8.2.2.1 Setting the Gain

Gain of the INA333 device is set by a single external resistor, R_G, connected between pins 1 and 8. The value of R_G is selected according to Equation 1:

Table 1 lists several commonly-used gains and resistor values. The 100 kΩ in Equation 1 comes from the sum of the two internal feedback resistors of A₁ and A₂. These on-chip resistors are laser trimmed to accurate absolute values. The accuracy and temperature coefficient of these resistors are included in the gain accuracy and drift specifications of the INA333 device.

The stability and temperature drift of the external gain setting resistor, R_G, also affects gain. The contribution of R_G to gain accuracy and drift can be directly inferred from the gain Equation 1. Low resistor values required for high gain can make wiring resistance important. Sockets add to the wiring resistance and contribute additional gain error (possibly an unstable gain error) in gains of approximately 100 or greater. To ensure stability, avoid parasitic capacitance of more than a few picofarads at the R_G connections. Careful matching of any parasitics on both R_G pins maintains optimal CMRR over frequency.

8.2.2.2 Internal Offset Correction

The INA333 device internal operational amplifiers use an auto-calibration technique with a time-continuous 350-kHz operational amplifier in the signal path. The amplifier is zero-corrected every 8 μs using a proprietary technique. Upon power-up, the amplifier requires approximately 100 μs to achieve specified V_OS accuracy. This design has no aliasing or flicker noise.

8.2.2.3 Offset Trimming

Most applications require no external offset adjustment; however, if necessary, adjustments can be made by applying a voltage to the REF pin. Figure 33 shows an optional circuit for trimming the output offset voltage. The voltage applied to REF pin is summed at the output. The operational amplifier buffer provides low impedance at the REF pin to preserve good common-mode rejection.

Figure 33. Optional Trimming of Output Offset Voltage

8.2.2.4 Noise Performance

The auto-calibration technique used by the INA333 device results in reduced low frequency noise, typically only 50 nV/√Hz, (G = 100). The spectral noise density can be seen in detail in Figure 8. Low frequency noise of the INA333 device is approximately 1 μV_PP measured from 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, (G = 100).

8.2.2.5 Input Bias Current Return Path

The input impedance of the INA333 device is extremely high—approximately 100 GΩ. However, a path must be provided for the input bias current of both inputs. This input bias current is typically ±70 pA. High input impedance means that this input bias current changes very little with varying input voltage.

Input circuitry must provide a path for this input bias current for proper operation. Figure 34 shows various provisions for an input bias current path. Without a bias current path, the inputs float to a potential that exceeds the common-mode range of the INA333 device, and the input amplifiers will saturate. If the differential source resistance is low, the bias current return path can be connected to one input (see the thermocouple example in Figure 34). With higher source impedance, using two equal resistors provides a balanced input with possible advantages of lower input offset voltage as a result of bias current and better high-frequency common-mode rejection.

Figure 34. Providing an Input Common-Mode Current Path

8.2.2.6 Input Common-Mode Range

The linear input voltage range of the input circuitry of the INA333 device is from approximately 0.1 V below the positive supply voltage to 0.1 V above the negative supply. As a differential input voltage causes the output voltage to increase, however, the linear input range is limited by the output voltage swing of amplifiers A₁ and A₂. Thus, the linear common-mode input range is related to the output voltage of the complete amplifier. This behavior also depends on supply voltage—see Figure 20 to Figure 23 in the Typical Characteristics section.

Input overload conditions can produce an output voltage that appears normal. For example, if an input overload condition drives both input amplifiers to the respective positive output swing limit, the difference voltage measured by the output amplifier is near zero. The output of the INA333 is near 0 V even though both inputs are overloaded.

8.2.2.7 Operating Voltage

The INA333 operates over a power-supply range of 1.8 V to 5.5 V (±0.9 V to ±2.75 V). Supply voltages higher than 7 V (absolute maximum) can permanently damage the device. Parameters that vary over supply voltage or temperature are shown in the Typical Characteristics section of this data sheet.

8.2.2.8 Low Voltage Operation

The INA333 device can be operated on power supplies as low as ±0.9 V. Most parameters vary only slightly throughout this supply voltage range—see the Typical Characteristics section. Operation at very low supply voltage requires careful attention to assure that the input voltages remain within the linear range. Voltage swing requirements of internal nodes limit the input common-mode range with low power-supply voltage. Figure 20 to Figure 23 show the range of linear operation for various supply voltages and gains.

8.2.2.9 Single-Supply Operation

The INA333 device can be used on single power supplies of 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Figure 35 shows a basic single-supply circuit. The output REF pin is connected to mid-supply. Zero differential input voltage demands an output voltage of mid-supply. Actual output voltage swing is limited to approximately 50 mV more than ground, when the load is referred to ground as shown. Figure 29 shows how the output voltage swing varies with output current.

With single-supply operation, V_IN+ and V_IN– must both be 0.1 V more than ground for linear operation. For instance, the inverting input cannot be connected to ground to measure a voltage connected to the noninverting input.

To show the issues affecting low voltage operation, consider the circuit in Figure 35. It shows the INA333 device operating from a single 3-V supply. A resistor in series with the low side of the bridge assures that the bridge output voltage is within the common-mode range of the amplifier inputs.

1. R₁ creates proper common-mode voltage, only for low-voltage operation—see Single-Supply Operation.

Figure 35. Single-Supply Bridge Amplifier

8.2.2.10 Input Protection

The input pins of the INA333 device are protected with internal diodes connected to the power-supply rails. These diodes clamp the applied signal to prevent it from damaging the input circuitry. If the input signal voltage can exceed the power supplies by more than 0.3 V, the input signal current should be limited to less than 10 mA to protect the internal clamp diodes. This current limiting can generally be done with a series input resistor. Some signal sources are inherently current-limited and do not require limiting resistors.