Texas Instruments INA241A4QDDFRQ1

Overview

INA241A4QDDFRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to 125°C) ultra-precise bidirectional current sense amplifier with 100V/V gain, −5V to 110V common-mode input range, ±10µV max offset voltage, and 1.1MHz bandwidth-designed for high-side motor current monitoring in electric power steering systems.

For engineers reviewing the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 datasheet, INA241A4QDDFRQ1 pinout, INA241A4QDDFRQ1 application, or INA241A4QDDFRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include PWM rejection up to 125kHz, 166dB DC CMRR, bidirectional sensing capability, and SOT-23-8 package compatibility with space-constrained automotive control modules.

Technical Context

The INA241A4QDDFRQ1 employs a zero-drift, high-common-mode topology enabling operation beyond its 2.7V–20V supply rails-supporting both high-side and low-side shunt configurations. Its enhanced PWM rejection circuitry suppresses output disturbance during fast ΔV/Δt transients by holding output for 1µs after each edge, then relying on 104dB AC-CMRR at 100kHz for residual attenuation.

It delivers 8V/µs slew rate and 1µs settling time to 1%, ensuring accurate capture of transient overcurrent events in switching motor drives. The dual reference inputs (REF1/REF2) allow flexible output level shifting across the full supply range, supporting bidirectional current measurement with single-supply operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-8 package (DDF), 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint, optimized for high-density automotive PCB layouts with thermal pad exposure.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA240A4QDDFRQ1 and MAX40056ATA+T, the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 166dB DC CMRR, and active PWM rejection-making it the only option qualified for real-time torque control in EPS and eTurbo where transient immunity directly impacts ASIL-B compliance.

Availability

INA241A4QDDFRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering, eTurbo control, and regenerative braking systems requiring stable component supply, long-term automotive lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant traceability.

Supply support for INA241A4QDDFRQ1 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 deep expertise in automotive-grade signal conditioning and power management ICs.

The INA241x-Q1 product line was designed specifically for high-precision, high-reliability current sensing in next-generation electrified vehicle subsystems-including EPS, 48V mild hybrids, and onboard chargers-where PWM noise immunity and extended common-mode range are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 can withstand during normal operation?

The INA241A4QDDFRQ1 operates over a common-mode input range of −5V to 110V under recommended conditions. Its survival rating extends to −20V to 120V, allowing it to endure automotive transients like load dump without damage. This enables direct high-side placement on 48V or 60V bus systems without external protection circuitry-critical for compact EPS module designs where board space is constrained and reliability is paramount. The INA241A4QDDFRQ1 maintains specification compliance across this full range.

How does the enhanced PWM rejection feature of the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 improve system performance in motor control applications?

The INA241A4QDDFRQ1's enhanced PWM rejection suppresses output disturbance from fast common-mode transients (up to 125kHz) by combining a 1µs output hold function with 104dB AC-CMRR at 100kHz. In electric power steering systems, this eliminates false overcurrent triggers caused by gate-driver switching noise-reducing software filtering overhead and enabling deterministic 1µs response to actual faults. Unlike standard amplifiers requiring RC filters that degrade bandwidth, the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 delivers clean, delay-free current data directly to the MCU ADC.

Can the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 be used for bidirectional current sensing, and how is it configured?

Yes, the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 supports true bidirectional current sensing using its dual reference inputs (REF1 and REF2). To configure for bidirectional operation, tie REF1 to VS and REF2 to GND-or vice versa-to establish a zero-centered output (e.g., 2.5V at zero current for a 5V supply). This allows positive current to produce output above the center point and negative current below it, enabling regenerative braking detection and motor direction monitoring in starter/generator systems without external level-shifting circuitry. The INA241A4QDDFRQ1 maintains ±10µV offset accuracy across the full temperature range.

What package type and thermal characteristics apply to the INA241A4QDDFRQ1?

INA241A4QDDFRQ1 is supplied in the DDF (SOT-23-8) package, measuring 2.9mm × 2.8mm with exposed thermal pad. Its junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) is 129.7°C/W, and junction-to-board (RθJB) is 52.6°C/W-enabling reliable operation at 125°C ambient when mounted on 2oz copper with thermal vias. The small footprint supports high-density placement near motor gate drivers, while the thermal design allows continuous 2.5mA quiescent current dissipation without derating in confined EPS module enclosures.

Does the INA241A4QDDFRQ1 require external components for stable operation, and what are the minimum requirements?

The INA241A4QDDFRQ1 requires only two external components for basic operation: a 0.1µF ceramic decoupling capacitor between VS and GND (placed ≤2mm from pins 6 and 2), and a 100nF capacitor from REF1 to REF2 if using differential reference configuration. No external gain-setting resistors or compensation networks are needed-the 100V/V gain is internal and factory-trimmed. Layout guidelines specify short, matched traces for IN+ and IN−, and grounding the NC pin (pin 4) to minimize EMI susceptibility. These minimal requirements reduce BOM count and layout complexity in space-constrained automotive modules.