Texas Instruments LM324NSR

Overview

LM324NSR 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 (common-mode down to V–), 36V max supply range, ±3mV max input offset voltage (25°C), 1.2MHz gain-bandwidth product, and 240µA typical quiescent current per amplifier - enabling precision signal conditioning in power supplies, industrial controls, and appliance motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the LM324NSR datasheet, LM324NSR pinout, LM324NSR application, or LM324NSR equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, validated SOIC-14 pin functions, real-world use cases in AC inverters and UPS systems, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and thermal differences.

Technical Context

The LM324NSR 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 output swing within 1.5V of the positive rail (at –50µA load). Its internal architecture supports operation from 3V to 36V single supply or ±18V dual supply, with integrated EMI/RF filtering and 2kV HBM ESD protection.

It operates across –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, maintains 70dB minimum CMRR over full supply range, and achieves 0.5V/µs slew rate with 4µs settling time to 0.1% for 2V step inputs - making it suitable for DC-coupled sensor interfaces and low-frequency active filters where input bias current ≤35nA (max) and input offset drift ≤7µV/°C are critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM324NSR is housed in a 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package measuring 8.65mm × 6mm, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint and gull-wing leads. Thermal resistance R_θJA is 99.3°C/W, supporting continuous operation 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 LM324DR, LM324NSR offers tighter offset and wider temperature range at no PCB layout penalty; versus LM2902DT, it trades package miniaturization for SOIC-14 manufacturability and thermal margin in high-power-density enclosures.

Availability

LM324NSR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply monitoring, industrial motor control, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and TI-authorized traceability.

Supply support for LM324NSR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 90 years of innovation in amplifiers, data converters, and power management ICs.

The LM324NSR belongs to TI's industry-standard operational amplifier portfolio, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications in industrial automation, consumer appliances, and power infrastructure where robustness, consistency, and drop-in compatibility are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for LM324NSR?

The LM324NSR is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This industrial-grade range is validated per TI's SLOS066AE datasheet Section 6.3, and thermal performance is supported by R_θJA = 99.3°C/W in SOIC-14. Exceeding +85°C ambient may cause parameter drift beyond datasheet limits and reduce long-term reliability. For designs targeting +125°C, consider LM2902B variants instead of LM324NSR.

Does LM324NSR support rail-to-rail output swing?

No, LM324NSR does not provide rail-to-rail output swing. Its output can swing within 1.5V of the positive rail (V+) and 150mV of the negative rail (V–) under 1mA load, as specified in Section 6.5 of the TI datasheet. This limitation means it cannot fully reach either supply rail - critical for applications requiring 0–5V or 0–3.3V full-scale output. For true rail-to-rail output, TI recommends alternatives like TLV2464 or OPA4340, not LM324NSR.

Is LM324NSR pin-compatible with older LM324 variants?

Yes, LM324NSR is pin-compatible with standard LM324, LM324A, and LM2902 devices in SOIC-14 packages. The pin configuration matches Figure 5-1 in TI's SLOS066AE datasheet: pins 1/5/9/13 are inverting inputs, 2/6/10/14 are non-inverting inputs, 3/7/11/12 are outputs, pin 4 is VCC+, and pin 11 is VCC–. No PCB changes are needed when upgrading from LM324 to LM324NSR, provided the design respects its improved specs (e.g., lower offset, higher ESD rating).

What is the typical quiescent current of LM324NSR per amplifier?

The typical quiescent current of LM324NSR is 240µA per amplifier at 5V supply and 25°C, rising to 300µA maximum across –40°C to +85°C. At 36V supply, it increases to 750µA maximum. This ultra-low IQ enables four-channel operation below 1mA total supply current - a key advantage over legacy LM324 (1.2mA typical) and critical for energy-efficient designs using LM324NSR in always-on monitoring circuits.

Can LM324NSR be used in single-supply configurations?

Yes, LM324NSR is explicitly designed for single-supply operation. Its input common-mode range includes the negative rail (V–), allowing direct connection to ground-referenced sensors and shunt resistors. Output swing extends to within 150mV of V–, supporting DC-coupled stages without level-shifting. TI confirms single-supply use in Section 3 ("Description") and Section 6.3 ("Recommended Operating Conditions"), making LM324NSR suitable for 3V–36V single-rail systems such as battery-powered tools and 24V industrial controllers.