Dallas&#8212Texas Instruments' INA206 high-side current-shunt monitor, for notebook computers to battery chargers, automotive and welding equipment, combines a high-side current-sense amplifier, two comparators and a voltage reference. As configured, the device can serve in a wide range of power management applications, from simple supply current monitor to bidirectional current comparator and as an under/over voltage “window” comparator.

In the latter applications, the two uncommitted comparators are designed to do the work of three, since one offers a delay function that can be used for a low-level warning output while the other comparator has a programmable latch function for higher-level instantaneous critical outputs. Both comparators are open-drain output devices with internal 0.6-volt references that can be overridden.

The INA206 also features a wide common-mode range (-16 to +80 volts), 500 kHz bandwidth and a wide supply range (2.7 to 18 volts). It's specified for &plusmn3.5 percent maximum output error over the -40 to +125&degC temperature range.

The device's gain setting is +20 V/V. Two additional factory-trimmed gain setting versions will be available in Q4: +50 V/V (INA207) and +100 V/V (INA208).

Click here for the product datasheet. The INA206, in a 14-pin SOIC, is priced at $1.45 each in 1,000 piece quantities (suggested resale pricing). MSOP-10 and TSSOP-14 packages will be available in Q2 (2007).

Texas Instruments , 1-800-477-8924, www.ti.com