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Texas Instruments LF256H
- Part No.:
- LF256H
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- TO-99-8 Metal Can
- Datasheet:
-
LF256H.pdf
- Description:
- IC OPAMP JFET 1 CIRCUIT TO99-8
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,755
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Product details
Overview
LF256H from Texas Instruments is a JFET-input operational amplifier in the LFx5x family, designed for precision high-speed integrators and fast D/A converters. It delivers 12 V/µs slew rate, 5 MHz gain bandwidth, 1.5 µs settling time to 0.01%, 30 pA input bias current, and operates over –25°C to +85°C with ±15 V supply.
For engineers reviewing the LF256H datasheet, LF256H pinout, LF256H application, or LF256H equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, application-specific implementation insights, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application differences.
Technical Context
The LF256H uses BI-FET™ technology-monolithically integrating matched high-voltage JFETs with bipolar transistors-to achieve low input bias current without sacrificing speed or stability. Its input stage enables large differential input voltage (±40 V) and common-mode range extending to the positive rail (+15.1 V), supporting supply-current monitoring and high-impedance buffer roles.
Offset adjustment is implemented via external pins (1 and 5) without degrading drift (5 µV/°C typical) or CMRR (100 dB), and its output stage drives capacitive loads up to 5000 pF stably-critical for sample-and-hold and photodiode amplifier circuits where phase margin must be preserved.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slew Rate | 12 V/µs - enables accurate reproduction of fast-rising signals in data acquisition front-ends |
| Gain Bandwidth Product | 5 MHz - supports stable closed-loop gain ≥10 at 500 kHz for anti-aliasing filter amplifiers |
| Settling Time (0.01%) | 1.5 µs - meets timing requirements for 12-bit DAC output buffering with <1 LSB error |
| Input Bias Current | 30 pA (typ) - preserves signal integrity in high-Z sensor interfaces like piezoelectric transducers |
| Input Offset Voltage | 6.5 mV (max over temp) - sets baseline DC error in precision instrumentation amplifier topologies |
| Common-Mode Rejection | 100 dB - rejects power-supply ripple and ground noise in single-supply sensor signal chains |
| Supply Voltage Range | ±15 V (operating), ±20 V (absolute max) - compatible with legacy industrial ±15 V rails |
Pinout & Package
LF256H is available in SOIC-8 (4.90 mm × 3.91 mm) and TO-99 metal can (9.08 mm × 9.08 mm) packages. Pin functions are identical across variants and validated per TI SNOSBH0D Rev D.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BALANCE (1, 5) | Offset null adjustment terminals | Connect external 10-kΩ potentiometer wiper to Pin 1, ends to Pins 1 and 5 - adjusts VOS without affecting drift or CMRR |
| +INPUT (3) | Noninverting input | High-impedance (10¹² Ω) JFET gate node - accepts signals from high-Z sources like photocells or pH electrodes |
| –INPUT (2) | Inverting input | Differential input node with ±40 V max differential voltage rating - tolerates transient overvoltage without clamping diodes |
| NC (8) | No connection | Internally unconnected - must remain floating; no routing or grounding permitted |
| OUTPUT (6) | Amplifier output | Capable of driving ≥5000 pF capacitive load without oscillation - eliminates need for isolation resistors in S/H circuits |
| V+ (7) | Positive supply | Accepts +15 V nominal; supports common-mode input up to +15.1 V - enables direct sensing of supply rail voltage |
| V– (4) | Negative supply | Accepts –15 V nominal; input voltages must not fall below this rail to prevent destructive latch-up |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rugged JFET input stage | Withstands ESD up to ±1000 V (HBM); no input protection diodes required - simplifies PCB layout in noisy industrial environments |
| Low 1/f noise corner | Enables stable low-frequency amplification down to 0.1 Hz - critical for precision thermocouple and strain-gauge signal conditioning |
| Internal compensation | Unity-gain stable without external components - reduces BOM count and layout sensitivity in wideband amplifier designs |
| Large differential input voltage | ±40 V rating independent of supply - allows direct interfacing with unconditioned transducer outputs or relay contact bounce |
| Output stage drive capability | Stable with 5000 pF load - supports integration into sample-and-hold circuits without added series resistance or feedback compensation |
Applications
| Precision High-Speed Integrators | Fast D/A and A/D Converters |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrating charge from photodiode arrays in optical spectrometers with sub-microsecond reset cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision integrator core with low input bias current and fast settling to maintain linearity across 100 kSPS sampling. Use Value: 30 pA input bias minimizes integration error drift; 1.5 µs settling ensures <0.01% residual error before next sample window. |
Use Scenario: Buffering 12-bit DAC outputs in automated test equipment requiring monotonicity and glitch-free updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Output driver with rail-to-rail common-mode input and 12 V/µs slew rate to settle full-scale steps within 1.5 µs. Use Value: Enables 12-bit accuracy at >600 kSPS update rates; internal compensation avoids layout-dependent instability during fast transitions. |
| High Impedance Buffers | Wideband, Low Noise Amplifiers |
Use Scenario: Isolating high-impedance pH electrode outputs in laboratory analyzers while rejecting 50/60 Hz interference. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unity-gain buffer with 10¹² Ω input impedance and 100 dB CMRR to preserve weak mV-level signals. Use Value: Eliminates loading error on electrode; 5 µV/°C drift ensures calibration stability over 8-hour assay runs. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-amplitude RF detector outputs in spectrum analyzers with minimal added noise floor degradation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise preamplifier with 12 nV/√Hz input voltage noise and 5 MHz GBW for baseband signal recovery. Use Value: 12 nV/√Hz noise density maintains SNR >70 dB for 100 µV signals; wide bandwidth preserves pulse fidelity in envelope detection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar JFET-input op amp applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LF356N | Same pinout, identical AC specs (12 V/µs, 5 MHz), but wider operating temperature range (0°C to +70°C vs. –25°C to +85°C for LF256H) and higher max input offset voltage (13 mV vs. 6.5 mV). | Preferred for commercial-grade instrumentation where extended temperature operation is unnecessary and cost is prioritized. | Select LF356N when ambient temperature stays within 0–70°C and tighter VOS is not required; verify thermal derating for long-term drift. |
| TLC27L4CD | CMOS input (1 pA IB), lower supply current (1.4 mA vs. 7 mA), but slower slew rate (0.065 V/µs) and narrower GBW (1.7 MHz). | Suitable for ultra-low-power battery-operated sensors, but cannot replace LF256H in high-speed integrators or DAC buffers. | Choose TLC27L4CD only for low-frequency, low-power applications; avoid where settling time <10 µs or slew >0.1 V/µs is needed. |
Compared with LF356N and TLC27L4CD, the LF256H uniquely balances high speed (12 V/µs), precision (6.5 mV VOS max), and extended temperature operation (–25°C to +85°C), making it optimal for industrial data acquisition systems requiring both robustness and dynamic performance.
Availability
LF256H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision high-speed integrators, fast D/A converters, high-impedance buffers, and wideband low-noise amplifiers requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.
Supply support for LF256H includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of heritage in precision op amp design and manufacturing.
The LFx5x product line was engineered specifically for high-fidelity analog signal conditioning in industrial instrumentation, test equipment, and sensor interface applications where JFET input performance is essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature range for the LF256H?
The LF256H is rated for operation from –25°C to +85°C, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of TI's SNOSBH0D datasheet. This extended industrial temperature range distinguishes it from the LF356 (0°C to +70°C) and supports deployment in factory-floor control systems and outdoor measurement equipment where ambient extremes occur.
Does the LF256H require external compensation for unity-gain stability?
No, the LF256H is internally compensated and unity-gain stable per TI's datasheet specifications. No external capacitors or resistors are needed to ensure stability in inverting or noninverting configurations with gain ≥1 - a key advantage over decompensated op amps that mandate minimum gain for stability.
Can the LF256H drive large capacitive loads without oscillation?
Yes, the LF256H output stage is designed to drive up to 5000 pF capacitive loads without stability issues, as explicitly stated in the "Uncommon Features" section of the datasheet. This capability eliminates the need for isolation resistors in sample-and-hold and photodiode transimpedance applications where heavy capacitive loading is inherent.
How does offset adjustment work on the LF256H without degrading drift or CMRR?
The LF256H implements offset nulling via dedicated BALANCE pins (1 and 5) using a trimmed on-chip resistor network. As confirmed in the datasheet's Description section, this architecture adjusts VOS without altering the input transistor matching - preserving both temperature drift (5 µV/°C) and common-mode rejection (100 dB) across the full operating range.
What package options are available for the LF256H?
The LF256H is offered in SOIC-8 (4.90 mm × 3.91 mm) and TO-99 metal can (9.08 mm × 9.08 mm) packages, both with identical pinout and electrical specifications. The SOIC variant supports automated assembly; the TO-99 provides superior thermal performance and hermetic sealing for harsh-environment applications.
LF256H Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- BI-FET™
- Package/Case:
- TO-99-8 Metal Can
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- J-FET
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 12V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- 5 MHz
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- 30 pA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 3 mV
- Current - Supply:
- 5mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 10 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 44 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -25°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-99-8
LF256H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LF256H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LF256H on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LF256H reliable?
The price and inventory of LF256H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LF256H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LF256H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LF256H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LF256H?
LF256H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LF256H order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LF256H?
For technical support, including LF256H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LF256H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LF256H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LF256H products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LF256H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LF256H?
All LF256H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LF256H, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LF256H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LF256H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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