Texas Instruments LP324N

Overview

LP324N from Texas Instruments is a quadruple ultra-low-power operational amplifier optimized for battery-operated systems. It delivers 85 μA typical supply current, 2 mV typical input offset voltage, and rail-to-rail input common-mode range including ground - enabling single-supply operation in portable instrumentation and LCD display biasing circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LP324N datasheet, LP324N pinout, LP324N application, or LP324N equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range, PDIP-14 package compatibility with legacy LM324 layouts, and trade-off of bandwidth (100 kHz GBW) for ultra-low quiescent power in space-constrained analog signal conditioning.

Technical Context

The LP324N implements four independent high-input-impedance op-amps in a single monolithic IC, each featuring p-channel input differential pairs enabling input common-mode voltage down to ground. Its architecture prioritizes low static power over speed, with no internal frequency compensation beyond unity-gain stability.

It supports single-supply operation from 3 V to 32 V and dual-supply operation up to ±16 V. Input bias current remains at 2 nA typical across its full 0°C to 70°C ambient range, and output swing reaches within 1.9 V of either rail under 350 μA load - critical for precision DC-coupled sensor interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP324N is supplied in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), 0.300-inch body width, with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC MS-001 compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM324N and LP2902N, the LP324N provides optimal balance of ultra-low power (85 μA), commercial-temperature reliability, and LM324 pin compatibility - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, battery-powered consumer and portable equipment where speed is secondary to energy efficiency.

Availability

LP324N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD display biasing, portable instrumentation, and low-power power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for LP324N 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 precision analog design and manufacturing excellence.

The LP324N belongs to TI's legacy low-power op-amp portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-constrained applications where minimizing quiescent current without sacrificing DC precision is paramount - targeting portable electronics, sensor interfaces, and cost-optimized industrial controls.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for the LP324N?

The LP324N supports a maximum single-supply voltage of 32 V and a maximum dual-supply voltage of ±16 V. Absolute maximum ratings specify that exceeding these limits may cause permanent damage. For reliable operation, TI recommends staying within the recommended operating conditions: 3 V ≤ VCC ≤ 32 V for single supply, and ±1.5 V ≤ VCC ≤ ±16 V for dual supply. The LP324N maintains full functionality across this range while drawing only 85 μA per amplifier at 25°C.

Does the LP324N support true single-supply operation with input signals down to ground?

Yes, the LP324N features an input common-mode voltage range that includes ground (0 V), enabling true single-supply operation. Its p-channel input stage allows both inputs to be driven from 0 V up to VCC − 1.5 V. This eliminates the need for external bias resistors or level-shifting circuitry when interfacing with ground-referenced sensors such as thermistors, potentiometers, or bridge transducers - a key advantage over older bipolar-input op-amps like the LM324N in low-voltage designs.

What is the typical input offset voltage of the LP324N and how does it vary with temperature?

The LP324N has a typical input offset voltage of 2 mV at 25°C, with a maximum of 9 mV across its full 0°C to +70°C operating range. Its offset voltage drift is specified at 10 μV/°C, meaning total drift over the full temperature span is approximately 0.7 mV. This low drift ensures stable DC performance in battery-powered instruments and displays where thermal gradients occur during extended operation - directly contributing to measurement repeatability and display uniformity.

Is the LP324N pin-compatible with the LM324N, and can it be used as a direct replacement?

Yes, the LP324N is fully pin-compatible with the LM324N in the PDIP-14 package (N suffix), sharing identical pin numbering, pin functions, and footprint. It can be used as a direct drop-in replacement in existing LM324N designs to reduce system power consumption by ~93%, provided the application does not require the LM324N's higher bandwidth (700 kHz vs. 100 kHz) or extended temperature range. No PCB or schematic modifications are needed - only validation of signal bandwidth and thermal margins in the target application.

What packaging options are available for the LP324N, and which is recommended for through-hole prototyping?

The LP324N is offered exclusively in the 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), designated by the "N" suffix, with 0.300-inch body width and standard 0.1-inch pin pitch. This through-hole package is ideal for breadboarding, manual soldering, and low-volume prototyping due to its mechanical robustness and ease of handling. While TI also offers SOIC (D) and TSSOP (PW) variants for LP324, only the "N" version carries the exact part number LP324N - confirming its identity as the PDIP variant intended for legacy-compatible and hand-soldered applications.