotive battery rails in both high-side and low-side configurations without external level-shifting circuitry. The specification is validated across the full operating temperature range of –40°C to 125°C.

Does the INA185A4QDCKRQ1 support bidirectional current sensing, and how is it configured?

Yes, the INA185A4QDCKRQ1 supports bidirectional current sensing via the REF pin. Applying a mid-supply voltage (e.g., 2.5V with 5V VS) to REF centers the output at that voltage; positive differential input produces V_OUT > V_REF, and negative differential input produces V_OUT < V_REF. This enables charge/discharge monitoring in battery-related ADAS functions. No external components are needed beyond the REF bias source.

What is the gain error specification for the INA185A4QDCKRQ1, and how does it vary with temperature?

The INA185A4QDCKRQ1 has a maximum gain error of ±0.25% over –40°C to 125°C, with gain error drift specified at 8ppm/°C. This tight tolerance is achieved via an integrated, laser-trimmed resistor network - eliminating external gain-setting resistors and their associated tolerance accumulation and thermal mismatch. The 200V/V gain is fixed and non-adjustable.

Can the INA185A4QDCKRQ1 be used in low-side current sensing applications with high accuracy?

Yes, the INA185A4QDCKRQ1 achieves ±55µV maximum offset voltage at V_CM = 0V for A2–A4 variants, making it highly suitable for low-side sensing. Its 200V/V gain and rail-to-rail output enable accurate detection of sub-10mA currents using typical 5mΩ shunts. The low offset minimizes error at low current levels, improving dynamic range and energy metering precision in BCM and zonal modules.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the INA185A4QDCKRQ1 use?

The INA185A4QDCKRQ1 uses a 6-pin SC70 (DCK) package measuring 2.00mm × 2.10mm. It features a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 188°C/W and junction-to-board (R_θJB) of 78.8°C/W. These values support reliable operation in sealed automotive enclosures when mounted on 2oz copper with thermal vias - verified per AEC-Q100 thermal stress requirements.