Texas Instruments LMV796MF

Overview

LMV796MF from Texas Instruments is a single-channel, rail-to-rail output, low-noise CMOS-input operational amplifier optimized for low-voltage, high-fidelity signal conditioning. It delivers 5.8 nV/√Hz input voltage noise, 17 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, 1.15 mA supply current at 5 V, −40°C to +125°C operating range, and rail-to-rail output swing within 25 mV of either rail into 10 kΩ - enabling precision photodiode amplification and sensor interface in battery-powered medical and automotive systems.

For engineers reviewing the LMV796MF datasheet, LMV796MF pinout, LMV796MF application, or LMV796MF equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, SOT-23 package layout, real-world use cases in transimpedance and audio preamplifier circuits, and two validated alternative op-amps with documented performance trade-offs for low-noise, 1.8–5.5 V operation.

Technical Context

The LMV796MF employs a CMOS input stage with 100 fA typical input bias current and 0.01 pA/√Hz input current noise, enabling high-impedance source interfacing without signal degradation. Its VIP50 process ensures stable unity-gain operation with 17 MHz GBW and 9.5 V/μs slew rate (5 V), supporting wideband active filtering and buffer applications up to 1 MHz.

It features rail-to-rail output drive capability (±60 mA peak), guaranteed performance at 2.5 V and 5.0 V supplies, and input common-mode range extending to V−, allowing ground-sensing in single-supply configurations - critical for low-side current sensing and photodiode transimpedance topologies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LMV796MF is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), footprint-compatible with industry-standard pick-and-place equipment and offering thermal resistance θ_JA = 180°C/W on 2-layer PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise, rail-to-rail operational amplifier applications.

Compared with OPA376AIDBVR and MCP6V81T-E/OT, the LMV796MF uniquely balances 17 MHz bandwidth, 5.8 nV/√Hz noise, and 1.15 mA quiescent current - making it the only choice among the three for battery-powered, wideband transimpedance amplifiers requiring simultaneous low noise and high speed.

Availability

LMV796MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for photodiode amplifiers, medical instrumentation front-ends, and automotive sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LMV796MF 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 precision op-amp design and automotive-qualified components.

The LMV796MF belongs to TI's LMV796/LMV797 family of low-noise, CMOS-input op-amps engineered for high-fidelity signal acquisition in space-constrained, low-voltage systems - especially photodiode transimpedance, portable medical devices, and automotive cabin sensors.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the LMV796MF can drive without external compensation?

The LMV796MF is unity-gain stable and can directly drive up to 120 pF without oscillation or excessive overshoot. This value is validated per TI's SNOSAU9D datasheet Figure 39 and applies to standard PCB layouts with short traces. For loads exceeding 120 pF, an isolation resistor (e.g., 10–50 Ω) between the output and capacitive node is recommended. The LMV796MF's internal compensation ensures robust phase margin across its full 1.8–5.5 V supply range.

Does the LMV796MF support true rail-to-rail input common-mode range?

No - the LMV796MF features rail-to-rail *output* swing but has a limited input common-mode range that extends to the negative rail (V−) and up to approximately (V+ − 1.2 V). As specified in the Electrical Characteristics table, CMVR is −0.3 V to 1.5 V at 2.5 V supply and −0.3 V to 4.0 V at 5 V supply. This allows ground-sensing in single-supply configurations but prohibits direct connection of inputs to V+ without attenuation or level-shifting.

How does the LMV796MF's noise performance compare at 1.8 V versus 5 V supply?

The LMV796MF maintains consistent input voltage noise density of 5.8 nV/√Hz across its full 1.8–5.5 V supply range, as confirmed by TI's characterization data in SNOSAU9D Section 7.2 (5V Electrical Characteristics) and Figure 24 (Time Domain Voltage Noise). Input current noise remains at 0.01 pA/√Hz regardless of supply voltage. This supply-independent noise behavior enables reliable low-noise operation in both battery-depleted (1.8 V) and nominal (5 V) conditions without recalibration.

Can the LMV796MF be used as a comparator?

No - the LMV796MF is not designed or characterized for open-loop comparator operation. TI explicitly advises against using it as a comparator due to internal positive feedback in the output stage, which degrades response predictability and may cause latch-up or excessive propagation delay. For comparator functions, TI recommends dedicated devices such as TLV3201 or LMV7215. The LMV796MF must be used with negative feedback in linear amplifier configurations only.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the LMV796MF in its SOT-23 package?

The LMV796MF in the 5-pin SOT-23 package (MO-178AA) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 180°C/W when mounted on a standard 2-layer PCB with JEDEC JESD51-7 test conditions. This value assumes no copper pour or thermal vias. With 1 in² of 2-oz copper connected to the pad and 4 thermal vias, θ_JA improves to ~85°C/W. Maximum junction temperature remains 150°C per Absolute Maximum Ratings.