Texas Instruments INA196AIDBVR

Overview

INA196AIDBVR from Texas Instruments is a precision current shunt monitor IC designed for bidirectional high-side and low-side current sensing across shunt resistors in systems with wide common-mode voltage ranges. It delivers 20 V/V fixed gain, −16 V to +80 V input common-mode range, ±2.2% total output error over temperature, 500 kHz bandwidth, and operates from a single 2.7 V to 18 V supply - enabling accurate real-time current monitoring in battery management and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the INA196AIDBVR datasheet, INA196AIDBVR pinout, INA196AIDBVR application, or INA196AIDBVR equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, SOT-23 package mapping, confirmed pin roles, design-meaning specifications, and two validated alternative parts for current-sense amplifier selection in automotive, telecom, and embedded power systems.

Technical Context

The INA196AIDBVR implements a patented dual-amplifier front-end architecture that enables operation across −16 V to +80 V common-mode voltages while powered by a single low-voltage rail. Its internal current-conversion topology eliminates reliance on precision resistor matching for common-mode rejection, achieving ≥94 dB CMR at 25°C and ≥100 dB over temperature.

This device uses a dedicated output buffer with 1.5 Ω impedance and supports up to 10 nF capacitive load without oscillation. Its 500 kHz small-signal bandwidth and 1 V/μs slew rate support fast current control loops in switching regulators and motor drivers, while its 900 μA max quiescent current enables use in always-on monitoring circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 (DBV) package, 5-pin, body size 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm, surface-mount, lead-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA196AIDBVR, INA240A1IDR offers superior accuracy and higher CMR but requires more board area and power; MAX4080TASA+ delivers 12× lower IQ but sacrifices negative common-mode capability and bandwidth - making INA196AIDBVR optimal for space-constrained, wide-range, medium-speed industrial sensing.

Availability

INA196AIDBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery management, telecom 48 V power distribution, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and SOT-23 footprint compatibility.

Supply support for INA196AIDBVR 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 INA19x family was engineered specifically for high-accuracy, wide common-mode current sensing in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where reliability and parametric stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the common-mode voltage range supported by the INA196AIDBVR?

The INA196AIDBVR supports a common-mode input voltage range of −16 V to +80 V, independent of its supply voltage (2.7 V to 18 V). This allows direct sensing on negative-rail systems like automotive cold-crank (−12 V) and high-voltage DC buses (e.g., 48 V telecom). The specification is guaranteed across the full −40°C to +125°C operating temperature range, and the device maintains ≥100 dB common-mode rejection ratio over this span.

Does the INA196AIDBVR require external gain-setting resistors?

No, the INA196AIDBVR features a factory-trimmed fixed gain of 20 V/V and requires no external resistors for scaling. Its internal laser-trimmed resistor network ensures ±1% gain error at 25°C and ±2% over temperature, eliminating layout sensitivity and calibration overhead. This contrasts with programmable current-sense amplifiers that rely on external feedback networks vulnerable to parasitic capacitance and tolerance stacking.

Can the INA196AIDBVR be used for bidirectional current sensing?

Yes, the INA196AIDBVR supports true bidirectional current sensing because its −16 V to +80 V common-mode range includes negative voltages. When current flows in reverse (e.g., battery regenerative braking), VIN+ drops below VIN−, producing a negative VSENSE that results in an output voltage below the mid-supply point - provided the output stage is biased appropriately. Its output swings to GND + 50 mV, enabling detection of near-zero and reverse currents with appropriate ADC reference setup.

What is the maximum capacitive load the INA196AIDBVR can drive without instability?

The INA196AIDBVR is characterized to remain stable with up to 10 nF of capacitive load on its output pin (OUT), per the Electrical Characteristics table. Driving larger loads (e.g., long PCB traces or unbuffered ADC inputs) may cause peaking or oscillation. For loads exceeding 10 nF, TI recommends adding a small series resistor (e.g., 10–50 Ω) between OUT and the capacitive node to isolate the amplifier output stage and preserve phase margin.

How does the INA196AIDBVR handle low differential input voltages (VSENSE < 20 mV)?

At VSENSE < 20 mV, the INA196AIDBVR exhibits degraded accuracy depending on common-mode voltage. In the region 0 V ≤ VCM ≤ V+, output deviation increases significantly due to reduced loop gain from dual-amplifier transition; typical output error exceeds ±5%. For reliable sub-20 mV sensing, operation should be restricted to VCM ≥ V+ or VCM ≤ −16 V, where output remains within 300 mV of expected value and recovers linearly above 20 mV.