Texas Instruments INA303A3QPWRQ1

Overview

INA303A3QPWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C) bidirectional current-sense amplifier with integrated dual window comparator, 100 V/V gain, ±30 µV max offset voltage, and 400 kHz bandwidth. It operates from 2.7–5.5 V supply, supports –0.1 V to +36 V common-mode input, and delivers <1 µs alert response on ALERT1 - used in automotive body control modules for real-time over/undercurrent fault detection in high-side motor drivers.

For engineers reviewing the INA303A3QPWRQ1 datasheet, INA303A3QPWRQ1 pinout, INA303A3QPWRQ1 application, or INA303A3QPWRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its window-comparator architecture, 0.5 µV/°C max offset drift, open-drain latched/alertable outputs, and TSSOP-14 package compatibility with space-constrained automotive PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The INA303A3QPWRQ1 implements a zero-drift chopper-stabilized amplifier core paired with two independent comparators configured as a window detector: ALERT1 triggers on overcurrent (high-threshold), ALERT2 triggers on undercurrent (low-threshold), both with user-adjustable hysteresis and independent latch control. Its input stage survives 40 V common-mode transients while maintaining accuracy across –0.1 V to +36 V.

Comparator 1 uses fixed-fast response (<1 µs), while Comparator 2 incorporates a programmable delay (2 µs–10 s) via external capacitor on DELAY pin; both outputs are open-drain with independent LATCH1/LATCH2 digital inputs enabling transparent or latched alert modes - critical for fault logging in safety-critical automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

INA303A3QPWRQ1 is housed in a 14-pin TSSOP package (4.40 mm × 5.00 mm), optimized for thermal performance (R_θJA = 110.2 °C/W) and automated assembly in automotive production.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar current-sense amplifier with window comparator applications.

Compared with INA303A2QPWRQ1 and INA302A3QPWRQ1, the INA303A3QPWRQ1 uniquely combines maximum gain (100 V/V), lowest offset (±30 µV), and true window-comparator functionality - making it optimal for high-accuracy, bidirectional fault detection where both overcurrent and undercurrent must be distinguished in a single device.

Availability

INA303A3QPWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, motor protection systems, and DC/DC converter supervision requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for INA303A3QPWRQ1 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.

INA303A3QPWRQ1 belongs to TI's INA30x-Q1 family of AEC-Q100-qualified current-sense amplifiers with integrated comparators - designed specifically for automotive fault detection in high-voltage, high-reliability systems such as electric power steering, battery management, and chassis control units.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the INA303A3QPWRQ1 in automotive systems?

The INA303A3QPWRQ1 serves as a high-precision, bidirectional current-sense amplifier with integrated window comparator for real-time overcurrent and undercurrent fault detection. In automotive systems like body control modules or motor drivers, it monitors shunt resistor voltage drops across –0.1 V to +36 V common-mode ranges and generates immediate (ALERT1) or delayed (ALERT2) fault signals - enabling hardware-level protection without software intervention. The INA303A3QPWRQ1's zero-drift architecture ensures stable performance across –40°C to +125°C.

How does the window comparator configuration of the INA303A3QPWRQ1 differ from the INA302-Q1 series?

The INA303A3QPWRQ1 configures its two comparators as a window detector: ALERT1 responds to overcurrent (upper threshold), ALERT2 responds to undercurrent (lower threshold). In contrast, the INA302-Q1 uses both comparators for overcurrent detection only - one for warning, one for shutdown. This makes the INA303A3QPWRQ1 uniquely suited for applications requiring distinction between short-circuit (overcurrent) and open-load or stalled-motor (undercurrent) faults - a capability absent in the INA302A3QPWRQ1, which shares the same 100 V/V gain and offset specs but lacks window functionality.

What is the role of the REF pin on the INA303A3QPWRQ1, and how does it enable bidirectional sensing?

The REF pin on the INA303A3QPWRQ1 sets the output voltage midpoint for bidirectional current measurement. When biased (e.g., to VS/2), positive differential input (IN+ > IN–) produces an output above REF, while negative differential input (IN+ < IN–) produces an output below REF - enabling detection of current direction and magnitude in a single-ended output. This eliminates need for dual-supply op-amps or external level-shifting. For the INA303A3QPWRQ1, REF directly determines the zero-current reference point, and its stability directly impacts bidirectional accuracy - especially critical in applications like regenerative braking or reversible pumps.

Can the ALERT2 response delay of the INA303A3QPWRQ1 be disabled or set to minimum?

Yes - the ALERT2 delay on the INA303A3QPWRQ1 can be minimized to ~2 µs by connecting a 100 kΩ resistor from the DELAY pin to VS, or fully bypassed (near-instantaneous response) by omitting the external CDELAY capacitor. The delay is programmable from 2 µs to 10 s using a capacitor on the DELAY pin, with timing governed by ID (5 µA) and VTH (1.22 V). This flexibility allows designers to tune fault persistence filtering: e.g., ignore brief inrush currents while capturing sustained undercurrent events. The INA303A3QPWRQ1's DELAY pin behavior is documented in Equation 2 of the SBOS977A datasheet.

Is the INA303A3QPWRQ1 pin-compatible with other devices in the INA30x-Q1 family?

Yes - all INA30x-Q1 variants, including INA303A3QPWRQ1, INA302A3QPWRQ1, and INA303A2QPWRQ1, share identical 14-pin TSSOP (PW) packaging and pinout. This allows drop-in substitution for gain or performance trade-offs without PCB redesign. However, functional differences exist: only INA303-Q1 variants support window-comparator operation, while INA302-Q1 variants support dual overcurrent detection. The INA303A3QPWRQ1 retains full pin compatibility but delivers the highest gain (100 V/V) and lowest offset (±30 µV) within the family.