Texas Instruments INA186A2IDDFR

Overview

INA186A2IDDFR from Texas Instruments is a bidirectional, zero-drift current-sense amplifier with 50 V/V fixed gain, −0.2 V to +40 V common-mode input range, ±50 µV max offset voltage, and 48 µA typical quiescent current. It enables precision microamp-level current measurement in battery-powered consumer electronics requiring low-power, high-accuracy sensing across wide voltage rails.

For engineers reviewing the INA186A2IDDFR datasheet, INA186A2IDDFR pinout, INA186A2IDDFR application, or INA186A2IDDFR equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, SOT-23-THIN (DDF) package details, bidirectional sensing implementation guidance, and validated alternative options for portable power monitoring designs.

Technical Context

The INA186A2IDDFR uses a capacitively coupled front-end architecture to achieve 120 dB minimum CMRR and reject DC common-mode shifts up to ±40 V independent of its 1.7–5.5 V supply. Its zero-drift core ensures 0.5 µV/°C max offset drift and ±1% max gain error over −40°C to +125°C.

With an ENABLE pin (pin 2), the device enters ultra-low-power shutdown (<100 nA IQ) while placing OUT in high-impedance state. The REF pin (pin 3) supports true bidirectional sensing by offsetting the output baseline-enabling detection of current flow direction in both high-side and low-side configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-THIN (DDF) 8-pin package: 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional. Thermal resistance R_θJA = 137.2°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA219BIDR and MAX4008AASA+, the INA186A2IDDFR uniquely combines analog voltage output, true bidirectional sensing via REF, ENABLE-driven ultra-low-power operation, and 40 V common-mode range in a space-constrained SOT-23-THIN package-making it optimal for portable, battery-critical, and high-voltage analog feedback systems.

Availability

INA186A2IDDFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone battery monitoring, server PSU current protection, and notebook PC power management requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA186A2IDDFR 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The INA186 product line is designed specifically for precision, low-power current sensing in space-constrained, battery-sensitive applications-emphasizing zero-drift accuracy, wide common-mode operation, and enable-controlled energy efficiency.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA186A2IDDFR can handle?

The INA186A2IDDFR supports a common-mode input voltage range of −0.2 V to +40 V, independent of its 1.7–5.5 V supply voltage. This allows direct high-side sensing on 36-V bus rails without external level-shifting circuitry. The specification is guaranteed across the full −40°C to +125°C operating temperature range and applies to both IN+ and IN− pins referenced to GND.

Does the INA186A2IDDFR support bidirectional current sensing, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the INA186A2IDDFR supports bidirectional current sensing using its dedicated REF pin (pin 3). By applying a mid-supply reference voltage-such as 0.9 V on a 1.8-V system-the output voltage centers at that value: positive differential inputs raise V_OUT above REF, negative inputs lower it below REF. This enables single-supply detection of charge and discharge currents in battery applications without polarity-reversal circuitry.

What is the purpose of the ENABLE pin on the INA186A2IDDFR, and what happens when it is grounded?

The ENABLE pin (pin 2) controls power state: driven to VS for normal operation, grounded to enter shutdown mode. When grounded, the INA186A2IDDFR reduces quiescent current to <100 nA and places the OUT pin in high-impedance state-preventing loading of downstream circuits. This feature is essential for duty-cycled current monitoring in battery-powered devices where average power must remain sub-µW.

Can the INA186A2IDDFR be used with a 1.8-V supply, and what is its output swing capability at that voltage?

Yes, the INA186A2IDDFR operates down to 1.7 V and is fully specified at 1.8 V. At this supply, its output swings from GND+1 mV to VS−40 mV-delivering 1.759 V of linear range. This rail-to-rail performance preserves >97% of full-scale dynamic range, enabling high-resolution current measurement even in ultra-low-voltage domains like modern smartphone SoC I/O rails.

How does the zero-drift architecture of the INA186A2IDDFR improve measurement accuracy over temperature?

Zero-drift architecture in the INA186A2IDDFR limits offset voltage drift to 0.5 µV/°C maximum, ensuring minimal calibration drift across −40°C to +125°C. For example, over a 100°C span, total offset shift remains under 50 µV-well within the ±50 µV max initial offset spec. This stability maintains consistent accuracy in thermally variable environments such as baseband units and laptop VRMs without periodic recalibration.