Texas Instruments PGA204AUE4

Overview

PGA204AUE4 from Texas Instruments (formerly Burr-Brown) is a digitally programmable instrumentation amplifier with four precision gain settings (1, 10, 100, and 1000 V/V), laser-trimmed input offset voltage ≤50 µV, and ±40 V input over-voltage protection. It operates from ±4.5 V to ±18 V supplies, delivers 115 dB CMRR at G=1000, and is used in high-accuracy data acquisition systems where sensor signal conditioning requires stable, switchable gain without external logic supply.

For engineers reviewing the PGA204AUE4 datasheet, PGA204AUE4 pinout, PGA204AUE4 application, or PGA204AUE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include gain-switching speed (settling time ≤1000 µs at G=1000), input bias current ≤2 nA, output swing within 1.3 V of rails, low 0.4 µV_P-P (0.1–10 Hz) noise, and compatibility with TTL/CMOS address lines A0/A1 for direct microcontroller interface.

Technical Context

The PGA204AUE4 integrates three op-amps (A1, A2, A3) in an instrumentation topology with digitally selected thin-film resistor networks for gain setting. Its input stage features over-voltage protection diodes and laser-trimmed matched transistors enabling <0.25 µV/°C offset drift and 10¹⁰ Ω || 6 pF input impedance.

Gain selection is performed via two unbuffered TTL/CMOS-compatible digital inputs (A0, A1) that directly control internal feedback switches - no latching or external clock required. The device uses a dedicated digital ground (pin 14) to isolate analog and digital return paths, and its output reference (Ref, pin 10) must be connected to a low-impedance node to maintain CMRR performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOL-16 surface-mount package (SOIC-DW, 16-pin), body size 10.3 mm × 7.5 mm, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish, MSL Level-3 (260°C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with INA128UA and AD8253ARMZ, the PGA204AUE4 uniquely combines ±40 V input tolerance, G=1000 capability, and simple 2-wire parallel digital control - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, field-deployable DAQ systems needing robustness and wide dynamic range.

Availability

PGA204AUE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data acquisition systems, medical instrumentation, and industrial process control requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for PGA204AUE4 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 acquired Burr-Brown in 2000 and maintains its precision analog portfolio, emphasizing high-accuracy signal conditioning ICs for industrial, medical, and test equipment markets.

The PGA204AUE4 belongs to TI's programmable-gain instrumentation amplifier product line, designed specifically for applications demanding configurable gain, low drift, and rugged input protection without external logic supplies.

FAQ

What gain options does the PGA204AUE4 support?

The PGA204AUE4 supports four discrete, digitally selectable gain settings: 1 V/V, 10 V/V, 100 V/V, and 1000 V/V. These are selected using the A0 and A1 address inputs per the truth table in the datasheet. No intermediate or interpolated gains are available - each setting corresponds to a dedicated internal thin-film resistor network trimmed for accuracy and stability. The PGA204AUE4 does not support continuous gain adjustment or analog programming.

Does the PGA204AUE4 require a separate logic supply voltage?

No, the PGA204AUE4 does not require a separate logic supply. Its A0 and A1 digital inputs are TTL/CMOS-compatible and operate directly from the analog power rails (V+ and V−). A logic "1" is defined as any voltage >2 V above digital ground (pin 14), and digital ground may be connected to V− or system ground - eliminating the need for an additional 5 V or 3.3 V rail. This simplifies power architecture in battery-operated or isolated systems.

How is input over-voltage protection implemented in the PGA204AUE4?

The PGA204AUE4 incorporates internal diode-based over-voltage protection on both V+IN and V−IN pins, allowing safe operation with input voltages up to ±40 V relative to V−, even when power supplies are absent. During overload, internal current limiting restricts input current to ~1.5 mA, preventing damage. This protection is intrinsic to the die design - no external components are needed for basic surge immunity, unlike discrete op-amp solutions requiring external clamps and series resistors.

Can the PGA204AUE4 be used with single-supply operation?

No, the PGA204AUE4 is specified only for dual-supply operation (±4.5 V to ±18 V). It lacks rail-to-rail input or output stages and requires symmetric or asymmetric bipolar supplies to bias its internal amplifier stages correctly. Attempting single-supply use (e.g., 0 V and +15 V) will result in input common-mode range violation, output saturation, and failure to meet datasheet specifications such as CMRR and offset voltage. For single-supply applications, consider TI's PGA309 or ADI's AD825x families.

What is the purpose of the Ref (pin 10) and Feedback (pin 12) terminals on the PGA204AUE4?

Pin 10 (Ref) sets the output reference voltage - typically grounded to establish a 0 V output baseline, but can be biased to shift output DC level. A low-impedance connection (<5 Ω) is mandatory to preserve CMRR. Pin 12 (Feedback) is an internal node that must be connected directly to pin 11 (VO); this completes the output amplifier's feedback loop and ensures proper closed-loop stability and gain accuracy. Leaving pin 12 unconnected or routing it externally degrades performance and may cause oscillation.