Top 10 Op-Amp ICs of 2023: Your Ultimate Selection Guide

Amplification stands as a cornerstone function in the realm of electronic circuits. Without amplification, numerous specialized circuits would cease to function as intended. Take, for instance, oscillators responsible for generating sine waves, square waves, pulses, or other desired waveforms – their operation hinges on the existence of amplifier circuits.

In this article, we delve into the world of operational amplifiers, often referred to as op-amps. These components facilitate the creation of high-performance, exceptionally stable amplification circuits, requiring only a minimal complement of passive components. We aim to provide comprehensive insights into the most commonly utilized op-amp integrated circuits and guide you through the process of selecting an op-amp tailored to your specific application needs. To aid in this endeavor, we have previously covered a wide spectrum of op-amp ICs, furnishing detailed descriptions, pin configurations, and operational principles.

Overview of Op-amp IC

The operational amplifier, often referred to as the "op-amp," stands as a fundamental component in the realm of analog electronics. Whether you find yourself as a seasoned electronics professional or just embarking on your journey, chances are you've encountered and employed op-amps in your electronic designs.

Originally conceived in 1941 by Karl D. Swartzel Jr. of Bell Labs, the op-amp was initially constructed using vacuum tubes and was primarily devised for executing mathematical operations within analog computers. This is how it garnered its nomenclature. Today, op amps find applications spanning a wide spectrum, encompassing tasks such as signal conditioning, filtering, and even intricate mathematical functions like integration and differentiation. They serve as the cornerstone of numerous contemporary analog electronic circuits, prized for their cost-effectiveness, optimal performance, and widespread availability. We have already provided a detailed introduction to op-amps in the previous article.

How to select an Op-amp?

In the process of product design, having a comprehensive understanding of an operational amplifier's (op-amp) characteristics is paramount. This knowledge is indispensable if your goal is to create a product that is not only efficient but also cost-effective. Therefore, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the key parameters of an op-amp.

Understanding Op-amp Parameters

1. Open Loop Voltage Gain: Amplifiers play a vital role in signal enhancement, characterized by their gain. Essentially, when an input voltage is applied, it undergoes multiplication by the gain factor. For instance, if an Op-Amp boasts a gain of 2*10^5, and the input registers at 2 V, the output voltage theoretically reaches 400,000 V. However, this scenario isn't feasible in practice as it implies Op-Amp saturation, capping the output voltage at VCC.

2. Input Resistance: This parameter signifies the resistance existing between the non-inverting and inverting input of the amplifier.

3. Output Resistance: Think of output resistance akin to a battery's internal resistance; it's minute. Consequently, output voltage hinges on the connected load.

4. Input Offset Voltage: Ideally, when the same input voltage is applied to both Op-Amp terminals, the output should be precisely zero volts. In reality, this isn't the case due to inherent transistor discrepancies, resulting in a minor voltage at the output. To rectify this and achieve a zero output, a slight differential voltage, termed input offset voltage, must be applied.

5. Input Offset Current: When both the non-inverting and inverting Op-Amp terminals are grounded, a minute current flows from the output pin. This current emerges due to non-identical base currents in the internal transistors. To nullify the output current, a slight input current, known as Input Offset Current, is introduced.

6. Input Bias Current: Input bias current is the average of currents traversing the inverting and non-inverting input terminals of the Op-Amp. Smaller input bias currents equate to reduced drift.

7. CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio): CMRR gauges a differential amplifier's capacity to reject common-mode signals. It is articulated as the ratio of differential voltage gain to common-mode voltage gain.

8. Slew Rate: Slew rate is the maximum rate at which the output voltage changes concerning time and is expressed in volts per microsecond. It portrays how quickly the Op-Amp output can respond to alterations in input frequency.

9. Voltage Swing: Voltage swing assesses how closely the output voltage can approach the supply voltage or how near it can operate from rail to rail.

10. Gain-Bandwidth Product: Due to parasitic junction capacitance and minority-carrier change storage in devices, the voltage gain of an OP-AMP diminishes at higher frequencies. As the input signal frequency rises, the open-loop gain decreases until it converges to the value of 1. The frequency at which this reduction results in a gain of 1 is termed the unity-gain frequency or unity-gain bandwidth.

11. Peak-to-Peak Input Noise Voltage: In a noise signal, the difference between the maximum and minimum points signifies the Peak-to-Peak Input Noise Voltage.

12. Unity Gain: A unity gain amplifier maintains a gain of 1, effectively providing no amplification. The output voltage mirrors the input voltage, earning it the moniker of a voltage follower amplifier.

The Top 10 Op-Amp ICs

LM741

The LM741 stands as another timeless monolithic amplifier, originally crafted and brought to life back in 1981, tailored for a multitude of general-purpose applications. This versatile component is available in three packaging options: the 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), the 8-pin CDIP (Ceramic Dual Inline Package), and the TO-99 package. Let's delve into its intriguing attributes below:

• Maximum Supply Voltage: ±22 V

• Maximum Input Voltage: ±15 V

• Voltage Gain: 200V/mV

• Built-in Output Short Circuit Protection

• Low Offset Voltage: 6mV (maximum), with a drift of 15 µV/°C

• Input Offset Current: 70nA (maximum), with a drift of up to 0.5 nA/°C

• Input Resistance: 6M ohms

• Maximum Output Short Circuit Current: 40 mA

• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 90 dB (maximum)

• Maximum Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: 16V

• Bandwidth: 1.5 MHz (Maximum)

• Slew Rate: 0.7 V/µs (Maximum)

• Operating Temperature Range: -50 to 125°C

The LM741 finds its application in various roles, serving as a comparator, DC amplifier, summing amplifier, integrator, differentiator, and active filter.

Part Number: LM741

Similar Products: UA741, µA741

Read More: LM741 Op-AMP IC Pinout, Circuit, Datasheet, and Uses

LM358N

The LM358N is a versatile operational amplifier, meticulously crafted and introduced by Texas Instruments in the year 2000. Engineered for a wide array of general-purpose applications, this dual Op-Amp is designed to operate with a single supply. It is available in multiple packages, including TO-CAN, DSBGA (Die-Size Ball Grid Array), SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), and PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package). Let's explore its intriguing features:

• Maximum Supply Voltage: 32 V

• Voltage Gain: 100 V/mV

• Continuous Output Short Circuit Protection

• Low Offset Voltage: 5mV (maximum), with a drift of 7µV/°C

• Input Offset Current: 100nA (maximum), with a drift of up to 10 pA/°C

• Input Resistance: 10MΩ

• Maximum Output Short Circuit Current: 60 mA

• Output Resistance: 300Ω

• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 70 dB (maximum)

• Maximum Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: 16V

• Bandwidth: 1 MHz

• Slew Rate: 0.9 V/µs (Maximum)

• Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 70°C

The LM358N finds its application in a wide range of scenarios, including active filters, general signal conditioning, and amplification, 4- to 20-mA current loop transmitters, uninterruptible power supplies, programmable logic controllers, and more. We have already provided a detailed introduction to LM358N Op-Amp in the last article and also have more information on LM358 IC waiting for you explore!

Part Number: LM358N

Similar Products: LM358B, LM358(ST)

LM324

The LM324N is a quad operational amplifier engineered for general-purpose applications. This versatile device operates on a single supply. It is available in various packages, including the 14-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 14-pin CDIP (Ceramic Dual Inline Package), 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), and 14-pin TSSOP (Thin-shrink small outline package). Let's explore its intriguing features:

• Maximum Supply Voltage: 32 V

• Voltage Gain: 100 V/mV

• Input Bias Current: 100nA

• Built-in Output Short Circuit Protection

• Low Offset Voltage: 3mV (maximum), with a drift of 30µV/°C

• Input Offset Current: 30nA (maximum), with a drift of up to 300 pA/°C

• Maximum Output Short Circuit Current: 60 mA

• Output Resistance: 350Ω

• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 85 dB (maximum)

• Maximum Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: 16V

• Bandwidth: 1 MHz

• Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 70°C

The LM324N finds its application in a wide range of scenarios, including oscillators, rectifiers, amplifiers, and comparators.

Part Number: LM324

Similar Products: LM324 (ON Semiconductors)

NE5532

The NE5532, introduced by Texas Instruments in 1979, is a cost-effective dual supply amplifier tailored for high-performance applications that demand efficient budget solutions. This versatile device is available in 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package) and 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) packages. Let's delve into its compelling features:

• Maximum Supply Voltage: ±15 V

• Supply Current: 10 mA (maximum) for each Op-Amp

• Input Bias Current: 1000nA

• Built-in Output Short Circuit Protection

• Low Offset Voltage: 5 mV

• Input Offset Current: 200nA

• Maximum Output Short Circuit Current: 60 mA

• Input Resistance: 300KΩ

• Output Resistance: 0.3Ω

• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 100 dB (maximum)

• Maximum Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: 26 V

• Bandwidth: 10 MHz (maximum)

• Slew Rate: 9 V/μs (maximum)

• Operating Temperature Range: -65 to 150°C

The NE5532 finds applications in various areas, including AV receivers, audio mixers, high-performance audio preamplifiers, and more.

Part Number: NE5532A

Similar Products: NE5532 (ON Semiconductor), 5962-9760301QPX

NE5534

The NE5534 is categorized among single high-performance, low-noise operational amplifiers. It offers superior noise performance, enhanced output drive capacity, and notably higher small-signal and power bandwidths. This versatile device is available in 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package) and 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) packages. Let's explore its intriguing features:

• Equivalent Input Noise Voltage: Typically 3.5 nV/√Hz

• Unity-Gain Bandwidth: Typically 10 MHz

• Common-Mode Rejection Ratio: Typically 100 dB

• High DC Voltage Gain: Typically 100 V/mV

• Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: Typically 32 V (With VCC± = ±18 V and RL = 600 Ω)

• High Slew Rate: Typically 13 V/µs

• Wide Supply-Voltage Range: ±3 V to ±20 V

• Low Harmonic Distortion

• Offset Nulling Capability

• External Compensation Capability

The NE5534 is widely applied in various areas, including audio equipment, instrumentation and control circuits, telephones, channel amplifiers, medical equipment, and more.

Part Number: NE5534A

Similar Products: NE5534 (ON Semiconductor)

JRC4558

The JRC4558 is a high-performance monolithic dual operational amplifier. It's internally compensated and constructed on a single silicon chip. JRC4558 comes in 8-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package), 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) packages. Let's delve into its intriguing attributes below:

• Supply Voltage Range: Can be powered with voltages ranging from ±5V to ±15V.

• Bandwidth: Has a bandwidth of 3MHz.

• Number of Amplifiers: Contains 2 amplifiers.

• Number of Pins: It comes in an 8-pin package.

• Operating Temperature Range: Suitable for use in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 70°C.

• Slew Rate: Exhibits a slew rate of 1.7V per microsecond.

• Package Options: Available in 8-Pin DIP and SOP packages.

The JRC4558 finds its applications in various areas, including filter circuits, voltage followers, integrators, differentiators, summer, adders, voltage follower, DC gain blocks, comparators (loop control & regulation), and audio amplifiers.

Part Number: JRC4558

Similar Products: TL072

OP07

The OP07, crafted by Analog Devices in 2002, is a dual-supply, high-gain, precision operational amplifier meticulously designed for applications demanding exceptional precision. Available in 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), and TO-99 packages, it boasts a remarkable array of features:

• Maximum Supply Voltage: ±15 V

• Voltage Gain: 450 V/mV

• Supply Current: 4 mA (maximum) for each Op-Amp

• Input Bias Current: 7nA

• Built-in Output Short Circuit Protection

• Low Offset Voltage: 75 μV (maximum) with a drift of 1.3 µV/°C

• Input Offset Current: 3.8nA with a drift of up to 35pA/°C

• Input Resistance: 50MΩ in common mode and 160 GΩ in differential mode

• Output Resistance: 60 Ω

• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 106 dB (maximum)

• Maximum Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: 12.6 V

• Bandwidth: 0.6 MHz (maximum)

• Slew Rate: 0.3 V/μs (maximum)

• Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 85°C

The OP07 finds its niche in a wide range of applications, including Absolute Value Circuits, Low-Frequency Noise Circuits, High-Speed, Low VOS Composite Amplifiers, Adjustment-Free Precision Summing Amplifiers, High Stability Thermocouple Amplifiers, Precision Absolute-Value Circuits, and more.

Part Number: OP07EPZ

Similar Products: OP07CP (Texas Instruments)

LM339

The LM339 is widely recognized as a quad differential comparator. It comprises four individual voltage comparators intended for use with a single power supply. LM339 comes in 14-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) packages. Let's delve into its intriguing attributes below:

• Four individually operated voltage comparators.

• Low noise interference among comparators.

• Single Supply Operation: Can be powered from +3.0 V to +36 V.

• Dual Supply Operation: Suitable for operation with +18V and -18V supplies.

• Low Input Bias Current: 25 nA, ensuring minimal current draw from the input source.

• Low Input Offset Current: Typically within ±5.0 nA.

• Low Input Offset Voltage.

• Input Common Mode Voltage Range extends to ground (GND).

• Low Output Saturation Voltage: Approximately 130 mV at 4.0 mA load.

• TTL and CMOS compatible, facilitating compatibility with various logic families.

• ESD Clamps on the inputs increase reliability without affecting device operation.

• The device is Pb−Free, Halogen Free/BFR Free, and RoHS compliant, aligning with environmental regulations and safety standards.

The LM339 finds its applications in various areas, including oscillators, voltage comparators, peak detectors, logic voltage, translation, power supervision, industrial, measuring instruments, and automotive.

Part Number: LM339

Similar Products: LM339B, LM2901B, LM339 (ON)

TL082

 

The TL082 Op-Amp stands as a cost-effective and high-speed solution, featuring a dual JFET input design with an internally trimmed input offset voltage. It is a high-speed, dual operational amplifier that integrates well-matched high-voltage JFET and bipolar transistors into a single monolithic integrated circuit. TL082 comes in 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) packages, it boasts a remarkable array of features:

• Offers a wide common-mode voltage range (including up to VCC+) and a broad differential voltage range.

• Demonstrates low input bias and offset current, ensuring accurate signal processing.

• Protects output short-circuits, enhancing operational safety.

• Features a high input impedance JFET input stage, optimizing signal reception.

• Incorporates internal frequency compensation for improved performance.

• Operates without susceptibility to latch-up issues, ensuring reliability.

• Boasts a high slew rate of 16 V/µs on average, indicating rapid response to input changes.

The TL082 finds its applications in various areas, finds its applications in various areas, including filter circuits, voltage followers, integrators, differentiators, summer, adders, voltage followers, DC gain blocks, comparators (loop control & regulation), and audio amplifiers.

Part Number: TL082

Similar Products: TL082CP

LM1458

The LM1458, brought to you by Texas Instruments in 1998, is a single-supply, high-gain, internally frequency-compensated dual Op-Amp thoughtfully crafted for general-purpose applications. It offers versatility with various packages including TO-CAN, DSBGA (Die-Size Ball Grid Array), SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), and PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), and presents intriguing features outlined below:

• Maximum Supply Voltage: ±18 V

• Maximum Input Voltage: ±15 V

• Voltage Gain: 15V/mV

• Built-in Output Short Circuit Protection

• Low Offset Voltage: 6mV (maximum) with a drift of 15 µV/°C

• Input Offset Current: 300nA (maximum) with a drift of up to 0.5 nA/°C

• Input Resistance: 1MΩ

• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 90 dB (maximum)

• Maximum Peak-to-Peak Output Voltage Swing: 14V

• Bandwidth: 1 MHz (Maximum)

• Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 70°C

The LM1458 finds its applications in summing amplifiers, portable devices, comparators, integrators, and more.

Part Number: LM1458

Similar Products: MC1458

How to test an Op-Amp IC?

Operational amplifiers, commonly referred to as Op Amps, find widespread use in electronic circuits for various functions such as amplification, comparison, voltage following, and summing. Many commonly used Op Amps, including models like 741, TL071, CA3130, and CA3140, share the same pin configurations. Therefore, having a tester like the one described here is invaluable for diagnosing and servicing electronic components. This straightforward tool is a must-have for both hobbyists and technicians, as it aids in troubleshooting.

The tester is constructed around an 8-pin IC base, providing a convenient slot for inserting the Op Amp to be tested. Pin 2, representing the inverting input of the IC, is connected to a voltage divider consisting of resistors R2 and R3. This divider supplies half of the power voltage to pin 2. Pin 3, which serves as the non-inverting input, connects to the VCC via resistor R1 and a momentary push-button switch. The output, located at pin 6 of the IC base, is used to connect the visual indicator LED via the current-limiting resistor R4.

The tester functions as a voltage comparator. To utilize it, insert the IC into the socket with the correct orientation, ensuring that the IC's notch aligns with the notch on the IC base. In this comparator mode, the output of IC1 goes high when pin 3 receives a higher voltage than pin 2. In this setup, pin 2 receives 4.5 volts (assuming a 9V battery), while pin 3 receives 0 volts.

Consequently, the output stays low, and the LED remains unlit. However, when the push-button switch S1 is pressed, pin 3 receives a higher voltage than pin 2, causing the IC's output to go high and illuminate the LED. This illumination serves as an indicator that the circuitry inside the IC is functioning correctly.

Testing topologies

There are three testing topologies commonly used in operational amplifier (op amp) testing:

• Two Operational Amplifier Test Loop

• Self-Test Loop

• Three Op Amp Loop

Conclusion

Now that you have gained insights into the top 10 op-amp ICs, the next step in selecting the appropriate op-amp for your specific application involves thoroughly reviewing datasheets for various op-amps. By doing so, you can identify an op-amp whose specifications align with the precise requirements of your project.

Read More

• Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) Basics, Uses and Applications

• JRC4558 Op-Amp Datasheet, Pinout, Features, Equivalents & Its Applications

• NE5532 vs NE5534 Op-Amp: The Ultimate 2023 Comparison Guide

• OP07 Operational Amplifier IC: Pinout, Datasheet & Its Application

• A Comprehensive Guide to Counter IC

• LM358N Operational Amplifier: Pinout, Datasheet, Circuit, and Uses

• LM324 vs LM358 Op Amp ICs

• The Ultimate Guide to IC 741 Op Amp

Предыдущий: CD4017BE CMOS Counter: Circuit, Pinout and Datasheet

Следующий: LM358 Dual Op-Amp: Pinout, Datasheet and Working