Texas Instruments INA203AIPWR

Overview

INA203AIPWR from Texas Instruments is a unidirectional current-shunt monitor IC with 20 V/V gain, dual open-drain comparators (CMP1 latched, CMP2 delay-programmable), and integrated 1.2-V reference output. It operates from 2.7 V to 18 V, supports –16 V to 80 V common-mode input range, delivers 500-kHz bandwidth, and targets precision overcurrent protection in high-side power rails of telecom and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the INA203AIPWR datasheet, INA203AIPWR pinout, INA203AIPWR application, or INA203AIPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 20× gain accuracy (±2% over temperature), latch/reset control for fault persistence, user-adjustable CMP2 delay via external capacitor, and SOIC-14 package compatibility with high-voltage shunt sensing layouts.

Technical Context

The INA203AIPWR integrates a precision current-sense amplifier with two independent comparators sharing internal 0.6-V references-both overrideable on pins 3 and 6 in the 14-pin SOIC package. Its current-sense path features 80 dB minimum CMRR across –16 V to 80 V common-mode range and ±2.5 mV max offset voltage over –40°C to 125°C.

Comparator 1 provides latched output with active-low reset (CMP1 RESET), while Comparator 2 offers programmable delay (via CMP2 DELAY pin) and 1.3 μs typical response time. The 1.2-V REF OUT pin supplies a stable reference with ±12 mV tolerance and 40–100 ppm/°C drift, usable for external threshold setting or ADC reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA203AIPWR is housed in a 14-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 8.65 mm × 3.91 mm, with standard 1.27-mm pitch and exposed pad not present. Thermal resistance R_θJA is 84.9°C/W, supporting operation up to 125°C ambient with minimal heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA204AIPWR and INA205AIPWR, the INA203AIPWR provides optimal balance of bandwidth (500 kHz), gain stability (±2% over temp), and shunt voltage headroom (100 mV full-scale), making it preferred for general-purpose 48-V and 12-V power rail monitoring where speed and accuracy are both critical.

Availability

INA203AIPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power supplies, industrial motor drives, notebook battery chargers, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for INA203AIPWR 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 INA203AIPWR belongs to TI's current-shunt monitor product line, designed specifically for high-accuracy, high-common-mode-voltage current sensing in power-conversion and protection systems across industrial, telecom, and automotive markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA203AIPWR can handle?

The INA203AIPWR supports a common-mode input voltage range of –16 V to 80 V on its VIN+ and VIN− pins. This allows direct high-side shunt sensing in systems with negative supply rails (e.g., –12 V bias) or positive high-voltage rails (e.g., 48 V telecom), eliminating the need for isolation or level-shifting circuitry. The specification is guaranteed across the full –40°C to 125°C operating temperature range.

Does the INA203AIPWR require external components to operate its comparators?

Yes - the INA203AIPWR comparators require external pull-up resistors on CMP1 OUT and CMP2 OUT (typically 4.7 kΩ to VS), and CMP2 DELAY needs an external timing capacitor to enable programmable delay. The internal 0.6-V references are functional by default, but pins 3 and 6 allow external override if custom thresholds are needed. No external op-amps or filters are required for basic operation.

Can the INA203AIPWR be used for bidirectional current sensing?

No - the INA203AIPWR is explicitly a unidirectional current-shunt monitor. Its architecture and internal reference topology are optimized for sensing current flow in one direction only (from VIN+ to VIN−). For bidirectional applications, TI recommends the INA226 or INA240 families, which feature true zero-input-voltage capability and symmetric output swing.

What is the purpose of the 1.2-V REF OUT pin on the INA203AIPWR?

The 1.2-V REF OUT pin provides a precision, low-drift voltage reference usable for external circuitry - such as setting comparator thresholds, biasing sensor interfaces, or serving as an ADC reference. It delivers 1.2 V ±12 mV over temperature, with 40–100 ppm/°C drift and supports up to 1 mA load. This eliminates the need for a separate reference IC in many designs.

How does the latch function of CMP1 work in the INA203AIPWR?

CMP1 in the INA203AIPWR asserts a low output when its threshold is exceeded and holds that state (latches) until the active-low CMP1 RESET pin is pulled low for ≥1.5 μs. If CMP1 RESET is left open or grounded, the comparator operates in transparent mode. This latch behavior ensures fault events are captured even if the microcontroller is busy or reset, making INA203AIPWR ideal for safety-critical overcurrent detection.