Texas Instruments INA204AIDR

Overview

INA204AIDR from Texas Instruments is a unidirectional current-shunt monitor IC with 50 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 at 20 V/V (300 kHz at 50 V/V), and targets overcurrent protection in telecom power supplies and battery chargers.

For engineers reviewing the INA204AIDR datasheet, INA204AIDR pinout, INA204AIDR application, or INA204AIDR equivalent, key selection factors include its 50 V/V fixed gain accuracy (±2% over temperature), dual-comparator timing behavior (1.3-μs typical response, programmable CMP2 delay via external capacitor), 1.2-V REFOUT stability (±12 mV, 40–100 ppm/°C drift), and SOIC-14 package compatibility with high-side shunt monitoring up to 80 V.

Technical Context

The INA204AIDR integrates a precision current-sense amplifier, two independent open-drain comparators, and a buffered 1.2-V reference - all on a single die. 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 temperature.

Comparator 1 includes internal latch with active-low reset (CMP1 RESET), while Comparator 2 supports user-defined delay (0.5 s with 0.1 μF) via the CMP2 DELAY pin. Both comparators use internal 0.6-V references, overrideable on 14-pin packages like INA204AIDR via pins 3 and 6.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA204AIDR is housed in a 14-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 8.65 mm × 3.91 mm, with standard 1.27-mm pitch and gull-wing leads. Thermal resistance is R_θJA = 84.9°C/W, suitable for moderate-power PCB layouts without forced air.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA205AIDR and INA203AIDR, the INA204AIDR strikes a balance between sensitivity (50×), speed (300 kHz), and dynamic range - making it optimal for 20–100 mV shunt applications requiring robust fault signaling without sacrificing response time.

Availability

INA204AIDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power supplies, battery chargers, and automotive DC-DC converters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for INA204AIDR 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 INA20x family was designed specifically for unidirectional current sensing in high-common-mode industrial and automotive power systems, integrating amplifier, dual comparators, and references to simplify overcurrent protection design.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA204AIDR can measure?

The INA204AIDR supports a common-mode input voltage range of –16 V to +80 V. This allows direct high-side shunt monitoring in 48-V telecom systems and industrial 60-V buses without level-shifting circuitry. The specification is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (–40°C to +125°C) and applies to both VIN+ and VIN− pins simultaneously.

Does the INA204AIDR require external components to operate its comparators?

The INA204AIDR includes internal 0.6-V references for both comparators and a 1.2-V REFOUT pin, so no external references are required. However, CMP2 DELAY requires an external capacitor (e.g., 0.1 μF for 0.5 s delay), and open-drain comparator outputs (CMP1 OUT, CMP2 OUT) need pull-up resistors (typically 4.7 kΩ to VS). No external op-amps or filters are needed for basic operation.

How does the latching function of CMP1 work in the INA204AIDR?

In the INA204AIDR, Comparator 1 output latches high upon threshold crossing and remains asserted until the active-low CMP1 RESET pin is pulsed low. If CMP1 RESET is left floating or tied high, the comparator operates transparently. This latching behavior enables persistent fault flagging in systems where immediate MCU intervention isn't possible - a key feature for safety-critical overcurrent detection.

Can the 1.2-V reference output of the INA204AIDR drive external circuitry?

Yes, the 1.2-V REFOUT pin on the INA204AIDR can source or sink up to 1 mA while maintaining ±12 mV accuracy and low drift (40–100 ppm/°C). It is specified for capacitive loads up to 10 nF and is commonly used to bias external comparators, set ADC reference levels, or calibrate sensor front-ends - reducing bill-of-materials in multi-channel monitoring systems.

What is the bandwidth limitation of the INA204AIDR at 50 V/V gain?

The INA204AIDR has a typical small-signal bandwidth of 300 kHz at 50 V/V gain (measured with 5-pF load). This is lower than the 500 kHz available at 20 V/V (INA203) due to gain-bandwidth trade-off. For applications requiring both high gain and high speed - such as fast-switching SMPS protection - designers must verify stability with actual layout parasitics and load capacitance.