The INA301-Q1 is a 36-V common-mode, zero-drift topology, current-sensing amplifier that can be used in both low-side and high-side configurations. These specially-designed, current-sensing amplifiers are able to accurately measure voltages developed across current-sensing resistors (also known as current-shunt resistors) on common-mode voltages that far exceed the supply voltage powering the device. Current can be measured on input voltage rails as high as 36 V, and the device can be powered from supply voltages as low as 2.7 V. The device can also withstand the full 36-V common-mode voltage at the input pins when the supply voltage is removed without causing damage.

The zero-drift topology enables high-precision measurements with maximum input offset voltages as low as 35 μV with a temperature contribution of only 0.5 μV/°C over the full temperature range of –40°C to +125°C. The low total offset voltage of the INA301-Q1 enables smaller current-sense resistor values to be used, and allows for a more efficient system operation without sacrificing measurement accuracy resulting from the smaller input signal.

The INA301-Q1 uses a single external resistor to allow for a simple method of setting the corresponding current threshold level for the device to use for out-of-range comparison. Combining the precision measurement of the current-sense amplifier and the onboard comparator enables an all-in-one overcurrent detection device. This combination creates a highly-accurate solution that is capable of fast detection of out-of-range conditions, and allows the system to take corrective actions to prevent potential component or system-wide damage.