INA2126P - Dual 36V Micropower Instrumentation Amplifier | Texas Instruments
MPN: INA2126P ✓ ActiveINA2126P Overview
An instrumentation amplifier is a specialized analog signal-conditioning IC that amplifies the voltage difference between two inputs while rejecting common-mode interference. The INA2126 family belongs to the instrumentation amplifier hierarchy, which includes differential amplifiers, low-noise analog amplifiers, and broader analog signal-chain ICs. Its differential-input architecture makes it suitable for sensor signals, bridge outputs, and other small-signal measurements where the wanted signal is small relative to an imposed common-mode voltage.
The principal features of the INA2126P are its dual-channel configuration, 175 µA per channel quiescent current, 250 µV offset specification, and wide ±1.35 V to ±18 V operating range. Micropower consumption reduces the burden on portable and battery-powered systems, while the wide supply range supports both low-voltage portable instrumentation and higher-voltage industrial measurement systems. The differential architecture also helps preserve signal integrity when the input common-mode voltage is substantially larger than the differential signal being measured.
The INA2126 family uses a two-op-amp instrumentation-amplifier topology to provide differential amplification with high input impedance and common-mode rejection. Because the device is intended for precision acquisition rather than high-bandwidth signal processing, designers should use the manufacturer-recommended gain-setting resistor and follow the datasheet layout guidance to minimize gain error and offset contributions. The 16-pin PDIP package favors through-hole prototyping, laboratory instrumentation, and industrial control boards where a surface-mount package is not required.
Typical applications include portable sensor acquisition, strain-gauge and bridge excitation systems, battery-powered measurement equipment, industrial process monitoring, medical instrumentation, and low-power data-acquisition systems. In each case, the INA2126P provides a practical way to amplify a differential sensor signal while keeping channel quiescent current at 175 µA. Designers should confirm that input common-mode voltage, output swing, gain, bandwidth, and supply limits satisfy the specific measurement requirements.
The primary design consideration is ensuring adequate output headroom and checking the gain-dependent bandwidth and input range. The 250 µV offset specification supports precise measurements, but resistor matching and layout still influence overall system accuracy. Input filtering and guarding can reduce high-frequency interference, while stable reference and excitation arrangements are important for bridge-based sensors.
This product page combines the verified Texas Instruments product information, distributor availability references, pricing context, package details, and engineering selection guidance to provide a practical comparison point for engineers evaluating the INA2126P.
Drop-in alternatives for INA2126P — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with INA2126P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package.
INA2126PA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
INA2126P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Architecture | Two-op-amp instrumentation amplifier |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 36 V |
| Operating Voltage Range | ±1.35 V to ±18 V |
| Quiescent Current | 175 µA/channel |
| Offset Voltage | 250 µV |
| Input Type | Differential |
| Application | Low-noise differential-signal acquisition |
| Circuit Count | 2 circuits |
| Package | 16-PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Product Type | Precision instrumentation amplifier |
| Supply Current | 350 µA for two channels |
INA2126P 16-pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for INA2126P (16-pdip package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for INA2126P.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
INA2126P is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Sensor Signal Acquisition, Strain-Gauge Bridge Measurement, Battery-Powered Data Acquisition, Industrial Process Monitoring, Medical Instrument Front End, Low-Noise Sensor Interface.
Portable Sensor Signal Acquisition
The INA2126P fits portable sensor acquisition because each channel consumes 175 µA of quiescent current and supports a ±1.35 V to ±18 V operating range. It can condition a low-level differential sensor output while rejecting common-mode disturbance coupled into both sensor lines. Place the amplifier close to the sensor interface, use the manufacturer-recommended gain resistor, and keep the input loop small to preserve low-noise performance. The principal trade-off is that micropower operation does not eliminate the need to verify gain-dependent bandwidth, input common-mode range, and output swing.
Recommended
Strain-Gauge Bridge Measurement
The INA2126P is appropriate for strain-gauge bridge sensing because its precision differential input stage can amplify the small bridge imbalance while rejecting much of the common excitation voltage. The 250 µV offset specification is particularly relevant when the bridge output is close to zero, and the 175 µA per channel supply current suits compact measurement systems. Use a stable excitation source, confirm that excitation and input common-mode voltages remain inside the device limits, and follow the datasheet gain-resistor guidance. Overall accuracy will also depend on bridge tolerance and temperature drift.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Acquisition
The INA2126P supports battery-powered data acquisition because its dual-channel architecture limits quiescent supply demand to 175 µA per active channel. Its differential inputs are useful for measuring sensor pairs while suppressing common-mode noise from long cables or shared grounds. The device can operate from low-voltage supplies within the specified ±1.35 V to ±18 V range. Designers should budget for sensor current, gain-setting-resistor current, reference circuits, and ADC leakage, and should verify whether the selected gain provides sufficient bandwidth for the required conversion rate.
Recommended
Industrial Process Monitoring
The INA2126P is suitable for industrial process monitoring when low-level differential signals must be amplified before conversion by an ADC. Its 36 V maximum total supply range supports headroom above the stated ±18 V operating limit, while 175 µA per channel reduces self-heating and system power demand. Input protection, filtering, and grounding remain essential in industrial environments. Confirm the operating-temperature grade, common-mode range, output swing, and gain error from the complete manufacturer documentation before deploying it in a high-temperature or high-noise enclosure.
Recommended
Medical Instrument Front End
The INA2126P can serve as a front-end stage in low-level medical instrumentation when the selected channel meets the required safety, temperature, and accuracy criteria. Differential amplification helps reject common-mode interference, while the 250 µV offset rating is valuable for signals near zero. The dual-channel architecture can process two related sensor outputs, such as differential sensing and a reference channel. Engineers must still add suitable input protection and isolation where required, verify medical-specific qualification requirements, and prevent patient-connected circuits from exceeding the absolute maximum ratings.
Recommended
Low-Noise Sensor Interface
The INA2126P fits a low-noise sensor interface where a small differential voltage must be amplified without adding excessive supply current. Its 175 µA per channel quiescent current limits the amplifier’s contribution to overall system noise and power, while the two-op-amp instrumentation architecture simplifies gain implementation. Use short input traces, a stable gain resistor, and an appropriate output low-pass filter. The measurable benefit is a low-power differential signal path, but final signal-to-noise performance depends on sensor noise, resistor choice, reference quality, PCB layout, and the selected gain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for INA2126P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | INA2126PA |
|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-PDIP | 16-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Number of Channels | 2 circuits | 2 circuits |
Key Differentiators
- Low quiescent current for a dual precision instrumentation amplifier (vs INA2126PA)
- Wide total supply capability (vs INA2126PA)
- Defined low-offset dual-channel configuration (vs INA2126PA)
Design Notes
Keep the two differential inputs as short and symmetric as practical, and place the gain-setting resistor close to the corresponding amplifier pins. Follow the Texas Instruments INAx126/INA2126 datasheet layout recommendation because parasitic resistance, input capacitance, and unequal traces can affect gain error, offset, and common-mode rejection. Use a quiet ground reference and avoid routing sensitive sensor inputs beside switching-converter or digital timing traces.
Verify the selected gain against the INA2126 gain-bandwidth and signal-settling requirements before layout is frozen. A low-power instrumentation amplifier does not automatically provide unlimited bandwidth; increasing gain can reduce available bandwidth. For a slow sensor front end, add anti-alias filtering after the amplifier using component values supported by the datasheet or simulation. For a fast channel, account for capacitance at the gain resistor and input nodes rather than relying only on nominal bandwidth.
Include the full system current budget rather than only the 175 µA per channel quiescent figure. Sensor excitation, gain-setting resistors, external references, ADC inputs, and protection networks may dominate current in a portable design. Also verify that the selected dual supply or single-supply configuration keeps every input and output within the INA2126 common-mode and output-swing limits. Add local supply bypass close to the device using the capacitance and layout specified in the manufacturer documentation.
Do not interpret the 250 µV offset value as the complete measurement error. Gain-setting resistor tolerance and temperature coefficient, input bias effects, output offset, ADC error, sensor error, and reference error all contribute to the system budget. Avoid using a single-channel amplifier or a surface-mount INA2126 suffix as a direct retrofit to a 16-PDIP PCB without a documented pin mapping. Confirm the exact ordering suffix and pin table before substituting any part.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified results describe the device, package, electrical headline parameters, and ordering information but do not provide explicit RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statements.
