INA321E/250G4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The INA321E/250G4 is a single-channel instrumentation amplifier manufactured by Texas Instruments in an 8-VSSOP surface mount package. This device provides rail-to-rail output capability with low input offset voltage and minimal input bias current, suitable for precision measurement and signal conditioning applications. The INA321E/250G4 is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for production and repair applications.

Substiute Parts

INA321E/250G4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1032INA321E/250G4 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

INA321E/250

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1477INA321E/250 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX4488AUA+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1012MAX4488AUA+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the INA321E/250G4 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Amplifier topology classification (Instrumentation vs. General Purpose)
• Single circuit configuration
• Rail-to-rail output capability
• Surface mount package compatibility (8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP form factor)
• Supply voltage range overlap (minimum 2.5 V to 5.5 V)
• Operating temperature range coverage (-55°C to 125°C minimum)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Input bias current specifications
• Input offset voltage performance
• Output current capability
• Slew rate and bandwidth characteristics
• RoHS3 compliance and MSL rating

The INA321E/250G4 has been identified with two substitute options: INA321E/250 (direct manufacturer equivalent) and MAX4488AUA+ (cross-manufacturer alternative). The INA321E/250 maintains identical electrical specifications and differs only in packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. individual packaging). The MAX4488AUA+ represents a functional alternative with different amplifier classification and enhanced performance characteristics in certain parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

INA321E/250 (Direct Equivalent)

The INA321E/250 is the primary substitute for the INA321E/250G4. This part maintains identical electrical specifications, operating temperature range, and functional characteristics. The only difference is packaging format: INA321E/250 is supplied in Tape & Reel format, while INA321E/250G4 uses individual packaging. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and share the same MSL rating. The INA321E/250 is currently active in production, ensuring long-term availability. This substitute is appropriate for all applications where the original INA321E/250G4 was specified.

MAX4488AUA+ (Cross-Manufacturer Alternative)

The MAX4488AUA+ is classified as a general-purpose amplifier rather than an instrumentation amplifier, representing a functional alternative with different performance characteristics. This part provides superior slew rate (10 V/µs vs. 0.4 V/µs), lower input offset voltage (70 µV vs. 200 µV), and higher output current capability (48 mA vs. 16 mA). However, it exhibits higher supply current consumption (2.5 mA vs. 40 µA) and higher input bias current (1 pA vs. 0.5 pA). The operating temperature range is narrower (-40°C to 125°C vs. -55°C to 125°C). The MAX4488AUA+ is ROHS3 compliant with superior MSL rating (1 vs. 2). Selection of this part requires verification that the application can tolerate the different amplifier topology and performance trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can INA321E/250 directly replace INA321E/250G4 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The INA321E/250 is electrically and functionally identical to the INA321E/250G4. The difference is packaging format only. Both parts operate within the same electrical specifications, temperature range, and supply voltage requirements. PCB layout and circuit design require no modification.

Q: What is the key difference between INA321E/250G4 and INA321E/250?

A: The INA321E/250G4 is supplied in individual packaging, while INA321E/250 is supplied in Tape & Reel format. All electrical and functional parameters are identical. The choice between these formats depends on production volume and handling requirements.

Q: Is MAX4488AUA+ a suitable replacement for INA321E/250G4?

A: MAX4488AUA+ is a functional alternative with different amplifier classification. It provides enhanced slew rate and lower input offset voltage but consumes significantly more supply current and has a narrower operating temperature range. Substitution requires circuit analysis to confirm compatibility with application requirements. The different amplifier topology may affect circuit behavior in precision measurement applications.

Q: What are the package compatibility requirements?

A: All three parts use 8-TSSOP or 8-MSOP surface mount packages with 0.118" (3.00mm) width. PCB footprints are compatible across all three parts. No layout modifications are required for package substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. INA321E/250G4, INA321E/250, and MAX4488AUA+ are all ROHS3 compliant. All parts are suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the difference in moisture sensitivity between these parts?

A: INA321E/250G4 and INA321E/250 have MSL rating of 2 (1 Year), requiring controlled storage conditions. MAX4488AUA+ has MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating superior moisture resistance and less stringent storage requirements.

Q: Can these parts operate from the same supply voltage range?

A: INA321E/250G4 and INA321E/250 operate from 2.5 V to 5.5 V. MAX4488AUA+ operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V. For applications requiring 2.5 V minimum supply voltage, MAX4488AUA+ is not suitable. For 2.7 V and above, all three parts are compatible.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for each part?

A: INA321E/250G4 and INA321E/250 operate from -55°C to 125°C. MAX4488AUA+ operates from -40°C to 125°C. For applications requiring operation below -40°C, only the INA321 variants are suitable.