Product Overview: INA138NA from Texas Instruments

The INA138NA is a high-precision, low-power current shunt monitor from Texas Instruments, designed to provide a simple and efficient solution for applications requiring accurate current measurement. This device is a unidirectional, high-side current shunt monitor, which means it measures the current flowing through a shunt resistor placed between the supply and the load. Its ability to operate on the high side allows for the detection of ground faults, a critical feature for system safety.

Key Features

• High Accuracy: The INA138NA offers a precision voltage output that is directly proportional to the current passing through the shunt. This allows for precise current measurement with minimal error.
• Wide Common-Mode Range: With a common-mode voltage range of 2.7V to 36V, the INA138NA is suitable for a variety of applications, including those with higher supply voltages.
• Low Quiescent Current: The device boasts a low quiescent current, which makes it ideal for battery-powered and energy-sensitive applications.
• Single Resistor Gain Set: The gain of the INA138NA is set with a single external resistor, which provides flexibility in choosing the gain value and simplifies the design process.
• Bandwidth and Response Time: It features a bandwidth of up to 50kHz and a fast response time, ensuring that it can keep up with rapid changes in current.

Applications

The INA138NA is versatile and can be used in various applications, including:

• Power management systems
• Battery chargers
• Portable devices
• Overcurrent protection circuits
• Automotive and industrial systems

Package and Reliability

This current shunt monitor is offered in a small SOT23 package, making it suitable for space-constrained applications. The INA138NA is also characterized for operation over the extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.

Overall, the INA138NA from Texas Instruments is an excellent choice for designers who need a reliable, high-performance current sensing solution that is both easy to use and versatile enough to fit a wide range of applications.