INA2126U - 36V Dual Micropower Instrumentation Amplifier | Texas Instruments
MPN: INA2126U ✓ ActiveINA2126U Overview
An instrumentation amplifier is a precision analog signal-conditioning IC that converts a small differential input into a single-ended or differential output. Its internal gain stage rejects common-mode interference and permits accurate measurement of low-level sensor signals. In the product hierarchy, an instrumentation amplifier belongs to the amplifier IC family, specifically the precision measurement and signal-conditioning category. It is distinct from a general-purpose operational amplifier because it integrates input buffering, differential subtraction, and gain-setting resistors.
The INA2126U combines a gain range of 5 to 10000 with low offset and low noise. Its 250 µV maximum input offset supports accurate measurements at relatively high gain, while the 0.4 nV/√Hz typical noise density helps preserve weak-signal information. Two amplifiers are provided in each package, making the device useful when a system needs two independent differential measurement channels without using two separate packages.
The two-op-amp architecture keeps quiescent current to 175 µA per channel, which is important in battery-powered equipment. The 200 kHz typical gain-bandwidth product provides useful bandwidth for slow sensor signals rather than high-speed video or communications signals. An operating supply of ±1.35 V to ±18 V allows operation from low-voltage portable rails through ±15 V industrial measurement systems, subject to the device's 36 V maximum total supply range.
Typical uses include battery-powered portable instrumentation, low-level bridge and transducer measurement, industrial sensor acquisition, precision current sensing, and differential signal conditioning. The dual-channel organization can support two sensors in one instrument, while the micropower operation reduces the effect of the amplifier on battery life. Input common-mode and output swing limits must still be checked against the intended sensor and supply rails.
Designers should use the gain-setting resistors and input common-mode network specified by the manufacturer, keep sensitive input traces short, and provide suitable bypassing close to the supply pins. The input network must also avoid excessive imbalance between the differential inputs because that can affect common-mode rejection and gain accuracy. Output loading and downstream ADC acquisition time should be evaluated together.
This page combines manufacturer specifications, verified distributor availability, and practical comparison guidance with same-package alternatives. It also identifies missing pricing, pin-definition, environmental, and compliance details instead of estimating them, supporting faster component selection for precision analog designs.
Drop-in alternatives for INA2126U — 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 INA2126U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package.
INA2126UA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
INA2126P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →INA2132UE4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
INA2126U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Amplifier Type | Dual precision instrumentation amplifier |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Maximum Total Supply Voltage | 36 V |
| Operating Supply Range | ±1.35 V to ±18 V |
| Minimum Total Supply Voltage | 2.7 V |
| Maximum Total Supply Voltage | 36 V |
| Quiescent Current per Channel | 175 µA |
| Maximum Input Offset Voltage | 250 µV |
| Minimum Voltage Gain | 5 V/V |
| Maximum Voltage Gain | 10000 V/V |
| Typical Gain-Bandwidth Product | 200 kHz |
| Typical Input Noise Density at 1 kHz | 0.4 nV/√Hz |
| Internal Architecture | Two-op-amp instrumentation amplifier |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
INA2126U 16-pin soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for INA2126U (16-pin soic 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 INA2126U.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
INA2126U is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation, Bridge and Transducer Measurement, Precision Current Sensing, Industrial Sensor Acquisition, Laboratory and Data-Acquisition Systems, Medical and Environmental Monitoring.
Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation
The INA2126U fits portable instrumentation because each channel operates with only 175 µA of quiescent current while providing differential input measurement and gains from 5 to 10000. Its 250 µV maximum offset and 0.4 nV/√Hz typical input noise density at 1 kHz help retain useful accuracy when conditioning low-level sensor outputs. Two independent channels can reduce component count in handheld meters and field-measurement equipment. The minimum 2.7 V total supply supports compatible portable rails, although the complete input, output, and common-mode ranges must remain within the datasheet limits.
Recommended
Bridge and Transducer Measurement
The INA2126U is appropriate for bridge or transducer signals because its differential architecture suppresses common-mode voltage and its gain range of 5 to 10000 can amplify small sensor-generated voltages. The 250 µV maximum input offset must be included in uncertainty at the selected gain, while the 200 kHz typical gain-bandwidth product favors relatively slow measurement paths. A two-channel package can acquire from two matched sensing elements in one instrument. The gain-setting resistors and balance of the input network remain critical because mismatch can degrade common-mode rejection and scale-factor accuracy.
Recommended
Precision Current Sensing
The INA2126U can condition low-voltage differential current-sense signals when the measured common-mode and output ranges suit its operating limits. Its 250 µV maximum offset establishes a meaningful input-referred accuracy floor, and the 0.4 nV/√Hz typical noise density helps preserve weak shunt-voltage information. The 175 µA-per-channel quiescent current also benefits compact power-supply and battery-powered monitoring systems. Designers should verify input bias current, shunt resistance, amplifier gain, and ADC range because those values determine whether the complete measurement chain meets the required accuracy.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Acquisition
The INA2126U supports industrial sensor acquisition where small differential signals must be amplified before conversion or control. Its ±1.35 V to ±18 V operating range accommodates suitable low-voltage and ±15 V systems, while the dual-channel package supports two sensing channels in a compact design. The 200 kHz typical gain-bandwidth product is suitable for many process-control and monitoring signals rather than high-frequency waveform acquisition. Industrial designs should also verify the unspecified operating-temperature range, electrical isolation boundaries, grounding strategy, and protection required for field-wired sensors.
Recommended
Laboratory and Data-Acquisition Systems
The INA2126U is suitable for laboratory and data-acquisition front ends that require differential measurement, selectable gain, and low amplifier noise. Gains from 5 to 10000 provide useful scaling flexibility for millivolt-level sources, while 250 µV maximum offset and 0.4 nV/√Hz typical noise density support precision-oriented measurements. Two channels allow simultaneous or sequential acquisition from related sensors without adding a second package. For complete error budgeting, designers should also consider resistor tolerance, input bias current, common-mode rejection, settling behavior, and the acquisition time of the downstream converter.
Recommended
Medical and Environmental Monitoring
The INA2126U can be evaluated for low-level medical or environmental monitoring signals when the two amplifier channels and selectable gain reduce front-end complexity. Its 175 µA-per-channel quiescent current is advantageous in compact or battery-operated instruments, and its differential input architecture helps reject interference common to both sensor leads. The 250 µV maximum offset and low input noise support precision requirements, but these parameters alone do not establish suitability for medical use. Compliance, isolation, patient protection, operating-temperature, and application-specific validation must be confirmed separately before deployment.
Recommended
Engineering reference data for INA2126U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | INA2126UA | INA2126P | INA2132UE4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Maximum Total Supply Voltage | 36 V | 36 V | 36 V | 36 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lower stated bias current for micropower acquisition (vs INA2132UE4)
- Precision offset specification (vs INA2126UA)
- Wide selectable gain range (vs INA2126P)
Design Notes
Keep the INA2126U input traces short, symmetric, and away from switching nodes and high-current return paths. Connect the gain-setting resistor network directly to the appropriate device pins, and avoid adding unnecessary copper or test pads that can unbalance the differential inputs. Input imbalance can reduce common-mode rejection, while parasitic resistance and capacitance on sensitive nodes can alter gain accuracy and settling behavior.
Do not select gain solely from the advertised 5-to-10000 range. Confirm that the sensor's common-mode voltage remains inside the input range, the amplified output remains inside the output swing limits, and the resulting signal can be acquired by the downstream converter. Include the 250 µV maximum offset in the error budget, especially at high gain, and verify the actual resistor network rather than assuming the nominal gain label.
The INA2126U has 175 µA quiescent current per channel, so total supply demand can increase when both channels operate continuously. Confirm the regulator's minimum load behavior, startup sequence, and noise performance, and account for sensor current separately. The device supports a 2.7 V to 36 V total supply range, but operation at the extremes does not guarantee the same input or output headroom.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified web data does not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. These fields remain unknown rather than being inferred from the manufacturer or distributor listings.