Tiny current-sensing amps target overcurrent detection apps

Texas Instruments introduced the industry’s smallest current-sense amplifier in a leaded package and the smallest, most accurate comparators with an internal 1.2-V or 0.2-V reference. Offered in industry-leading package options, the INA185 current-sense amplifier, and open-drain TLV4021 and push-pull TLV4041 comparators enable engineers to design smaller, simpler and more integrated systems while maintaining high performance. In addition, pairing the amplifier with one of the comparators produces the smallest, highest performing overcurrent detection solution in the industry.

These new devices are optimized for a variety of personal electronics, enterprise, industrial and communications applications, including peripherals, docking stations and notebooks.

Achieve high precision in less space with the INA185 current-sense amplifier

• Reduce overall system size: With a small-outline transistor (SOT)-563 package measuring 1.6 mm by 1.6 mm (2.5 mm²), the amplifier is 40% smaller than the closest competitive leaded packages.
• Improve system efficiencies: Featuring a 55-µV input offset that enables higher precision measurements at low currents, the INA185 enables the use of lower-value shunt resistors to cut system power consumption. Additionally, its 350-kHz bandwidth and 2-V/µS slew rate enable phase-current reproduction to enhance motor efficiency and save system power.
• Increase performance and protection: The precisely matched resistive gain network in the amplifier enables a maximum gain error as low as 0.2%, which contributes to robust performance over temperature and process variations. The device’s typical response time of 2 µS enables fast fault detection to prevent system damage.

Add functionality in the same form factor and enable high-performance design with the TLV4021 and TLV4041 comparators

• Integration in a tiny package: Available in an ultra-small die-size ball-grid array (DSBGA) 0.73-mm-by-0.73-mm package, the comparators’ integrated voltage reference saves board space while supporting precise voltage monitoring, which optimizes system performance.
• Lower power, longer battery life: The comparators can monitor voltages as low as the 0.2-V internal reference, and feature a high threshold accuracy of 1% across a full temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. Low 2.5-µA quiescent current delivers extended battery life for smart, connected devices.
• Speedy response: Fast propagation delay as low as 450 nS reduces latency, enabling power-conscious systems to monitor signals and respond quickly to fault conditions.

Smallest, fastest overcurrent detection solution

• 15% smaller, 50 times faster: When using both the INA185 and the TLV4021 or TLV4041, engineers can shrink their total footprint to enable smaller systems. In combination, these devices produce the smallest, highest-performing overcurrent detection solution – 15% smaller and 50 times faster than competitive devices.
• System protection: Pairing the amplifier with one of the comparators to support overcurrent detection on rails as high as 26 V delivers more headroom to better manage current spikes.

Production quantities of the INA185 are now available through the TI store and authorized distributors in a SOT-563 package, measuring 1.6 mm by 1.6 mm. Pricing starts at US$0.65 in 1,000-unit quantities. Production quantities of the push-pull TLV4041 and preproduction samples of the open-drain TLV4021 comparators are now available through the TI store and authorized distributors in an ultra-small DSBGA package, measuring 0.73 mm by 0.73 mm. Pricing for each comparator starts at US$0.39 in 1,000-unit quantities.