Texas Instruments LP324PW

Overview

LP324PW from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power quadruple operational amplifier optimized for battery-powered systems, featuring 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 LP324PW datasheet, LP324PW pinout, LP324PW application, or LP324PW equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, TSSOP-14 package details, real-world use cases in sensor signal conditioning and power supply monitoring, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and thermal differences.

Technical Context

The LP324PW implements four independent high-impedance voltage amplifiers sharing a single 3–32 V supply, with input stages designed for ground-referenced sensing and output stages capable of sourcing/sinking ≥4 mA while maintaining low quiescent current across 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature.

Its architecture prioritizes power efficiency over bandwidth (100 kHz GBW) and slew rate (50 V/ms), making it unsuitable for high-speed signal processing but ideal for DC-coupled gain stages, active filtering, and precision threshold detection where supply current and input bias constraints dominate design requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-14 (PW) package: 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, 1.2 mm max height, exposed pad not electrically connected.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad op-amp applications.

Compared with LM324DR, LP324PW reduces supply current by 93% - critical for energy harvesting and coin-cell designs - while LP2902PWR offers identical performance with broader thermal qualification, enabling reuse of LP324PW PCB layouts in harsher environments without electrical redesign.

Availability

LP324PW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, LCD display biasing, sensor signal conditioning, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply across commercial temperature ranges.

Supply support for LP324PW 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 over 90 years of innovation in precision analog ICs.

The LP324 product line targets ultra-low-power signal conditioning in battery-operated equipment, emphasizing minimal supply current without sacrificing input accuracy or supply voltage flexibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for the LP324PW?

The LP324PW is specified for operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient temperature. This commercial-grade rating makes it suitable for indoor consumer and industrial electronics but excludes extended-temperature applications such as automotive under-hood or outdoor telecom equipment. The LP2902PWR variant extends the range to −40°C to +85°C while maintaining identical electrical behavior and TSSOP-14 packaging. Always verify junction temperature using θ_JA = 154°C/W and actual power dissipation in your layout.

Is the LP324PW pin-compatible with the LM324?

Yes, the LP324PW is pin-compatible with the LM324 in TSSOP-14 (PW) and SOIC-14 (D) packages, sharing identical pin numbering and function mapping per the datasheet's Pin Functions table. However, key electrical differences exist: LP324PW draws only 85 μA vs. LM324's 1.2 mA supply current, has lower input bias current (2 nA vs. 45 nA), and reduced output drive capability. Layout reuse is possible, but system-level validation of quiescent current, offset, and gain stability is required.

Does the LP324PW support true rail-to-rail output swing?

No, the LP324PW does not provide rail-to-rail output. Its output voltage swing is specified as (V_CC − 1.9 V) for the high state and 1 V above ground for the low state under 350 μA load. At 5 V supply, this yields ~3.1 V maximum and ~1 V minimum output - a 2.1 V usable range. For applications requiring wider dynamic range, consider newer rail-to-rail op-amps like the TLV2464, but note their higher supply current (550 μA) compromises LP324PW's core low-power advantage.

Can the LP324PW operate from a single 3.3V supply?

Yes, the LP324PW supports single-supply operation down to 3 V, making 3.3 V fully compliant. Its input common-mode range includes ground, allowing direct connection of sensors referenced to system GND. Output swing at 3.3 V will be approximately 1.4 V (high) to 1 V (low), delivering ~0.4 V usable range - sufficient for comparator or low-gain buffer roles. For higher gain or wider swing, increase supply to 5 V or use external level-shifting circuitry.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the LP324PW in TSSOP-14 package?

The LP324PW in TSSOP-14 (PW) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 154°C/W, as confirmed in Section 5.4 of the official datasheet. This value assumes standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions (1 in² copper pour). Actual θ_JA in your design depends on PCB copper area, via count, and airflow; adding thermal vias under the exposed pad (if present) and increasing copper area can reduce effective θ_JA by 20–40%. Junction temperature must remain below 150°C for reliable operation.