Texas Instruments INA226AIDGST

Overview

INA226AIDGST from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-precise I²C/SMBus current, voltage, and power monitor IC for high-side or low-side shunt sensing in 0V–36V bus systems. It delivers ±10μV shunt offset, 0.1% gain error, and 330μA quiescent current in a 10-pin VSSOP package, enabling real-time power telemetry in rack servers and telecom power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the INA226AIDGST datasheet, INA226AIDGST pinout, INA226AIDGST application, or INA226AIDGST equivalent, key selection criteria include its programmable averaging (1–1024 samples), 16 I²C addresses, 140μs–8.2ms conversion time range, and integrated power calculation engine eliminating external computation.

Technical Context

The INA226AIDGST integrates a delta-sigma ADC with independent shunt and bus voltage channels, supporting simultaneous high-resolution measurement of differential shunt voltage (±81.92mV full-scale) and common-mode bus voltage (0–36V). Its internal multiplier computes current (A) and power (W) using user-loaded calibration values, with results stored in dedicated read-only registers.

It operates in three functional modes: continuous conversion (auto-averaging), triggered single-shot, and power-down (0.5–2μA). The Alert pin supports five configurable limit functions-SOL, SUL, BOL, BUL, POL-with latchable open-drain output, and can also signal Conversion Ready status via the Mask/Enable Register.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA226AIDGST is housed in a 10-pin DGS (VSSOP) package measuring 3.00 mm × 4.90 mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in high-density server and telecom modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar current/voltage/power monitoring applications.

Compared with INA226AIDGST, INA229AIDGST offers higher precision but demands firmware adaptation, while MAX4008AUB+ reduces cost and size at the expense of accuracy, integration, and alert functionality-making INA226AIDGST the optimal balance for industrial-grade power telemetry.

Availability

INA226AIDGST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rack servers, wireless infrastructure base stations, and high-performance computing power delivery systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for INA226AIDGST 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 chain solutions.

The INA226 product line was engineered specifically for digital power monitoring in high-reliability, high-density systems-delivering calibrated current, voltage, and power data over I²C without external computation.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus voltage the INA226AIDGST can safely measure?

The INA226AIDGST supports a bus voltage input range of 0 V to 36 V. While the internal ADC scaling accommodates up to 40.96 V full-scale, the absolute maximum rating for VBUS is 40 V, and TI explicitly warns against applying more than 36 V to avoid overstress. This makes the INA226AIDGST suitable for 12 V, 24 V, and 36 V industrial and telecom rails, but not for 48 V systems without external attenuation.

Does the INA226AIDGST require external calibration for accurate current measurement?

No-the INA226AIDGST performs fully calibrated current measurement in hardware using its Calibration Register value. Users load a single 16-bit calibration constant based on shunt resistance and desired current units (e.g., 1 A/LSB), after which the device outputs current directly in amperes. The INA226AIDGST achieves ±0.1% gain error and ±10 μV offset without trimming, eliminating field calibration steps in production.

How does the Alert pin function in the INA226AIDGST, and what events can it signal?

The Alert pin on the INA226AIDGST is an open-drain output that signals one of five programmable conditions: Shunt Voltage Over-Limit (SOL), Shunt Voltage Under-Limit (SUL), Bus Voltage Over-Limit (BOL), Bus Voltage Under-Limit (BUL), or Power Over-Limit (POL). It can also indicate Conversion Ready status. The Mask/Enable Register selects the active function and polarity; only one alert condition is active at a time, with priority given to the highest-bit-enabled function.

Can the INA226AIDGST operate with a 3.3 V supply while monitoring a 36 V bus?

Yes-the INA226AIDGST features true supply-voltage independence: its VS pin accepts 2.7 V to 5.5 V, while its IN+, IN−, and VBUS pins tolerate common-mode voltages from 0 V to 36 V regardless of VS level. This allows direct interfacing with 3.3 V microcontrollers while monitoring 36 V industrial buses-no level shifters or isolated supplies are needed, simplifying system architecture and reducing bill-of-materials cost.

What is the minimum shunt resistance usable with the INA226AIDGST for 10 A current measurement?

For 10 A full-scale current, the INA226AIDGST requires a shunt yielding ≤81.92 mV drop (its shunt voltage full-scale range). Using Ohm's Law, R_shunt = 81.92 mV / 10 A = 8.192 mΩ. A standard 8.2 mΩ shunt delivers 82 mV at 10 A-within specification-and maintains ±0.1% gain error and ±10 μV offset performance. Lower resistances increase noise susceptibility; TI recommends ≥1 mΩ for optimal SNR in most applications.