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INA225EVM: Unexpected INA225 Output Offset at 0A – Reading 26mV with 100V/V Gain

Part Number: INA225EVM
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: INA225

Tool/software:

Product: Texas Instruments INA225
Application: Current sensing in a switching application
Shunt Resistor: 300 mΩ
Bus Voltage: 12 V
Gain Configuration: 100 V/V (Gain set via gain-select pins)

Description of the Issue:

I'm using the INA225 to measure current in a low-side switching application. The setup involves a 300 mΩ shunt resistor and a 12 V system. The INA225 output is fed to an ADC of a microcontroller for current measurement.

The issue arises when the MOSFET is switched on with no load connected (i.e., 0 A current). Ideally, I expect the INA225 output to be 0 mV, but instead I observe:

  • At 0 A: Output is ~26 mV (ADC reading), which translates to ~0.8 A false current.

  • At 1 A: Output is ~30 mV.

  • Beyond 1 A: The INA225 output is accurate and behaves as expected across the entire load range.

Questions:

  1. What could be the cause of this unexpected offset (~26 mV) at 0 A?

  2. Is this within the expected input offset voltage + gain error for the INA225?

  3. Are there specific PCB layout or input biasing considerations that may be contributing to this behavior?

  4. Should I consider implementing output offset compensation in firmware or using external components?

Additional Notes:

  • Power supply to INA225 is stable at 3.3 V.

  • No load is connected during the 0 A test.

  • The system has fast switching transients due to MOSFET operation.

  • The same circuit performs accurately under load.

Any guidance on mitigating or compensating for this offset in the 0–1 A range would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hi Hemil,

    What could be the cause of this unexpected offset (~26 mV) at 0 A?

    This is not unexpected offset, this is the swing to GND of the INA225 output, specified in the datasheet.

    If you want to measure 0A current, then you'll need to bias the device using the REF pin, but please note doing this will limit your output swing range.

    Also, if your system has fast switching transients, ensure that these transients do not directly feed into the INA225, essential do not place the INA in-line with the PWM signal. 

    Best,
    Mallika Senthil