My Inquiry
My Account
Texas Instruments LM3900NE4
- Part No.:
- LM3900NE4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
LM3900NE4.pdf
- Description:
- QUADRUPLE NORTON OPERATIONAL AMP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,173
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LM3900NE4 from Texas Instruments is a quadruple Norton (current-differencing) operational amplifier designed for single-supply operation from 4.5 V to 32 V, featuring 2.5 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, ±1 mA input bias current (inverting input), 0.09 V low-level output voltage at 2 kΩ load, and internal frequency compensation. It operates across 0°C to 70°C and delivers rail-to-rail output swing in high-current-sink configurations - widely used in industrial sensor signal conditioning and legacy analog control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the LM3900NE4 datasheet, LM3900NE4 pinout, LM3900NE4 application, or LM3900NE4 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, validated PDIP-14 package details, confirmed temperature range limits, and real-world design context for single-supply current-mode amplification - critical for analog front-end redesigns and obsolescence replacement projects.
Technical Context
The LM3900NE4 implements a current-differencing architecture where input currents are mirrored and differenced at the inverting terminal, generating output voltage via external feedback resistor current flow. Its internal constant-current generator (200 µA per amplifier) enables stable gain independent of supply voltage magnitude.
Unlike voltage-mode op-amps, it features inherent short-circuit protection, no phase-reversal under overdrive, and clamped negative input voltage (~–0.3 V), requiring external current limiting for inputs driven below ground. Its asymmetrical slew rate (0.5 V/µs low-to-high, 20 V/µs high-to-low) reflects optimized current-sink strength for driving capacitive loads in comparator-like applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 32 V single supply; supports dual ±2.2 V to ±16 V - enables direct interface with 5 V, 12 V, and 24 V industrial rails without level-shifting. |
| Unity-Gain Bandwidth | 2.5 MHz - sufficient for audio preamplification, active filtering up to ~200 kHz, and fast comparator response in legacy systems. |
| Input Bias Current (IN–) | 30 nA typical at 25°C; ≤300 nA over full temperature range - minimizes offset drift in high-impedance transducer interfaces. |
| Low-Level Output Voltage | 0.09 V at 2 kΩ load - ensures reliable logic-level compatibility with TTL and CMOS inputs when sinking current. |
| Output Short-Circuit Current | –6 mA minimum (internally high output) - provides robust fault tolerance in motor driver feedback or relay drive circuits. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C - qualified for commercial and light-industrial environments; distinct from LM2900's –40°C to 85°C automotive grade. |
| Supply Current (4 amps) | 6.2 mA typical - ultra-low quiescent draw enables battery-backed or energy-constrained analog subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
LM3900NE4 is housed in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 0.300-inch wide body, with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC MS-001 compliant footprint. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row, identified by a notch or dot marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amplifier 1 non-inverting input (IN+) | Current-source input node; requires external biasing for DC operation near ground. |
| 2 | Amplifier 1 inverting input (IN–) | Current-differencing node; clamped to ~–0.3 V; must be externally limited to ≤–1 mA. |
| 3 | Amplifier 1 output (OUT) | High-current-sink output capable of –6 mA; open-collector compatible with pull-up resistors. |
| 4 | GND | Power and signal reference ground; all input/output voltages referenced to this node. |
| 5 | Amplifier 2 non-inverting input (IN+) | Independent current-source input; electrically isolated from other amplifiers on chip. |
| 6 | Amplifier 2 inverting input (IN–) | Second current-differencing node; shares same clamping and current-limiting requirements as Pin 2. |
| 7 | Amplifier 2 output (OUT) | Second independent sink-output; usable for dual-channel signal processing or redundancy. |
| 8 | VCC | Positive supply rail; accepts 4.5–32 V; current draw independent of voltage magnitude. |
| 9 | Amplifier 3 non-inverting input (IN+) | Third independent current-source input; identical electrical behavior to Pins 1 and 5. |
| 10 | Amplifier 3 inverting input (IN–) | Third current-differencing node; matches performance and limitations of Pins 2 and 6. |
| 11 | Amplifier 3 output (OUT) | Third sink-output; supports triple-channel configurations such as 3-phase monitoring. |
| 12 | Amplifier 4 non-inverting input (IN+) | Fourth current-source input; fully decoupled from other channels. |
| 13 | Amplifier 4 inverting input (IN–) | Fourth current-differencing node; subject to same –0.3 V clamp and –1 mA limit. |
| 14 | Amplifier 4 output (OUT) | Fourth sink-output; enables quad-channel analog functions like multi-sensor averaging or voting logic. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single-supply operation | Eliminates need for split supplies in battery-powered or 5 V/12 V embedded systems - simplifies power design and reduces BOM count. |
| Internal frequency compensation | Enables stable unity-gain operation without external compensation components - reduces layout complexity and board area. |
| Output short-circuit protection | Allows indefinite shorting of any output to GND without damage - critical for ruggedized industrial I/O modules. |
| Large output voltage swing | Delivers >29.5 V high-level output at 30 V supply - supports direct driving of relays, LEDs, or logic gates without external buffers. |
| Wide bandwidth (2.5 MHz) | Supports fast transient response in analog comparators, peak detectors, and active filters - outperforms many legacy bipolar op-amps. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Legacy Analog Control Systems |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level signals from RTDs, thermocouples, or strain gauges in PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-mode transimpedance amplifier converting sensor current to voltage with minimal offset drift. Use Value: Input bias current ≤300 nA prevents loading of high-impedance sensors; rail-to-rail output swing ensures full ADC utilization. |
Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete op-amps in 1980s-era HVAC controllers, CNC motion feedback loops, and power supply error amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct drop-in functional replacement for National Semiconductor LM3900 in existing PCB layouts. Use Value: Identical pinout, supply range, and temperature rating (0°C to 70°C) enable zero-modification field upgrades. |
| LED Driver & Indicator Circuits | Comparator-Based Threshold Detection |
|
Use Scenario: Driving multiple indicator LEDs or small incandescent lamps from microcontroller GPIO pins with current regulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current-sink output stage acting as programmable current sink (up to –6 mA per channel). Use Value: Low VOL (0.09 V) minimizes power loss; four independent channels support multi-color status indication. |
Use Scenario: Implementing window comparators, overvoltage/undervoltage monitors, or zero-crossing detectors in AC line sensing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response current-differencing comparator with asymmetric slew rate optimized for rising-edge detection. Use Value: 20 V/µs high-to-low slew enables sub-microsecond response to fault conditions - faster than voltage-mode equivalents. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar current-differencing amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3900D | SOIC-14 surface-mount package; identical electrical specs and 0°C to 70°C rating. | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; not suitable for through-hole prototyping or repair. | Select LM3900D only when automated assembly and space-constrained layouts are required. |
| LM2900N | Same PDIP-14 package but rated for –40°C to 85°C; otherwise identical electrical performance. | Valid for extended-temperature industrial or automotive under-hood applications where LM3900NE4 is insufficient. | Choose LM2900N if operating ambient exceeds 70°C or requires cold-start capability below 0°C. |
Compared with LM3900NE4, LM3900D offers modern packaging but demands re-layout, while LM2900N extends temperature range without altering circuit design - making LM3900NE4 optimal for cost-sensitive commercial equipment where 0°C–70°C suffices.
Availability
LM3900NE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, legacy system repairs, LED driver modules, and analog comparator circuits requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for LM3900NE4 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 founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-reliability silicon solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The LM3900NE4 belongs to TI's legacy analog amplifier portfolio, originally developed to provide robust, single-supply-compatible current-mode amplification for industrial control, instrumentation, and military-grade systems where voltage-mode op-amps exhibited instability or poor rail utilization.
FAQ
What is the maximum supply voltage for LM3900NE4?
The absolute maximum supply voltage for LM3900NE4 is 36 V, but the recommended operating range is 4.5 V to 32 V under normal conditions. Exceeding 32 V risks exceeding thermal dissipation limits in the PDIP package, especially above 70°C ambient. TI specifies unlimited output short-circuit duration only at ≤25°C free-air temperature - sustained shorts at higher temperatures require thermal derating per the dissipation rating table.
Does LM3900NE4 support dual-supply operation?
Yes, LM3900NE4 supports dual-supply operation with VCC+ ranging from 2.2 V to 16 V and VCC– from –2.2 V to –16 V. However, its Norton architecture performs best with single-supply biasing due to built-in input clamping at ~–0.3 V relative to GND. When using split supplies, the GND pin must connect to the system reference midpoint, and input common-mode range remains constrained by the internal clamp diodes.
How does LM3900NE4 differ from standard voltage-mode op-amps?
LM3900NE4 uses current-differencing (Norton) topology instead of voltage-mode differential pairs. Its inputs respond to current differences rather than voltage differences, enabling true single-supply operation without input-stage crossover distortion. This results in higher input impedance at the non-inverting input, inherent short-circuit tolerance, and asymmetrical slew rates - but requires external current-limiting networks for inputs driven below ground.
Can LM3900NE4 replace LM2900N in existing designs?
LM3900NE4 is not a direct replacement for LM2900N in temperature-critical applications because it is only rated for 0°C to 70°C versus LM2900N's –40°C to 85°C range. Electrically and pinwise identical, LM3900NE4 may function in LM2900N circuits within its temperature envelope, but TI explicitly characterizes LM2900 for extended industrial use - substitution requires thermal validation and reliability assessment.
What is the purpose of the input clamp diode in LM3900NE4?
The input clamp diode in LM3900NE4 limits the inverting input voltage to approximately –0.3 V below GND to protect internal mirror transistors from reverse breakdown. This allows safe operation with AC-coupled inputs or signals swinging slightly below ground, but external series resistors must restrict negative input current to ≤–1 mA (full temperature range) to prevent output voltage collapse or gain degradation.
LM3900NE4 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:
- Push-Pull
- 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):
- 4.5 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 32 V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-PDIP
LM3900NE4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3900NE4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3900NE4 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 LM3900NE4 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3900NE4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3900NE4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3900NE4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3900NE4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3900NE4?
LM3900NE4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3900NE4 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 LM3900NE4?
For technical support, including LM3900NE4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3900NE4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3900NE4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3900NE4 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 LM3900NE4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3900NE4?
All LM3900NE4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3900NE4, 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 LM3900NE4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3900NE4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM3900NE4 Tags
-
LM358DT
STMicroelectronics
-
LM358DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2904DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM358ADR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2904DGKR
Texas Instruments
-
LM324DR
Texas Instruments
-
MCP6006T-E/OT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP6006UT-E/OT
Microchip Technology
-
LM324PWR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2902PWR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2902DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM358P
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
