Texas Instruments INA208AIPW

Overview

INA208AIPW from Texas Instruments is a unidirectional current-shunt monitor IC with 100 V/V gain, dual open-drain comparators (one latching, one with user-programmable delay), and integrated 1.2-V reference output. It operates from 2.7 V to 18 V, supports common-mode input voltages from –16 V to 80 V, and delivers 500-kHz bandwidth for real-time shunt current sensing in high-side or low-side configurations. It is used in server power supply monitoring, battery protection circuits, and telecom DC-DC converter overcurrent detection.

For engineers reviewing the INA208AIPW datasheet, INA208AIPW pinout, INA208AIPW application, or INA208AIPW equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100 V/V fixed gain accuracy (±2.2% total output error over temperature), ±3.5 mV RTI offset voltage, 1.2-V reference stability (±12 mV over –40°C to 125°C), and SO-14/TSSOP-14 package compatibility with PCB-level current-sense layout constraints.

Technical Context

The INA208AIPW integrates a precision current-sense amplifier with two independent comparators sharing internal 0.6-V references - both overrideable via pins 3 and 6 on 14-pin packages. Comparator 1 features latch-and-reset functionality controlled by the active-low CMP1 RESET pin, while Comparator 2 implements a programmable delay using an external capacitor on the CMP2 DELAY pin (t_D = 5 × C_DELAY in µF).

Its current-sense path uses a high-common-mode architecture with 100 dB CMRR at 12 V ≤ V_CM ≤ 80 V and 80 dB minimum across –16 V to 80 V. The 1.2-V reference output (pin 12) is available only on SO-14 and TSSOP-14 variants and supports ≤1 mA load with 40–100 ppm/°C drift and 0.4 mV/mA load regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA208AIPW is packaged in a 14-pin SOIC (SO-14) or TSSOP-14 with body size 8.65 mm × 3.91 mm (SOIC) or 5.00 mm × 4.40 mm (TSSOP). Both variants share identical pin functions and thermal metrics (R_θJA = 84.9°C/W for SOIC, 112.6°C/W for TSSOP).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA207AIPW and MAX4005ASA+, the INA208AIPW provides highest gain for low-shunt-voltage resolution, built-in latching and delay logic for autonomous fault handling, and dual reference outputs - making it optimal for space-constrained, self-contained overcurrent protection designs.

Availability

INA208AIPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power management, industrial battery protection, and telecom DC-DC converter applications requiring stable component supply, extended temperature support (–40°C to 125°C), and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for INA208AIPW 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The INA20x family was designed specifically for unidirectional current sensing in high-common-mode, high-reliability power systems - integrating amplification, comparison, and reference functions into a single package to simplify overcurrent protection design.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage supported by the INA208AIPW?

The INA208AIPW supports a common-mode input voltage range of –16 V to 80 V. This allows direct high-side current sensing in 48-V telecom systems and negative-rail industrial supplies without external 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.

How does the programmable delay on Comparator 2 work in the INA208AIPW?

The INA208AIPW implements Comparator 2 delay using an external capacitor connected to pin 9 (CMP2 DELAY). The delay time is calculated as t_D = 5 × C_DELAY, where C_DELAY is in µF. For example, a 0.1-µF capacitor yields a 0.5-s delay. This delay applies to both rising and falling edges of CMP2 OUT and is implemented via internal current sources charging the capacitor to a 0.6-V threshold.

Can the 1.2-V reference output of the INA208AIPW drive external circuitry?

Yes, the 1.2-V reference output (pin 12) on the INA208AIPW can source or sink up to 1 mA while maintaining ±12 mV accuracy over –40°C to 125°C. Its load regulation is 0.4 mV/mA (typical), and drift is limited to 40–100 ppm/°C. It is intended for biasing external comparators, ADC references, or sensor excitation - but not for powering loads exceeding 1 mA.

What is the function of the CMP1 RESET pin on the INA208AIPW?

The CMP1 RESET pin (pin 8) is an active-low input that clears the latched state of Comparator 1 output (CMP1 OUT). When pulled low, it resets the latch and forces CMP1 OUT high (open-drain, so pulled up externally). Leaving this pin open or grounded enables automatic reset at power-up once the supply reaches 1.5 V. It must be driven low for ≥1.5 µs to ensure reliable reset.

Does the INA208AIPW support bidirectional current sensing?

No, the INA208AIPW is strictly a unidirectional current-shunt monitor. It measures current flow in one direction only - from VIN+ to VIN− - and outputs a positive voltage proportional to the shunt voltage drop. Bidirectional sensing requires devices like the INA226 or INA240, which provide separate positive/negative output ranges or differential digital interfaces.