Texas Instruments PGA204BU/1K

Overview

PGA204BU/1K from Texas Instruments (formerly Burr-Brown) is a digitally programmable gain instrumentation amplifier (PGIA) with four discrete gain settings (1, 10, 100, 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 and is used in precision data acquisition systems requiring high common-mode rejection (115 dB at G=1000) and low drift (0.25 µV/°C).

For engineers reviewing the PGA204BU/1K datasheet, PGA204BU/1K pinout, PGA204BU/1K application, or PGA204BU/1K equivalent, key selection criteria include gain-switching settling time (1000 µs at G=1000), SOIC-16 surface-mount package compatibility, input bias current ≤2 nA, and operation across –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

The PGA204BU/1K integrates three op-amp stages (A1/A2 input differential pair, A3 output difference amplifier) with digitally selected thin-film resistor networks for gain control. Gain is set via TTL/CMOS-compatible A0 and A1 address inputs without requiring a separate logic supply.

Its architecture includes internal over-voltage protection on both inputs, laser-trimmed offset and drift, and feedback connection (Pin 12 → Pin 11) enabling remote-sense accuracy. Input impedance exceeds 10¹⁰ Ω || 6 pF, and common-mode rejection is gain-dependent-reaching 115 dB at G=1000 with ∆R_S=1 kΩ.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOL-16 (SOIC-16) surface-mount package per TI package code DW; 10.3 mm × 7.5 mm footprint, 1.75 mm height, lead pitch 1.27 mm, RoHS-compliant NiPdAu finish, MSL Level-3.

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, PGA204BU/1K provides direct TTL/CMOS parallel gain control without serial protocol overhead or external gain-setting components - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, microcontroller-based DAQ where deterministic, low-latency gain switching is required.

Availability

PGA204BU/1K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data acquisition systems, medical instrumentation, general-purpose analog boards, and industrial process monitoring requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and SOIC-16 surface-mount compatibility.

Supply support for PGA204BU/1K 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 chain components for industrial, medical, and test & measurement markets.

The PGA204BU/1K belongs to TI's legacy programmable gain instrumentation amplifier family, designed specifically for DC-coupled, low-frequency precision applications demanding laser-trimmed offset, robust input protection, and simplified digital gain control.

FAQ

What gain settings does the PGA204BU/1K support, and how are they selected?

The PGA204BU/1K supports four discrete gain settings: 1, 10, 100, and 1000 V/V. These are selected using two TTL/CMOS-compatible digital inputs - A0 (Pin 15) and A1 (Pin 16). The gain is decoded as follows: A1A0 = 00 → G=1, 01 → G=10, 10 → G=100, 11 → G=1000. No external logic supply is required, and gain changes take effect immediately upon input transition, with settling time dependent on selected gain (e.g., 1000 µs at G=1000).

Does the PGA204BU/1K require external components for basic operation?

Yes - the PGA204BU/1K requires external decoupling capacitors (≥1 µF ceramic) on both V+ (Pin 13) and V– (Pin 8) pins, a low-impedance connection (<5 Ω) from Ref (Pin 10) to system ground or reference plane, and a direct short between Feedback (Pin 12) and VO (Pin 11). Optional components include a 200kΩ–1MΩ potentiometer across VOS Adj pins (6 & 7) for fine offset trimming and pull-up resistors on A0/A1 if driven by open-collector logic.

What is the maximum safe input voltage for the PGA204BU/1K, and how does protection work?

The PGA204BU/1K safely withstands ±40 V on either input (V+IN or V–IN) independently - even with no power applied. Internal protection circuitry limits input current to ~1.5 mA during overload, preventing damage without external clamping diodes or series resistors. This behavior is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and validated by the "Input Bias Current vs Common-Mode Input Voltage" performance curve.

Can the PGA204BU/1K operate from a single supply, and what are the limitations?

No - the PGA204BU/1K requires dual symmetric supplies (e.g., ±5 V, ±12 V, ±15 V) and cannot operate from a single-ended supply. Its input common-mode range extends to ±12.7 V (at G=1), but output swing is rail-to-rail limited: VO = (V+) – 1.3 V (positive) and (V–) + 1.3 V (negative) under load. Attempting single-supply operation will result in input saturation and invalid output behavior.

How does the PGA204BU/1K handle offset voltage, and is trimming necessary?

The PGA204BU/1K features laser-trimmed input and output stage offsets, achieving ≤50 µV RTI max at +25°C and drift ≤0.25 µV/°C - sufficient for most precision applications without trimming. External adjustment via Pins 6/7 (VOS Adj) is optional and recommended only for systems requiring sub-10 µV residual offset. Improper trimming (e.g., nulling sensor offset instead of amplifier offset) can increase temperature drift by ~3.3 µV/°C per 1 mV adjusted.