Texas Instruments LM6172IM

Overview

LM6172IM from Texas Instruments is a dual, high-speed, low-power, voltage-feedback operational amplifier optimized for video, communications, and precision analog signal conditioning. It delivers 100MHz unity-gain bandwidth, 3000V/μs slew rate, ±15V or ±5V operation, 50mA output current per channel, and 2.3mA supply current per channel - enabling high-fidelity NTSC/PAL amplification and ADC/DAC buffering in compact industrial and broadcast systems.

For engineers reviewing the LM6172IM datasheet, LM6172IM pinout, LM6172IM application, or LM6172IM equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-channel voltage-feedback architecture, SOIC-8 package thermal performance (R_θJA = 172°C/W), ±13.5V input common-mode range at ±15V supplies, and verified harmonic distortion performance (HD2 = –50dBc at 5MHz) critical for multimedia broadcast and pulse amplification designs.

Technical Context

The LM6172IM uses TI's advanced complementary bipolar process to achieve unity-gain stability with minimal external compensation. Its symmetrical Class AB input stage provides balanced slewing behavior, while the triple-buffered output stage maintains low output impedance (<14Ω) under dynamic loads up to 100Ω.

It supports dual supply operation across ±5V to ±15V, with specified performance over –40°C to +85°C ambient. The device exhibits 40° phase margin at unity gain and achieves 65ns settling time (0.1%) into 500Ω, making it suitable for fast-settling data acquisition and video line drivers where transient fidelity is essential.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM6172IM is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 4.9mm × 6mm, optimized for surface-mount assembly and thermal management in space-constrained PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual high-speed op-amp applications.

Compared with LM6172IM/NOPB, the RoHS-compliant version offers identical performance with environmental compliance, while LM6171IM reduces channel count but retains speed-making LM6172IM optimal for space-efficient dual-path signal chains requiring no layout change or performance trade-off.

Availability

LM6172IM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for scanner I-to-V conversion, ADSL line driving, and NTSC/PAL video amplification requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM6172IM 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 expertise in high-performance op-amps and signal chain solutions.

The LM6172IM belongs to TI's high-speed voltage-feedback op-amp product line, engineered specifically for demanding video, communications, and precision instrumentation applications where bandwidth, slew rate, and distortion performance are critical.

FAQ

What supply voltages does the LM6172IM support?

The LM6172IM operates across ±5V to ±15V dual supplies, with full electrical specifications guaranteed at both extremes. At ±15V, it delivers ±13.2V output swing into 1kΩ and 50mA output current per channel; at ±5V, output swing is ±3.4V with 25mA continuous drive. Supply current remains stable at 2.3mA/channel across this range, making LM6172IM adaptable to both portable and industrial systems without redesign.

Is the LM6172IM unity-gain stable?

Yes, the LM6172IM is explicitly designed for unity-gain stability and requires no external compensation components when configured as a buffer (AV = +1). Its phase margin is 40° at unity gain with ±15V supplies and 41° with ±5V, ensuring robust stability in video line drivers and ADC input buffers. This eliminates the need for feedback capacitors or gain-setting resistors in basic buffer applications - simplifying layout and improving signal integrity in LM6172IM-based designs.

What is the maximum capacitive load the LM6172IM can drive?

The LM6172IM can safely drive up to 100pF capacitive loads in unity-gain configuration without oscillation, as verified in TI's application note SNOS792E. For larger loads (e.g., coaxial cables or multi-drop video buses), a 1kΩ series resistor at the output is recommended to isolate the amplifier from capacitance and maintain phase margin. This technique preserves LM6172IM's 100MHz bandwidth while preventing peaking or ringing - critical for maintaining differential phase accuracy in PAL/NTSC systems.

How does the LM6172IM perform in video applications like NTSC or PAL?

The LM6172IM meets broadcast-grade video requirements with 0.28% differential gain error and 0.6° differential phase error at 3.58MHz - fully compliant with EIA-770.1 for NTSC and equivalent PAL standards. Its 100MHz bandwidth, low 12nV/√Hz input voltage noise, and 3000V/μs slew rate preserve luminance/chrominance separation and minimize cross-color artifacts. These characteristics make LM6172IM ideal for RGB/YUV distribution amplifiers and composite video output stages where signal fidelity directly impacts image quality.

What thermal considerations apply to the LM6172IM in SOIC-8 packaging?

The LM6172IM in SOIC-8 (D package) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 172°C/W. At maximum 50mA output into 100Ω with ±15V supplies, power dissipation reaches ~138mW - resulting in a ~24°C junction rise above ambient. With 85°C max ambient, junction temperature stays well below the 150°C absolute maximum, confirming safe continuous operation. Layout best practices include using thermal vias under the exposed pad (if present) and minimizing trace length to decoupling capacitors to sustain LM6172IM reliability in high-density video PCBs.