TI's new zero-drift PGA provides 5uV offset voltage for precision and long-term stability

DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2013 — (PRNewswire) — Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today introduced a fully differential, zero-drift, 36-V programmable gain amplifier (PGA). At 5uV (typical), the PGA281 offers the lowest offset voltage in its class to improve accuracy and long-term stability. Its zero-drift architecture enables DC precision and long-term stability. It also reduces the need for future system calibration. Designers can use the PGA281 in industrial signal acquisition applications, including test and measurement, strain gauges, bridge amplifiers, and medical instrumentation. For more information or to order samples and an evaluation module (EVM), see www.ti.com/pga281.

Key features and benefits of the PGA281:

• Zero-drift architecture: Its low offset voltage and an offset voltage drift of 174 nV/C with a maximum gain of 128 enable designers to optimize system performance. The offset voltage provides stability over a wide variety of conditions, including time and temperature.
• Best-in-class CMRR: More than 140 dB over a wide frequency range doubles the ability to reject common mode signals at unity gain compared to the competition. This allows minimal error when resolving changes in voltage.
• Wide range of internal gain options: Digitally programmable internal gain options and output scaling capabilities provide more than 20 unique gain selections. Programmable gain and attenuation allow for a wide input range of a few millivolts to greater than 20 V, which makes the device a versatile front end.
• Internal error detection: An error flag pin indicates if an over-voltage or over-load condition has occurred, allowing the designer to monitor and maintain a clear signal.

Packaging, availability and pricing
The PGA281 is available now in a 5-mm by 6.4-mm, 16-pin TSSOP package, specified over a temperature range of –40 C to +105 C, for a suggested retail price of US$2.55 in 1,000-unit quantities.

Tools and support
TI offers a variety of tools and support to speed design with the PGA281.

The PGA281EVM evaluation module (EVM) allows designers to quickly and easily evaluate the functionality and versatility of the device.

The PGA281 is included in a new TI Precision Designs reference design, " 10uA-100mA, 0.05% Error, High-Side Current Sensing," that uses flexible gain configurations to achieve precise current sensing across four decades. The TI Precision Designs reference design library provides comprehensive board-level precision designs to help engineers quickly evaluate and customize their systems.

A SPICE model is also available for designing, testing and troubleshooting a broad variety of basic and advanced circuits, including complex architectures, without any node or number of device limitations.

Support is available on the Amplifier Forum in the TI E2E™ Community, where engineers can ask questions and get answers from TI experts.

TI analog for industrial
TI is the industrial semiconductor leader, providing a diverse and readily available portfolio of analog integrated circuits (ICs) for a broad range of applications, including smart grid, factory automation, high-voltage power, LED lighting and control. TI data converters, amplifiers, interface, isolation, clocking, and power management devices enable customers to differentiate their products, while TI software, design tools and reference designs simplify and accelerate design cycles. Learn how TI analog innovations are improving industrial safety, efficiency and reliability at www.ti.com/analogindustrial-pr.

Learn more about TI's amplifier portfolio by visiting the links below:

• Order samples of the PGA281.
• Download the datasheet for the PGA281.
• Explore TI's full portfolio of programmable gain amplifier products.
• Watch an Engineer It video to learn when to use an instrumentation amp over an op amp.
• Check out the Analog Wire blog to find out what you need to know about common mode rejection ratio.

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors.  By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology.  TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today.  Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks
E2E is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments