Texas Instruments INA186A1QDCKRQ1

Overview

INA186A1QDCKRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive current-sense amplifier optimized for bidirectional, high-precision monitoring of microamp-to-amp currents in 12-V battery systems. It delivers 25 V/V fixed gain, ±50 µV max offset voltage, and 120 dB minimum CMRR across –0.2 V to +40 V common-mode range while operating from 1.7–5.5 V supply and drawing only 48 µA typical quiescent current.

For engineers reviewing the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 datasheet, INA186A1QDCKRQ1 pinout, INA186A1QDCKRQ1 application, or INA186A1QDCKRQ1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its picoamp input bias current (500 pA typ), ENABLE functionality for ultra-low-power shutdown (10 nA typ), REF pin for bidirectional sensing, SC70-6 package compatibility with space-constrained automotive modules, and functional safety documentation support.

Technical Context

The INA186A1QDCKRQ1 employs a capacitively coupled front-end architecture to achieve high common-mode rejection (120 dB min) independent of supply voltage, enabling accurate sensing at bus voltages up to 40 V-even when VS is as low as 1.7 V. Its zero-drift topology ensures stable offset performance (±50 µV max, 0.5 µV/°C drift) over –40°C to +125°C.

This device supports both high-side and low-side configurations via differential IN+ and IN– inputs, with bidirectional capability enabled by external REF voltage biasing (available in SC70 and DDF packages). The ENABLE pin (present only in DDF) allows power-gating; the SC70-6 (DCK) variant lacks ENABLE but retains REF for bidirectional operation and operates with 48 µA IQ.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA186A1QDCKRQ1 is housed in a 6-pin SC70 (DCK) package measuring 2.00 mm × 1.25 mm, suitable for compact automotive PCB layouts. The package includes REF for bidirectional sensing but omits ENABLE (which is exclusive to the 8-pin DDF variant).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA240A1QDRQ1 and MAX40010FAUT+T, the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, picoamp input bias, REF-enabled bidirectionality, and ultra-low 48 µA quiescent current in SC70-making it optimal for always-on, space-constrained automotive current monitoring where precision and power efficiency are co-prioritized.

Availability

INA186A1QDCKRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for body control modules, telematics units, emergency call systems, and 12-V battery management systems requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA186A1QDCKRQ1 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for automotive, industrial, and personal electronics markets.

The INA186-Q1 product line was designed specifically for high-accuracy, low-power current sensing in automotive 12-V battery-connected systems-including BCM, BMS, and infotainment power domains-where picoamp bias, wide common-mode range, and AEC-Q100 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 can withstand?

The INA186A1QDCKRQ1 supports a continuous common-mode input range of –0.2 V to +40 V and is rated for survivability up to 42 V per absolute maximum ratings. This makes it suitable for direct connection to automotive 12-V battery rails, including exposure to load-dump transients defined in ISO 7637-2. The SC70-6 package (DCK) maintains this full 42-V rating without derating.

Does the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 support bidirectional current sensing?

Yes, the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 supports bidirectional current sensing because it includes the REF pin in its SC70-6 (DCK) package. Applying a bias voltage (e.g., V_S/2) to REF centers the output voltage, allowing positive differential inputs (IN+ > IN−) to produce outputs above REF and negative inputs to produce outputs below REF-enabling detection of both charge and discharge currents in BMS applications.

What is the gain error specification for the INA186A1QDCKRQ1?

The INA186A1QDCKRQ1 has a maximum gain error of ±1% across temperature (–40°C to +125°C) and supply voltage (1.7 V to 5.5 V). This specification applies to the A1 variant (25 V/V gain) and is guaranteed in production testing. Gain error drift is limited to 10 ppm/°C, ensuring stable scaling over automotive operating conditions without recalibration.

How does the low input bias current of the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 benefit system design?

The INA186A1QDCKRQ1's 500 pA typical input bias current enables accurate measurement of very low currents (down to ~1 µA with a 1-kΩ shunt) and permits use of larger sense resistors without introducing significant error. It also allows RC input filtering without degrading accuracy-critical for rejecting high-frequency noise in electrically noisy automotive environments like engine bays or infotainment power supplies.

Is the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 pin-compatible with other variants in the INA186-Q1 family?

No-the INA186A1QDCKRQ1 (SC70-6) is not pin-compatible with the SOT-23-5 (DBV) or SOT-23-8 (DDF) variants due to differing pin counts and functions. The DBV lacks REF and ENABLE; the DDF adds ENABLE but uses different pin assignments. Only the SC70-6 and DDF packages share the REF pin; however, DDF includes ENABLE (pin 2) and NC (pin 6), which are absent in DCK. PCB layout must be specific to DCK.