Texas Instruments OPA548T-1

Overview

OPA548T-1 from Texas Instruments is a high-voltage, high-current operational amplifier designed for precision power amplification in demanding industrial and test equipment. It delivers ±3-A continuous output current, supports ±4 V to ±30 V dual supplies (or 8–60 V single supply), features adjustable current limiting (0–5 A), thermal shutdown with status reporting via E/S pin, and operates across –40°C to +85°C. It serves as the output stage driver in programmable power supplies and semiconductor test instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the OPA548T-1 datasheet, OPA548T-1 pinout, OPA548T-1 application, or OPA548T-1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10 V/µs slew rate, ±2-mV input offset voltage, 7-pin TO-220 package with copper tab for heatsinking, enable/disable control via E/S pin, and user-configurable current limit using an external resistor on ILIM.

Technical Context

The OPA548T-1 employs a PNP-input stage with negative bias currents and a thermally compensated class A/B high-current output stage to minimize crossover distortion. Its internal current-sensing architecture avoids series output resistors-instead, it uses a low-level 0–330 µA signal at the ILIM pin to set current limits from 0 A to 5 A.

The Enable/Status (E/S) pin provides dual functionality: pulling it low (< V– + 0.8 V) disables the output in 1 µs and reduces quiescent current to ±6 mA; monitoring its voltage (≈ V– + 3.5 V normal / ≈ V– + 0.35 V during thermal shutdown) indicates die temperature status. Thermal shutdown activates at ~160°C and resets at ~140°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

OPA548T-1 is housed in a 7-lead TO-220 package (KVT/KC variant) with isolated copper tab for direct heatsink mounting. The staggered lead form supports through-hole PCB assembly and high-power thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with OPA548T-1, OPA547T trades protection and control features for lower cost and power, while LM675T requires added external components to match basic OPA548T-1 capabilities-making OPA548T-1 the optimal choice for new designs needing integrated current limiting, thermal visibility, and fast output disable.

Availability

OPA548T-1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable power supplies, semiconductor test instrumentation, ultrasound transducer drivers, and high-accuracy lab instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for OPA548T-1 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 amplifiers and power management ICs.

The OPA548T-1 belongs to TI's high-voltage, high-current op-amp product line, engineered specifically for industrial test, medical imaging, and programmable power applications where robustness, configurability, and thermal intelligence are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for the OPA548T-1?

The OPA548T-1 delivers ±3 A continuously into resistive loads under recommended operating conditions (–40°C to +85°C ambient, proper heatsinking). Peak current capability reaches ±5 A for short durations. This rating assumes adequate thermal management-junction temperature must remain below 150°C per absolute maximum ratings, and thermal shutdown activates at ~160°C to prevent damage. Derating is required above +85°C case temperature.

How does the ILIM pin on the OPA548T-1 set the current limit?

The ILIM pin on the OPA548T-1 accepts a 0–330 µA control current to set output current limit from 0 A to 5 A. Connecting a resistor between ILIM and V– implements this per the equation ILIM = (15000 × 4.75) / (13750 Ω + RCL). For example, a 14.7-kΩ resistor sets ~2.5 A. Leaving ILIM open yields 0 A; tying it directly to V– yields ~5 A. This indirect sensing avoids power loss in series sense resistors.

Can the OPA548T-1 operate from a single supply, and what is the input common-mode range?

Yes, the OPA548T-1 supports single-supply operation from 8 V to 60 V. Its input common-mode range extends to (V–) – 0.2 V (i.e., 0.2 V below negative rail), enabling true ground-referenced input signals even with single-ended supplies. This feature simplifies interface with microcontrollers and DACs that reference to system ground, eliminating level-shifting circuitry in many applications.

What functions does the E/S pin provide on the OPA548T-1?

The E/S (Enable/Status) pin on the OPA548T-1 provides two independent functions: (1) Input mode - pulling it ≤ V– + 0.8 V disables the output stage in 1 µs and reduces quiescent current to ±6 mA; (2) Output mode - its voltage reports thermal status (≈ V– + 3.5 V normal, ≈ V– + 0.35 V during shutdown). Both functions can be used simultaneously in the same design without conflict.

Is the OPA548T-1 pin-compatible with other packages of the OPA548 family?

Yes, the OPA548T-1 (7-lead TO-220, KVT/KC package) shares identical pinout and electrical functionality with the OPA548KTW (7-lead DDPAK/TO-263). Both use the same VIN+, VIN–, ILIM, V–, V+, VO, and E/S pin assignments and ordering. However, thermal performance differs: TO-220 offers RθJA = 30.2°C/W with heatsink; DDPAK has identical RθJA but better board-level conduction due to exposed pad soldering.