LM324 Quadruple Operational Amplifier DIP-14

LM324 Quadruple Operational Amplifier DIP-14 is a highly popular, low-power IC that integrates four independent operational amplifiers onto a single silicon chip. This versatile component is engineered specifically to operate from a single power supply over a wide range of voltages, or from dual supplies, which simplifies circuit design significantly. The key benefit of the LM324 is its ability to sense ground level, as the common-mode input voltage range includes the negative supply rail. Consequently, this makes it an ideal choice for battery-operated or single-supply systems where minimizing component count and power consumption is crucial. Furthermore, its low input bias current and large voltage gain allow engineers to design high-performance signal conditioning and amplification circuits cost-effectively.

Key Features:

• Quad Amplifier: Integrates four independent, high-gain frequency-compensated operational amplifiers in one package, saving board space and cost.
• Single-Supply Operation: Designed to operate effectively from a single supply voltage ranging from 3.0 V to 32 V, or from dual supplies (±1.5 V to ±16 V).
• Ground Sensing Capability: The common-mode input voltage range includes the negative power supply, making it perfectly suited for non-inverting DC coupling applications.
• Low Current Drain: Features low supply current drain, independent of the supply voltage, which is essential for battery-powered portable equipment.
• Wide Bandwidth: Provides a unity-gain bandwidth of approximately 1.0 MHz, allowing for processing of various analog signals.

Technical Specifications:

• Number of Amplifiers: 4
• Supply Voltage Range (Single): 3 V to 32 V (Typical V_CC = 5 V)
• Input Offset Voltage (V_IO): Maximum 7 mV (Typically 2 mV)
• Unity-Gain Bandwidth (GBW): 1.0 MHz (Typical)
• Slew Rate: 0.5 V/μs (Typical)
• Input Bias Current (I_B): Maximum 100 nA (Low-power consumption)
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 70°C (Commercial Grade)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: DIP-14 (Dual In-line Package, Through-Hole)
• Lead Material: Solderable Alloy
• Pin Count: 14
• Reliability: Robust design for long-term use in commercial environments.

Dimensions:

• Body Length: ≈ 19.3 mm
• Body Width: ≈ 6.35 mm
• Row Spacing (Between rows): 7.62 mm (0.3 inch)
• Pin Pitch (Between pins): 2.54 mm (0.1 inch)
• Weight: ≈ 1.2 g

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 3, 5, 10, 12 (Non-Inverting Input): Connects to the signal input that does not invert the output phase.
• Pin 2, 6, 9, 13 (Inverting Input): Connects to the signal input that inverts the output phase.
• Pin 1, 7, 8, 14 (Output): Provides the amplified signal output for each respective op-amp.
• Pin 4 (V_CC): Connect the positive power supply voltage (3 V to 32 V).
• Pin 11 (GND): Connect the negative power supply (typically ground or V_EE).
• Wiring Note: Always ensure you place decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 μF) close to the V_CC and GND pins to prevent oscillation and noise coupling.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download Texas Instruments LM324 Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Active Filters: Widely used in Sallen-Key or multiple feedback configurations for frequency selective circuits.
• Signal Conditioning Circuits: Ideal for buffering, summing, and scaling sensor outputs in industrial and consumer devices.
• Low-Power Comparators: Although primarily an op-amp, it effectively serves as a general-purpose comparator in many systems.

Applications:

• Power Supply Monitoring: It often monitors voltage levels and current limits due to its low power consumption.
• Audio Amplification: Designers utilize it in low-fidelity, non-critical audio pre-amplifiers and mixers.
• Function Generators: For instance, the IC can form the core component of astable and monostable multivibrators or triangle wave generators.
• Transducer Amplifiers: It successfully amplifies weak signals from various sensors, including thermocouples and photoresistors.

Equivalent Models:

• LM324A: An improved version offering tighter specifications on offset voltage and temperature stability.
• LM124 / LM224: These are military and industrial temperature range versions, though they share the same core functional block diagram.
• TLC274: A CMOS equivalent that provides rail-to-rail output and typically lower noise, useful for systems requiring greater precision.

Package Includes:

• 1 x LM324 Quadruple Operational Amplifier IC DIP-14