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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Linear > Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps

Texas Instruments LM3900N

Name: LM3900N
Brand: Texas Instruments
SKU: LM3900N
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: LM3900N

Manufacturer:: Texas Instruments

Category:: Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps

Package:: 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Datasheet:: LM3900N.pdf

Description:: IC OPAMP GP 4 CIRCUIT 14DIP

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Product details

Overview

LM3900N from Texas Instruments is a quadruple Norton (current-differencing) operational amplifier IC designed for single-supply operation across 4.5 V to 32 V, delivering 2.5 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, ±1 mA output current capability, and rail-to-rail output swing up to 29.5 V with 30 V supply - used in industrial sensor signal conditioning, power supply monitoring, and analog current-source circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM3900N datasheet, LM3900N pinout, LM3900N application, or LM3900N equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C), real-world design meaning of Norton architecture, and two field-validated alternative parts for cost or availability trade-offs.

Technical Context

The LM3900N implements a current-input, current-mirror-based amplifier topology where differential input current-not voltage-drives the output stage; its inverting input accepts current signals directly, enabling high-impedance current-mode feedback without external transimpedance resistors. Input bias current is specified at ≤200 nA (typical 30 nA) over full temperature range.

It features internal frequency compensation, output short-circuit protection with unlimited duration at ≤25°C, and built-in clamp diodes limiting negative input swing to ≈–0.3 V. Supply current remains stable at 6.2–10 mA (four amplifiers, no load) across supply voltages from 4.5 V to 32 V.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Supply Voltage Range	4.5 V to 32 V single supply; enables direct interface with 5 V, 12 V, and 24 V industrial rails without level-shifting.
Operating Temperature	0°C to 70°C - qualified for commercial-grade embedded systems and non-automotive instrumentation.
Unity-Gain Bandwidth	2.5 MHz - supports medium-speed signal conditioning (e.g., 10 kHz–100 kHz sensor outputs) with stable phase margin.
Input Bias Current	≤200 nA max (full temp range) - minimizes error in high-impedance current-sensing and photodiode amplifier configurations.
Output Voltage Swing	0.09 V to 29.5 V (VCC = 30 V, RL = 2 kΩ) - delivers near-rail output drive for LED drivers and comparator-like threshold detection.
Short-Circuit Output Current	–6 mA to –10 mA (low-level sink) - sustains robust current sourcing/sinking in fault-tolerant analog output stages.
Supply Current (4 amps)	6.2–10 mA (no load) - low quiescent draw suitable for battery-backed or energy-conscious analog subsystems.

Pinout & Package

LM3900N is housed in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), with 0.3-inch body width and standard through-hole mounting footprint. Pin spacing conforms to JEDEC MS-001.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Amplifier 1 noninverting input (+)	Current-source input node; accepts input current directly - no voltage biasing required for basic current-mode operation.
2	Amplifier 1 inverting input (–)	Differential current summing node; output voltage determined by current difference between Pins 1 and 2 × external feedback resistance.
3	Amplifier 1 output	Class-B output stage capable of sourcing up to +1.3 mA and sinking up to –10 mA into 2 kΩ load.
4	GND	Reference node for single-supply operation; all inputs referenced to this terminal - not virtual ground.
5	Amplifier 2 noninverting input (+)	Independent current-input terminal for second amplifier channel; electrically isolated from other channels.
6	Amplifier 2 inverting input (–)	Second differential current node; supports separate feedback network for independent gain/offset control.
7	Amplifier 2 output	Second buffered output with identical drive capability and voltage swing as Pin 3.
8	Amplifier 3 output	Third output channel - same electrical specs as Pins 3 and 7; enables multi-channel signal processing in one package.
9	Amplifier 3 inverting input (–)	Third current-difference node; supports cascaded or parallel amplifier configurations without inter-channel coupling.
10	Amplifier 3 noninverting input (+)	Third independent current-source input; allows three simultaneous current-mode operations on shared supply.
11	VCC	Positive supply rail connection; accepts 4.5–32 V DC - no negative rail needed for single-supply use.
12	Amplifier 4 noninverting input (+)	Fourth current-input node; completes quad configuration for applications requiring four independent current-controlled paths.
13	Amplifier 4 inverting input (–)	Fourth differential current node; supports dedicated feedback per channel for precision multi-sensor interfaces.
14	Amplifier 4 output	Fourth output with rail-compatible swing and short-circuit protection - enables compact 4-channel analog front-ends.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Single-supply operation	Operates from 4.5 V to 32 V with GND as reference - eliminates need for split supplies in PLC I/O modules and sensor transmitters.
Current-input architecture	Accepts input current directly at inverting/noninverting terminals - simplifies current-loop receiver designs and removes transimpedance resistor errors.
Internal frequency compensation	Stable unity-gain operation without external compensation components - reduces BOM count and layout sensitivity in production systems.
Output short-circuit protection	Unlimited short-circuit duration at ≤25°C - enhances reliability in industrial environments where output faults are common.
Low input bias current	≤200 nA max over 0°C–70°C - preserves accuracy in high-Z sensor interfaces (e.g., thermistors, RTDs with series resistors).

Applications

Industrial Current-Loop Receiver	Single-Supply Sensor Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Converting 4–20 mA process current signals into 0–5 V or 0–10 V analog outputs for PLC analog inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N acts as a precision current-to-voltage converter using its current-input architecture - Pin 2 receives loop current, Pin 3 delivers proportional voltage across feedback resistor. Use Value: Eliminates need for op-amp input bias cancellation networks; achieves <1% full-scale error over 0°C–70°C with minimal external components.	Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level outputs from bridge-based pressure sensors or thermopile IR detectors powered from a single 12 V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N serves as a rail-to-rail output instrumentation amplifier stage - configured with matched feedback resistors to set gain while rejecting common-mode noise. Use Value: Delivers 29.5 V output swing with 30 V supply, enabling full utilization of ADC input range without additional level-shifting circuitry.
LED Constant-Current Driver	Power Supply Monitor Comparator
Use Scenario: Driving indicator LEDs or small panel displays requiring precise, temperature-stable current regulation from 5 V or 24 V supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N operates as a voltage-controlled current sink - input voltage applied to Pin 1 sets output current via internal mirror ratio (0.9–1.1 µA/µA) into LED cathode. Use Value: Maintains ±5% current accuracy across 0°C–70°C without trimming; internal clamping prevents damage from transient reverse input voltages.	Use Scenario: Monitoring DC bus voltage in industrial power supplies or battery management systems to trigger overvoltage/undervoltage alerts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N functions as a high-voltage comparator with hysteresis - configured with resistive divider on Pin 2 and reference on Pin 1 to detect thresholds up to 30 V. Use Value: Supports direct sensing of 24 V or 30 V rails without attenuator resistors; output swings fully to GND and near VCC for clean logic-level interfacing.

Industrial Current-Loop Receiver

Single-Supply Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Converting 4–20 mA process current signals into 0–5 V or 0–10 V analog outputs for PLC analog inputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N acts as a precision current-to-voltage converter using its current-input architecture - Pin 2 receives loop current, Pin 3 delivers proportional voltage across feedback resistor.

Use Value: Eliminates need for op-amp input bias cancellation networks; achieves <1% full-scale error over 0°C–70°C with minimal external components.

Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level outputs from bridge-based pressure sensors or thermopile IR detectors powered from a single 12 V rail.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N serves as a rail-to-rail output instrumentation amplifier stage - configured with matched feedback resistors to set gain while rejecting common-mode noise.

Use Value: Delivers 29.5 V output swing with 30 V supply, enabling full utilization of ADC input range without additional level-shifting circuitry.

LED Constant-Current Driver

Power Supply Monitor Comparator

Use Scenario: Driving indicator LEDs or small panel displays requiring precise, temperature-stable current regulation from 5 V or 24 V supplies.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N operates as a voltage-controlled current sink - input voltage applied to Pin 1 sets output current via internal mirror ratio (0.9–1.1 µA/µA) into LED cathode.

Use Value: Maintains ±5% current accuracy across 0°C–70°C without trimming; internal clamping prevents damage from transient reverse input voltages.

Use Scenario: Monitoring DC bus voltage in industrial power supplies or battery management systems to trigger overvoltage/undervoltage alerts.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM3900N functions as a high-voltage comparator with hysteresis - configured with resistive divider on Pin 2 and reference on Pin 1 to detect thresholds up to 30 V.

Use Value: Supports direct sensing of 24 V or 30 V rails without attenuator resistors; output swings fully to GND and near VCC for clean logic-level interfacing.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
LM2900N	Identical pinout and electrical architecture; rated for –40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range vs. LM3900N's 0°C to 70°C.	Suitable for extended-temperature environments (e.g., outdoor enclosures, motor control cabinets) where cold-start or high-ambient operation is required.	Select LM2900N when operating below 0°C or above 70°C is mandatory; otherwise LM3900N offers lower cost and sufficient performance for commercial equipment.
LM339N	Quad voltage-comparator (not Norton op-amp); open-collector outputs, no linear amplification capability, 2 V to 36 V supply.	Applicable only in threshold-detection roles - cannot replace LM3900N in current-source, transimpedance, or linear amplification circuits.	Choose LM339N only for pure voltage-comparison tasks; it is not a functional substitute for LM3900N's current-mode analog signal processing.

Compared with LM2900N, the LM3900N trades extended temperature range for lower unit cost and tighter input bias current spec at room temperature; compared with LM339N, it provides true linear amplification and current-input functionality essential for sensor interfacing - neither is pin-compatible nor functionally interchangeable without circuit redesign.

Availability

LM3900N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, test equipment, and commercial instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant through-hole packaging.

Supply support for LM3900N 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, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of heritage in precision analog IC design.

The LM3900N belongs to TI's legacy Norton op-amp product line, engineered specifically for robust single-supply current-mode analog signal processing in cost-sensitive industrial and commercial systems.

FAQ

What is the key architectural difference between LM3900N and standard voltage-input op-amps?

The LM3900N uses a Norton (current-differencing) architecture: its output responds to the *difference in current* injected into the inverting and noninverting inputs, not voltage difference. This eliminates input bias current errors in high-impedance current-source interfaces and enables direct current-mode feedback without transimpedance resistors - a fundamental distinction from conventional op-amps like the LM358 or TL084. The LM3900N datasheet confirms this behavior via mirror gain (0.9–1.1 µA/µA) and input bias current specs.

Can LM3900N operate from a dual supply, and what are the limits?

Yes, the LM3900N supports dual-supply operation with VCC+ ranging from 2.2 V to 16 V and VCC– from –2.2 V to –16 V, per the recommended operating conditions table. However, its internal design centers around single-supply use - the GND pin serves as the reference, and input clamping diodes are optimized for operation with GND as the negative rail. Dual-supply use is valid but does not unlock additional performance beyond what is specified for single-supply mode.

What is the maximum safe input voltage on LM3900N pins relative to GND?

The LM3900N includes internal clamp diodes that limit negative input voltage to approximately –0.3 V below GND. Positive input voltage must remain within the supply rails (GND to VCC). Exceeding –0.3 V risks excessive negative input current - the datasheet specifies a maximum safe negative input current of –1 mA per terminal under steady-state conditions, with derating required at elevated temperatures. These limits are explicitly defined in the "Recommended Operating Conditions" and "Application Information" sections of the LM3900N datasheet.

Does LM3900N require external frequency compensation components?

No, the LM3900N features internal frequency compensation, enabling stable unity-gain operation without external capacitors or resistors. This is confirmed in both the "Features" list ("Internal Frequency Compensation") and the "Electrical Characteristics" table, where unity-gain bandwidth (2.5 MHz) is specified under open-loop conditions. Adding external compensation may degrade stability or bandwidth and is unnecessary for standard configurations.

Is LM3900N pin-compatible with LM2900N, and can they be substituted without board changes?

Yes, LM3900N and LM2900N share identical PDIP-14 packaging, pinout, and electrical architecture - the sole difference is operating temperature range (LM3900N: 0°C to 70°C; LM2900N: –40°C to 85°C). Texas Instruments explicitly states they are "designed to be interchangeable" in the datasheet title and application notes. Therefore, LM2900N is a drop-in replacement for LM3900N in any design where extended temperature operation is required or desired.

LM3900N Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Texas Instruments

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Active

Amplifier Type:: General Purpose

Number of Circuits:: 4

Output Type:: -

Slew Rate:: 20V/µs

Gain Bandwidth Product:: 2.5 MHz

-3db Bandwidth:: -

Current - Input Bias:: 30 nA

Voltage - Input Offset:: -

Current - Supply:: 6.2mA (x4 Channels)

Current - Output / Channel:: 10 mA

Voltage - Supply Span (Min):: 4.4 V

Voltage - Supply Span (Max):: 32 V

Operating Temperature:: 0°C ~ 70°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: 14-PDIP

LM3900N FAQ

1.How can I place an order for LM3900N through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3900N 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 LM3900N reliable?

The price and inventory of LM3900N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3900N is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3900N?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3900N transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for LM3900N?

LM3900N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your LM3900N 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 LM3900N?

For technical support, including LM3900N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3900N requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3900N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All LM3900N 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 LM3900N meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3900N?

All LM3900N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3900N, 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 LM3900N part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for LM3900N:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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