LM324N - Low Power Quad Operational Amplifiers

Contents hide

1 Overview

2 LM324N Features

3 MNO Absolute Maximum Ratings

4 LM324N Pinout

5 LM324N Configurations:

6 Equivalent Op-Amps:

7 Applications

8 LM324N Datasheet

Overview

Operational amplifiers, or op-amps, are fundamental components in electronics that find application in a wide range of circuits, from amplification to filtering, oscillation, and more. The LM324N is a popular quad op-amp that has gained immense popularity due to its versatility, reliability, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll explore the LM324N’s datasheet including pinout, specifications, features, circuit configurations, equivalents, and various application areas.

Part Number	LM324N
Function	Operational Amplifier
Package	14-PIN DIP
Manufacturer	NXP, STM, TI, ONSemi etc
Datasheet	Download PDF

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LM324N Features

Internally frequency-compensated for unity gain
Large DC voltage gain: 100dB
Wide bandwidth (unity gain): 1MHz (temperature-compensated)
Wide power supply range Single supply: 3VDC to 30VDC or dual supplies:±1.5VDC to ±15VDC
Very low supply current drain: essentially independent of supply voltage (1mW/op amp at +5VDC)
Low input biasing current: 45nADC (temperature-compensated)
Low input offset voltage: 2mVDC and offset current: 5nADC
Differential input voltage range equal to the power supply voltage
Large output voltage: 0VDC to VCC-1.5VDC swing

MNO Absolute Maximum Ratings

SYMBOL	PARAMETER	RATING	UNIT
VCC	Supply voltage	32 or ±16	VDC
VIN	Differential input voltage	32	VDC
VIN	Input voltage	-0.3 to +32	VDC
PD	Maximum power dissipation, TA=25°C (still-air)1 N package F package D package	1420 1190 1040	mW mW mW
	Output short-circuit to GND one amplifier2 VCC<15VDC and TA=25°C	Continuous
IIN	Input current (VIN<-0.3V)3	50	mA
TA	Operating ambient temperature range LM324/A LM224 SA534 LM2902 LM124	0 to +70 -25 to +85 -40 to +85 -40 to+125 -55 to+125	°C °C °C °C °C
TSTG	Storage temperature range	-65 to +150	°C
TSOLD	Lead soldering temperature (10sec max)	300	°C

LM324N Pinout

The LM324N comes in a standard 14-pin dual-inline package (DIP) format. Each of the four op-amps inside the package has its inputs and output, making it incredibly useful for designing multi-functional circuits. Here’s a breakdown of the pinout:

Pin Definitions

Pin No	Pin Name	Description
1	Offset Null	Used to nullify the offset voltage when necessary.
2	Inverting Input (-)	This is the inverting input terminal of the op-amp.
3	Non-Inverting Input (+)	This is the non-inverting input terminal of the op-amp.
4	V-	Negative power supply (typically ground).
5	Buffer/Output	Output of the op-amp.
6	V+	Positive power supply.
7	Inverting Input (-)	Inverting Input (-): Inverting input terminal of the second op-amp.
8	Non-Inverting Input (+)	A non-inverting input terminal of the third op-amp.
9	Buffer/Output	Output of the second op-amp.
10	Inverting Input (-)	The non-inverting input terminal of the second op-amp.
11	Non-Inverting Input (+)	Non-inverting input terminal of the third op-amp.
12	Buffer/Output	Output of the third op-amp.
13	Inverting Input (-)	Inverting input terminal of the fourth op-amp.
14	The non-inverting input terminal of the fourth op-amp.	The inverting input terminal of the third op-amp.

LM324N Configurations:

The LM324N can be configured in various circuit setups to cater to different application needs. Some common configurations include:

Inverting Amplifier: This configuration produces an inverted output with respect to the input signal. It’s used in applications like audio amplifiers, signal inversion, and more.
Non-Inverting Amplifier: In this setup, the output is non-inverted and amplified. It’s used for voltage gain applications.
Voltage Follower (Buffer): The op-amp acts as a unity gain buffer, where the output mimics the input signal. It’s used for impedance matching and isolation.
Differential Amplifier: This configuration amplifies the difference between two input signals. It finds application in instrumentation and amplification of differential signals.
Comparator: The LM324N can work as a comparator to compare two input signals and provide a digital high or low output based on their relationship.

Equivalent Op-Amps:

While the LM324N is widely used, there are equivalent op-amp chips available that can serve similar purposes. These include the LM358, LM324A, LM324L, and more. Engineers choose specific equivalents based on factors like input/output voltage range, bandwidth, and cost.