Texas Instruments OPA548F/500

Overview

OPA548F/500 from Texas Instruments is a high-voltage, high-current operational amplifier designed for precision power amplification in demanding analog output stages. It delivers ±3-A continuous output current, operates from ±4 V to ±30 V dual supplies (or 8 V to 60 V single supply), and features adjustable current limiting (0–5 A), thermal shutdown with status reporting, and output disable control. It is used in semiconductor test equipment, ultrasound scanner driver stages, and programmable lab power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the OPA548F/500 datasheet, OPA548F/500 pinout, OPA548F/500 application, or OPA548F/500 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified thermal shutdown behavior, ILIM pin-based current limit accuracy, E/S pin dual-function timing response (1 µs disable / 3 µs enable), and safe operation under reactive 4-Ω loads up to 22.5 W dissipation at 40°C ambient.

Technical Context

The OPA548F/500 uses a PNP input stage with negative input bias currents (–100 nA typ), enabling low-offset performance without bias current compensation when matched input resistances are used. Its high-current output stage employs temperature-compensated class A/B biasing to minimize crossover distortion across –40°C to +85°C.

Current limiting is implemented via indirect load sensing - the ILIM pin accepts a 0–330 µA control signal (not full-load current), allowing precise 0–5 A adjustment using a single resistor or DAC. The E/S pin provides bidirectional functionality: logic-level input for fast output disable (1 µs) and open-drain status output indicating thermal shutdown (voltage drops from ~3.5 V to ~0.35 V above V–).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

OPA548F/500 is packaged in a 7-lead TO-220 (KVT/KC) with copper tab for direct heatsink mounting. Body size is 10.17 mm × 8.38 mm. The tab is electrically connected to V–.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-current operational amplifier applications.

Compared with OPA548F/500, OPA547F/500 trades 0.5-A output headroom for lower power consumption and identical protection architecture, while LM675T requires external components to replicate even basic current limiting and thermal monitoring - increasing PCB area and validation effort.

Availability

OPA548F/500 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for semiconductor test equipment, ultrasound scanner driver stages, and programmable lab power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for OPA548F/500 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision amplifiers, power management, and signal chain solutions.

The OPA548F/500 belongs to TI's high-voltage, high-current operational amplifier product line, engineered for robust analog output stages in test, medical, and industrial instrumentation where reliability, protection, and programmability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current specification for the OPA548F/500?

The OPA548F/500 delivers ±3 A continuous output current into resistive loads under recommended operating conditions (–40°C to +85°C ambient, adequate heatsinking). Peak current capability is ±5 A for short durations. This rating assumes proper thermal management - junction temperature must remain below 125°C for continuous operation, with thermal shutdown activating at 160°C.

How does the ILIM pin on the OPA548F/500 set the current limit?

The ILIM pin on the OPA548F/500 accepts a 0–330 µA control current that sets the output current limit from 0 A to 5 A using the equation ILIM = (15000)(4.75) / (13750 Ω + RCL). Connecting a resistor between ILIM and V– (e.g., 14.7 kΩ for ~2.5 A) is the standard method. Unlike conventional designs, OPA548F/500 senses load current indirectly - no power resistor is needed in the output path.

Can the OPA548F/500 operate from an asymmetric power supply?

Yes, the OPA548F/500 supports asymmetric supplies - for example, +55 V and –5 V - as long as the total supply voltage (V+ to V–) stays within 8 V to 60 V. Its input common-mode range extends to (V–) – 0.1 V and (V+) – 3 V, enabling full rail-to-rail usable output swing even with unbalanced rails, which is essential in programmable power supply designs.

What happens to the E/S pin voltage when the OPA548F/500 enters thermal shutdown?

During normal operation, the E/S pin outputs ~3.5 V above V– (e.g., 3.5 V with V– = 0 V). When thermal shutdown activates (junction temperature ≥160°C), the E/S pin voltage drops to ~0.35 V above V– (e.g., 0.35 V), providing a clear, measurable fault signal. This status can be monitored by a microcontroller ADC or comparator without additional circuitry.

Is the OPA548F/500 pin-compatible with other packages in the OPA54x family?

Yes, the OPA548F/500 in the 7-lead TO-220 (KVT/KC) package shares identical pinout and function mapping with OPA547F/500 and OPA549F/500 in the same package variant. This allows direct substitution in existing layouts when upgrading or downgrading output current capability, provided thermal and electrical margins are re-verified for the specific variant.