Texas Instruments INA250A1QPWRQ1

Overview

INA250A1QPWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive-qualified, bidirectional precision current sense amplifier with integrated 2-mΩ shunt resistor, 200 mV/A gain, ±15 A continuous current capability at –40°C to +85°C, and 94–102 dB common-mode rejection across –40°C to +125°C - used for high-accuracy battery current monitoring in electric powertrain control units.

For engineers reviewing the INA250A1QPWRQ1 datasheet, INA250A1QPWRQ1 pinout, INA250A1QPWRQ1 application, or INA250A1QPWRQ1 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world automotive use cases, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application differences.

Technical Context

The INA250A1QPWRQ1 integrates a Kelvin-connected 2-mΩ shunt resistor matched to a zero-drift, 36-V common-mode amplifier, enabling system-calibrated current measurement without external calibration. Its 200 mV/A gain provides 2 V full-scale output at 10 A, with gain error ≤0.3% (max) over –40°C to +125°C.

It operates from 2.7 V to 36 V supply, draws ≤300 µA quiescent current, supports bidirectional sensing via REF pin biasing, and features 50 kHz bandwidth with 0.2 V/µs slew rate - optimized for fast transient response in DC/DC converter feedback loops and BMS cell balancing circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 package (5.00 mm × 6.40 mm), thermally enhanced for high-current operation; includes three GND pins (6, 8, 11) for low-impedance return path and Kelvin-shunt terminals (SH+, SH–) for accurate force-sense connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA250A1QPWRQ1, INA240A1QDRQ1 demands external precision layout and calibration, while MAX40056ATA+T trades accuracy and current rating for extended voltage range - making INA250A1QPWRQ1 optimal for compact, calibrated 12 V/48 V automotive current sensing where space and calibration effort are constrained.

Availability

INA250A1QPWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for body control modules, battery management systems, and engine control units requiring stable component supply with automotive-grade traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for INA250A1QPWRQ1 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 automotive IC design expertise and AEC-Q100 qualification infrastructure.

The INA250-Q1 product line delivers integrated current sensing solutions for automotive electrification - designed specifically to replace discrete shunt + amplifier designs in battery, powertrain, and chassis control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current rating for INA250A1QPWRQ1 at +125°C ambient?

The INA250A1QPWRQ1 supports ±10 A continuous current at +125°C ambient temperature, derated from ±15 A at +85°C per Figure 7-1 in the datasheet. This rating assumes standard PCB layout with 1-oz copper and no forced airflow. The device's thermal resistance (θ_JA = 104.4°C/W) and internal shunt power dissipation limit safe operation at elevated temperatures.

Can INA250A1QPWRQ1 be used for bidirectional current sensing, and how is it configured?

Yes, INA250A1QPWRQ1 supports bidirectional current sensing by applying a mid-supply reference voltage (e.g., 2.5 V) to the REF pin. The output follows V_OUT = (I_LOAD × 200 mV/A) + V_REF, so positive currents increase output above V_REF and negative currents decrease it. This eliminates need for external level-shifting circuitry in regenerative braking or battery charge/discharge monitoring.

Is the integrated shunt resistor in INA250A1QPWRQ1 usable as a standalone component?

No - the integrated 2-mΩ shunt resistor in INA250A1QPWRQ1 is not intended for standalone use. It is factory-matched to the amplifier for ≤0.3% system gain error. Using it without the onboard amplifier yields ~5% tolerance. The device is system-calibrated only when SH+, SH–, VIN+, and VIN– are connected per the recommended Kelvin configuration.

What is the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) specification for INA250A1QPWRQ1 across temperature?

The INA250A1QPWRQ1 has a guaranteed CMRR of 94 dB minimum and 102 dB typical across –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature. This performance is measured with VIN+ swept from 0 V to 36 V and ensures robust rejection of battery rail noise in automotive environments, especially critical in 12 V start-stop and 48 V mild-hybrid systems.

Does INA250A1QPWRQ1 require external filtering, and where is the optimal location?

External filtering is recommended at the VIN+ and VIN– inputs (not OUT) to preserve the device's low-output-impedance advantage. Figure 7-4 in the datasheet shows RC filters (R_S, C_F) placed between SH+ and VIN+, and SH– and VIN–. This configuration attenuates high-frequency noise before amplification while maintaining signal integrity and stability.