Amplifier Integrates Complete Comparison Solution

The INA206 integrates a complete comparison solution—including a high-side current-sense amplifier, two comparators, and a voltage reference—into a small 14-pin package. The result is simpler design of current-comparison circuits and less board space, according to Texas Instruments. The INA206 is well-suited for computer, power management, and automotive systems, especially when used with the TPS2490 hot-swap controller.

Designers can use the two uncommitted comparators to provide over-under current detection or power supply over-under voltage detection. The two comparators can do the work of three since one offers a delay function that can be used for a low-level warning output while the other has a programmable latch function for higher-level instantaneous critical outputs. Both comparators are open-drain output devices with internal 0.6-V references that can be overridden.

The INA206 also features a wide common-mode voltage range of -16 to +80 V, a 500-kHz bandwidth, and a supply range of 2.7 to 18 V. The gain setting is +20 V/V. Two other versions with factory-trimmed gain settings of +50 V/V (INA207) and +100 V/V (INA208) will be available in Q4 2006.