Texas Instruments INA250A3QPWRQ1

Overview

INA250A3QPWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive-qualified, bidirectional precision current sense amplifier with integrated 2-mΩ shunt resistor, 800 mV/A gain, ±15 A continuous current capability at –40°C to +85°C, and 106–114 dB CMRR over –40°C to +125°C. It enables high-accuracy battery current monitoring in electric powertrain control modules.

For engineers reviewing the INA250A3QPWRQ1 datasheet, INA250A3QPWRQ1 pinout, INA250A3QPWRQ1 application, or INA250A3QPWRQ1 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, TSSOP-16 package layout guidance, functional safety documentation support, and validated alternative options for automotive BMS and motor control designs.

Technical Context

The INA250A3QPWRQ1 integrates a Kelvin-connected 2-mΩ shunt with matched zero-drift amplifier topology, enabling system-calibrated current sensing where shunt tolerance (0.1% max) and amplifier gain error combine into ≤0.3% total system gain error. Its 36-V common-mode range (–0.1 V to 36 V) supports direct measurement across high-side or low-side power rails independent of supply voltage.

It operates from 2.7 V to 36 V supply, draws ≤300 µA quiescent current, and delivers 35 kHz bandwidth with 0.2 V/µs slew rate. The REF pin allows configurable unidirectional (ground-referenced) or bidirectional (externally biased) output, supporting both battery charge/discharge and motor phase current sensing in a single device.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Packaged in a 16-pin TSSOP (PW), 5.00 mm × 6.40 mm, with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Designed for surface-mount assembly and thermal conduction via PCB copper pour.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA250A3QPWRQ1, INA240A3QDRQ1 trades integrated calibration for layout flexibility, while MAX40056ATA+T sacrifices automotive qualification and supply voltage range for lower unit cost-neither offers the same combination of AEC-Q100 Grade 1, integrated 0.1% shunt, and 36-V common-mode operation.

Availability

INA250A3QPWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery management systems, engine control units, body control modules, and suspension systems requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for INA250A3QPWRQ1 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 development and AEC-Q100 validation expertise.

The INA250-Q1 product line was designed specifically for high-accuracy, system-calibrated current sensing in automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics-replacing discrete shunt + op-amp solutions with guaranteed performance over temperature and lifetime.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current rating for INA250A3QPWRQ1 at +125°C ambient?

The INA250A3QPWRQ1 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 limit ensures junction temperature remains ≤150°C with standard 1-oz copper PCB layout and no forced airflow. For full 15 A operation across –40°C to +125°C, use 2-oz copper planes and airflow cooling. The INA250A3QPWRQ1 internal shunt and package resistance (4.5 mΩ) define thermal limits-not the amplifier circuitry.

Can INA250A3QPWRQ1 be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller ADC without level shifting?

Yes-when configured for unidirectional sensing (REF = GND), the INA250A3QPWRQ1 outputs 0–8 V for ±10 A input at 800 mV/A gain. To interface with a 3.3 V ADC, use a resistive divider (e.g., 4.7 kΩ + 2.2 kΩ) on the OUT pin, ensuring output swing stays within 0.025–3.275 V. The device's 1.5 Ω output impedance and 1 nF capacitive load limit support stable operation with such dividers. Avoid connecting OUT directly to 3.3 V logic-always condition with passive scaling or buffer.

Does the integrated shunt in INA250A3QPWRQ1 support standalone use as a precision resistor?

No-the integrated shunt in INA250A3QPWRQ1 is not intended for standalone use. When used without the internal amplifier, its tolerance degrades to ~5% due to uncalibrated package resistance and thermal coupling effects. The 0.1% tolerance and 10 ppm/°C tempco are only guaranteed when used with the onboard amplifier in system-calibrated mode. TI explicitly states in Section 6.5 that the shunt "is intended to be used with the internal amplifier" and warns against standalone use in the Electrical Characteristics footnote (7).

How does the REF pin affect bidirectional current measurement in INA250A3QPWRQ1?

The REF pin sets the zero-current output voltage: V_OUT = (I_LOAD × 0.8 V/A) + V_REF. For bidirectional operation, apply a mid-supply reference (e.g., 2.5 V) to enable symmetric positive/negative output swing. With V_REF = 2.5 V and VS = 5 V, INA250A3QPWRQ1 delivers 0.5–4.5 V output for ±6.25 A-fully utilizing the ADC range. Ensure REF is driven by a low-impedance source (<1 kΩ) or buffered; resistive dividers require op-amp buffering to maintain CMRR.

Is INA250A3QPWRQ1 compatible with PCB layouts using 2-layer boards?

Yes-INA250A3QPWRQ1 functions reliably on 2-layer boards when following TI's layout guidelines: use ≥10 mm² exposed copper pour under the device for thermal dissipation, place 0.1 µF bypass capacitor <2 mm from VS pin, route IN+/IN– and VIN+/VIN– as matched-length differential pairs, and avoid routing noisy traces (e.g., PWM, switching nodes) near sensitive analog pins. Derate current to ±10 A at +85°C ambient on 2-layer boards versus ±15 A on 4-layer with internal ground planes.