Texas Instruments INA230AIRGTR

Overview

INA230AIRGTR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit I²C-output current, voltage, and power monitor IC designed for high- or low-side shunt sensing in 0V–36V bus systems. It delivers ±25µV shunt offset, 0.3% gain error (max), 330µA typical supply current, and operates from 2.7V–5.5V across –40°C to +125°C - enabling precision power telemetry in rack servers and telecom infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the INA230AIRGTR datasheet, INA230AIRGTR pinout, INA230AIRGTR application, or INA230AIRGTR equivalent, key selection considerations include its programmable averaging (1–1024 samples), dual-conversion timing control (140µs–8.2ms), alert-triggered threshold monitoring (SOL/BOL/POL), and VQFN-16 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The INA230AIRGTR integrates a 16-bit 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 and calibration register enable direct readout of current (A) and power (W) without host-side computation.

It implements configurable operating modes - continuous conversion with programmable averaging, triggered single-shot, and shutdown (0.5–2µA) - all managed via I²C/SMBus interface with 16 selectable addresses. The Alert pin supports five user-selectable over/under-limit events or Conversion Ready signaling, with open-drain output and latchable polarity control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA230AIRGTR uses a 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, 16-pin RGT (VQFN) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are validated per TI SBOS601B Rev. January 2025.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA226AIDGST and INA236AIRSAT, the INA230AIRGTR uniquely balances 36 V operation, 0.3% gain error, flexible conversion timing, and full ALERT functionality in a thermally enhanced VQFN-16 package - making it the preferred choice for mid-voltage industrial and computing power telemetry where configurability and reliability are co-prioritized.

Availability

INA230AIRGTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rack servers, wireless infrastructure, and high-performance computing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for INA230AIRGTR 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, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in precision sensing and power management ICs.

The INA230AIRGTR belongs to TI's current-sense amplifier product line, engineered specifically for digital power monitoring in datacenter, telecom, and industrial systems demanding high accuracy, I²C configurability, and robust thermal performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus voltage the INA230AIRGTR can measure?

The INA230AIRGTR supports a common-mode input range of 0 V to 36 V on its VBUS pin. This specification is absolute - applying more than 36 V risks permanent damage. The device itself is powered separately from a 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply (VS), making it safe to monitor high-voltage rails while operating from a low-voltage domain. All electrical characteristics, including offset and gain error, are guaranteed within this 0–36 V range per TI SBOS601B.

Does the INA230AIRGTR support both high-side and low-side current sensing?

Yes, the INA230AIRGTR explicitly supports both high-side and low-side shunt configurations. Its differential IN+ and IN– inputs accept common-mode voltages up to 36 V, and its internal architecture isolates the measurement path from the VS supply domain. For high-side sensing, IN+ connects to the bus side of the shunt and IN– to the load side; for low-side, IN+ connects to the load side and IN– to ground. The datasheet confirms operation across the full 0–36 V range in either topology.

How does the ALERT pin function on the INA230AIRGTR?

The ALERT pin on the INA230AIRGTR is an open-drain output that can be programmed to assert on five distinct conditions: Shunt Over-Limit (SOL), Shunt Under-Limit (SUL), Bus Over-Limit (BOL), Bus Under-Limit (BUL), or Power Over-Limit (POL). It may also signal Conversion Ready. Configuration is done via the Mask/Enable register (06h) and Alert Limit register (07h). Polarity and latching behavior are software-controllable, and the pin remains asserted until cleared by reading the Mask/Enable register or writing the Configuration register.

What is the significance of the 16 I²C addresses supported by the INA230AIRGTR?

The INA230AIRGTR provides 16 unique I²C addresses via combinations of A0 and A1 pins tied to GND, VS, SCL, or SDA. This enables up to 16 identical INA230AIRGTR devices on a single I²C bus - essential in multi-rail systems like server motherboards or modular power supplies. Each device reports independent current, voltage, and power data without address collision, eliminating the need for multiplexers or additional I²C controllers in complex power architectures.

Can the INA230AIRGTR operate with a 3.3 V supply while monitoring a 24 V bus?

Yes - the INA230AIRGTR is explicitly designed for this exact use case. Its VS pin accepts 2.7 V to 5.5 V, while its VBUS, IN+, and IN– pins tolerate 0 V to 36 V common-mode. There is no dependency between VS and VBUS; the device functions correctly with VS = 3.3 V and VBUS = 24 V simultaneously. This separation is confirmed in Section 7.3.1 of SBOS601B and enables safe, isolated monitoring of higher-voltage domains using standard logic-level microcontrollers.