Texas Instruments INA296A5IDR

Overview

INA296A5IDR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-precise, bidirectional current sense amplifier optimized for high-voltage DC/DC converters and 48V BMS applications. It operates over −5V to 110V common-mode range, delivers 200V/V fixed gain, achieves ±0.015% max gain error and ±8µV max input offset voltage (TA = −40°C to 125°C), and supports 1.1MHz bandwidth with 8V/µs slew rate.

For engineers reviewing the INA296A5IDR datasheet, INA296A5IDR pinout, INA296A5IDR application, or INA296A5IDR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world use cases in 48V power systems, and validated alternative options for precision current sensing at high common-mode voltages.

Technical Context

The INA296A5IDR implements a zero-drift, high-CMRR (166dB typ) architecture enabling accurate bidirectional current measurement across shunt resistors in high-side, low-side, or inline configurations. Its input bias current remains constant at 35µA (typ) up to 110V common-mode voltage - independent of VCM - unlike conventional high-voltage amplifiers.

It features dual reference inputs (REF1/REF2) that configure output mid-point voltage per Equation 1: VOUT = G × (VIN+ − VIN−) + (VREF1 + VREF2)/2. This allows flexible unidirectional or bidirectional operation without external level-shifting circuitry, while maintaining 1µs settling time to 1% and 28nV/√Hz input-referred noise at 200V/V gain.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-8 package (DDF), 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint, thermally enhanced for high-density 48V power board layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-precision, high-common-mode current sensing applications.

Compared with INA240A5DR and MAX40056ASA+, the INA296A5IDR uniquely combines ultra-low offset (±8µV), extended −5V to 110V VCM, and integrated bidirectional reference control - enabling single-chip solutions for 48V–72V BMS, AI server VRMs, and telecom RRU without external signal conditioning.

Availability

INA296A5IDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 48V DC/DC converters, 48V battery management systems, and macro remote radio units requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for INA296A5IDR 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 and high-reliability power management ICs.

The INA296x family was designed specifically for ultra-precise, high-bandwidth current sensing in next-generation 48V+ power architectures - targeting AI servers, 5G infrastructure, and electrified transportation systems where accuracy, speed, and VCM robustness are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the INA296A5IDR can withstand during normal operation?

The INA296A5IDR operates continuously over a common-mode input range of −5V to 110V. This is specified under Recommended Operating Conditions and validated across −40°C to 125°C. The device also survives transient exposure up to −20V to 120V per Absolute Maximum Ratings, but sustained operation outside −5V–110V may degrade performance or reliability. Always verify layout grounding and shunt placement for high-VCM stability in your INA296A5IDR design.

How does the REF1 and REF2 pin configuration affect bidirectional current measurement in the INA296A5IDR?

In the INA296A5IDR, connecting REF1 to VS and REF2 to GND sets the output baseline to VS/2 - enabling true bidirectional sensing where positive VSENSE drives OUT above VS/2 and negative VSENSE drives OUT below VS/2. This eliminates external level-shifting circuitry and preserves full dynamic range. The internal matched resistor network ensures <±0.01% reference divider error, directly contributing to the overall ±0.015% gain accuracy of the INA296A5IDR.

Can the INA296A5IDR be used with a 3.3V supply while sensing a 48V bus?

Yes - the INA296A5IDR's supply voltage (VS) and common-mode input range are fully independent. It operates from 2.7V to 20V supply while accurately sensing differential voltage across a shunt placed between −5V and 110V. With a 3.3V supply, the output swings from ~20mV to ~3.1V, sufficient for ADC interfacing. This decoupling is a core architectural feature of the INA296A5IDR, enabling compact, low-power 48V system monitoring without isolated supplies.

What is the typical input-referred voltage noise of the INA296A5IDR at 200V/V gain?

At 200V/V gain, the INA296A5IDR exhibits 28nV/√Hz input-referred voltage noise (typical) at 1kHz, as confirmed in Section 6.5 Electrical Characteristics and Figure 6-27 of the datasheet. This low noise floor - combined with ±8µV offset and 166dB CMRR - ensures high signal-to-noise ratio when measuring microvolt-level VSENSE signals across milliohm shunts in noisy 48V power environments, directly supporting the precision requirements of the INA296A5IDR's target applications.

Does the INA296A5IDR require external compensation capacitors for stability?

No - the INA296A5IDR is internally compensated and stable driving capacitive loads up to 1nF without external components, as specified in Section 6.5. This simplifies PCB layout in high-density 48V power modules and eliminates tuning effort. However, for optimal high-frequency rejection, TI recommends placing a 100nF ceramic bypass capacitor between VS and GND within 2mm of the INA296A5IDR pins - a practice validated in all reference designs for the INA296A5IDR.