Texas Instruments LM324DRG4

Overview

LM324DRG4 from Texas Instruments is a quad operational amplifier in SOIC-14 package, designed for cost-sensitive single-supply applications. It delivers rail-to-rail input (V– to V+ − 1.5V), 1.2 MHz gain-bandwidth, 0.5 V/μs slew rate, and ±3 mV max input offset voltage at 25°C - enabling precision signal conditioning in power supply monitoring and sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM324DRG4 datasheet, LM324DRG4 pinout, LM324DRG4 application, or LM324DRG4 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, validated SOIC-14 pin mapping, real-world use cases in industrial control and consumer electronics, and two confirmed drop-in alternatives with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The LM324DRG4 implements four independent high-voltage op amps in a single monolithic IC, each featuring unity-gain stability, common-mode input range extending to the negative rail, and differential input voltage tolerance up to ±40 V. Its architecture supports single-supply operation down to 3 V while maintaining 240 μA typical quiescent current per amplifier.

It integrates EMI/RF filtering and achieves 2 kV HBM ESD rating, making it suitable for electrically noisy environments such as AC inverters and multi-function printers. The device operates across –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, with output swing within 1.5 V of the positive rail and 100 mV of the negative rail at light load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM324DRG4 is housed in a 14-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 8.65 mm × 6 mm, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint and gull-wing leads. Thermal resistance R_θJA is 99.3°C/W, supporting continuous operation at up to 85°C ambient without forced airflow.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad operational amplifier applications.

Compared with LM324DRG4, LM324DT offers identical performance with enhanced environmental compliance, while LM2902DR trades extended temperature operation for identical pinout and baseline specs - enabling reuse of existing layouts in harsher thermal conditions.

Availability

LM324DRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, consumer appliance control, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for LM324DRG4 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 over 90 years of innovation in precision analog ICs and power management solutions.

The LM324 family was engineered for cost-effective, general-purpose analog signal conditioning in industrial, consumer, and computing systems - prioritizing robustness, wide supply range, and ease of use over ultra-low-noise or high-speed performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for LM324DRG4?

The LM324DRG4 is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This range is validated per TI's recommended operating conditions and supported by thermal metrics including R_θJA = 99.3°C/W. Operation beyond +85°C may cause parameter drift or reliability degradation; for higher-temperature applications, consider the LM2902DR variant, which extends to +125°C. Always verify junction temperature using actual board layout and power dissipation in your design.

Does LM324DRG4 support rail-to-rail output swing?

No, LM324DRG4 does not provide rail-to-rail output swing. Its output can swing within 100 mV of the negative rail (VCC−) and 1.35 V of the positive rail (VCC+) at 50 μA load. At 1 mA load, swing degrades to 0.75 V above VCC− and 1.4 V below VCC+. For true rail-to-rail output, consider TI's TLV2464 or newer TLE2144 series. LM324DRG4's strength lies in rail-to-rail *input*, not output - critical for ground-referenced sensing.

Can LM324DRG4 be used as a comparator?

Yes, LM324DRG4 can be used as a comparator in non-critical applications, but it lacks internal hysteresis and has slow recovery from saturation (10 μs overload recovery time). When used open-loop, its output will saturate near the rails, but propagation delay is not characterized. For reliable, fast switching, dedicated comparators like LM393 or TLV3701 are preferred. If using LM324DRG4 as a comparator, add external hysteresis and limit capacitive loading to avoid instability.

What is the input bias current specification for LM324DRG4?

The input bias current for LM324DRG4 is –35 nA maximum at 25°C and –60 nA maximum across –40°C to +85°C. This value applies to both inverting and non-inverting inputs and reflects the current drawn into the input stage. Low bias current enables high-impedance sensor interfaces (e.g., pH electrodes or photodiode transimpedance amps), though for ultra-low-current applications (<1 nA), consider FET-input op amps like OPA140. Input offset current is ±4 nA max.

Is LM324DRG4 pin-compatible with older LM324 variants?

Yes, LM324DRG4 is fully pin-compatible with all industry-standard LM324, LM324A, LM224, and LM2902 variants in SOIC-14 (D) package. Pin functions match exactly per TI's Figure 5-1 and Table 5-1: pins 1–2–3 (Amp A), 5–6–7 (Amp B), 9–10–11 (Amp C), and 12–13–14 (Amp D), with VCC+ on pin 4 and VCC− on pin 11. No PCB redesign is needed when upgrading from legacy LM324 to LM324DRG4.