The INA300INA300 is a 36-V, common-mode comparator designed for overcurrent protection applications. To reduce the system component count, this device combines the current-sense amplifier and threshold comparison into a single product for the overcurrent detection function. Programming this comparison threshold is configured through a single external resistor, which simplifies the current design while allowing for easy adjustments to the threshold when needed. The threshold setting resistor value is selected based on an internal 20-µA current source to achieve a corresponding signal to the voltage that develops across the current-sensing or current-shunt resistor in series with the monitored load current.

The device is designed to accommodate a range of application requirements, including common-mode voltage, noise thresholds, and signal ranges. A wide signal threshold range reaching up to 250 mV is available to accommodate both power-sensitive applications requiring small dissipations across a current sense resistor and larger current-sensing resistors used in lower current applications.

Additional features available with the INA300INA300 device include a disable mode for reducing the current consumption of the device to below 10 µA, an output mode selector to enable a latched or transparent alert output, and a selectable hysteresis value and alert response delay.

The wide signal range of the device is further enhanced with an adjustable hysteresis value to adjust the characteristics of the comparator, which allows for better accommodation of the full input range. The selectable alert response delays present in the INA300INA300 device assist in optimizing device operation to account for the system noise levels and operating characteristics required from this device. Longer delay settings allow for added rejection of system noise, thus reducing the potential for false alerts resulting from noise spikes that can occur in high-speed comparators.