Texas Instruments PGA204AP

Overview

PGA204AP from Burr-Brown (now Texas Instruments) is a digitally programmable-gain instrumentation amplifier with four precision gain settings (1, 10, 100, and 1000 V/V), ±50 µV max input offset voltage, and 16-pin plastic DIP package rated for –40°C to +85°C operation. It serves as the front-end signal conditioner in high-accuracy data acquisition systems where sensor-level signals require scalable amplification before ADC conversion.

For engineers reviewing the PGA204AP datasheet, PGA204AP pinout, PGA204AP application, or PGA204AP equivalent, key selection considerations include its laser-trimmed offset drift (0.25 µV/°C), ±40 V input overvoltage protection, CMRR up to 115 dB at G=1000, and TTL/CMOS-compatible digital gain control via A0/A1 pins without requiring a separate logic supply.

Technical Context

The PGA204AP integrates three internal op-amps (A1, A2, A3) in a classic three-op-amp instrumentation topology with digitally switched 25 kΩ feedback resistor networks. Gain selection is implemented through TTL/CMOS-compatible address inputs A0 and A1, directly controlling internal analog switches-no latching or timing overhead is required.

Its input stage features overvoltage protection on both inputs (±40 V absolute max), high common-mode rejection (≥110 dB at G ≥ 100), and ultra-low input bias current (≤2 nA). The output stage provides rail-to-rail compatible swing (±1.3 V from rails at ±15 V supplies) and supports load capacitance up to 1000 pF without instability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PGA204AP is housed in a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP, package number 180), through-hole mountable with 0.3-inch body width and standard 0.1-inch pin pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar programmable-gain instrumentation amplifier applications.

Compared with INA128P and AD8253ARZ, the PGA204AP uniquely balances TTL/CMOS direct-drive simplicity, proven industrial reliability in PDIP packaging, and laser-trimmed DC precision-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-speed instrumentation where digital gain agility matters more than ultra-low power or SPI integration.

Availability

PGA204AP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data acquisition, medical sensor front-ends, test equipment, and automated calibration systems requiring stable component supply with long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for PGA204AP 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

Burr-Brown Corporation, acquired by Texas Instruments in 2000, specialized in high-precision analog signal conditioning ICs for measurement and control applications.

The PGA204AP belongs to Burr-Brown's programmable-gain instrumentation amplifier product line, designed specifically for applications demanding scalable gain, low drift, and robust input protection in harsh industrial environments.

FAQ

What gain settings does the PGA204AP support, and how are they selected?

The PGA204AP supports four precise gain settings: 1, 10, 100, and 1000 V/V. These are selected using two TTL/CMOS-compatible digital inputs, A0 and A1 (pins 15 and 16), with no external logic supply required. The PGA204AP interprets logic levels relative to its digital ground (pin 14), which may be tied to V– or any point between V– and (V+ – 4 V). Gain changes take effect immediately upon input transition, with settling time dependent on selected gain (e.g., 1000 µs to 0.01% at G=1000).

Does the PGA204AP require external components for basic operation?

Yes - the PGA204AP requires external 1 µF decoupling capacitors on both V+ (pin 13) and V– (pin 8) supply pins, and the Feedback (pin 12) must be connected directly to VO (pin 11). The Ref (pin 10) terminal must be tied to a low-impedance ground or reference node to maintain CMRR; a series resistance >5 Ω degrades CMRR to ~80 dB. Optional input offset trimming uses external potentiometers on pins 6 and 7, but the PGA204AP is fully functional without them due to laser trimming.

What is the maximum safe input voltage for the PGA204AP, and how does overvoltage protection work?

The PGA204AP withstands up to ±40 V on either input (V+IN or V–IN) independently-even with no power applied-thanks to integrated overvoltage protection circuitry. This protection limits input current to ~1.5 mA during overload, preventing damage. The PGA204AP continues normal operation within its specified common-mode range (±12.7 V at VO = 0 V), and the protection activates only beyond that. Input bias current remains ≤2 nA within safe operating conditions, preserving high-impedance signal integrity.

Can the PGA204AP operate from a single supply?

No - the PGA204AP is a dual-supply instrumentation amplifier requiring symmetric or asymmetric bipolar supplies (±4.5 V to ±18 V). Its input common-mode range and output swing are referenced to the midpoint between V+ and V–, and it lacks rail-to-rail input or output architecture. For single-supply applications, consider alternatives such as the AD8237 or INA333, which are explicitly designed for 2.7–5.5 V operation with input voltage ranges extending to the negative rail.

Is the PGA204AP still in production, and what is its temperature rating?

Yes - the PGA204AP remains an active, in-production part per Texas Instruments' official packaging addendum (as of November 2025), offered in 16-pin PDIP (N) packaging with tube packaging (25 units/tube). It is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, with extended operating range up to +125°C. The device carries RoHS-compliant finish and is qualified for industrial applications with MSL rating N/A (non-moisture-sensitive for through-hole packages).