Analog Devices Inc. LT1078ACH

Overview

LT1078ACH from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a micropower dual precision operational amplifier in an 8-pin TO-5 metal can package, optimized for single-supply operation at 5V. It delivers 70μV max input offset voltage, 50μA max supply current per amplifier, 200kHz gain bandwidth, 0.07V/μs slew rate, and rail-to-ground output swing while sinking current-enabling battery-powered instrumentation amplifiers and thermocouple signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the LT1078ACH datasheet, LT1078ACH pinout, LT1078ACH application, or LT1078ACH equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, thermal drift behavior, single-supply noise performance (0.6μV_P-P, 0.1Hz–10Hz), output stage architecture, and validated alternative options for low-power precision analog designs.

Technical Context

The LT1078ACH uses an all-NPN output stage enabling true ground-sinking capability without pull-down resistors-critical for micropower instrumentation amplifiers where competing op amps require >300μA bias current to reach ground. Its input stage includes series protection resistors preventing destructive substrate conduction when inputs fall 5V below ground.

Offset voltage is internally trimmed at 5V/0V supply conditions, with PSRR of 114dB limiting V_OS shift to ≤8μV at 9V supply. The 0.7Hz 1/f noise corner yields ultra-low 0.1Hz–10Hz voltage noise-superior to monolithic op amps by ≥3×-while maintaining 250pA max offset current and 0.4μV/°C typical drift.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LT1078ACH is housed in an 8-pin TO-5 metal can (H package) with hermetic sealing and low thermal resistance (θ_JA = 100°C/W). Pin numbering follows industry-standard LT1013DS8 SO configuration-not DIP-requiring layout verification for legacy designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual precision op amp applications.

Compared with LT1078IS8 and LT1013CN8, the LT1078ACH uniquely combines hermetic H-package reliability, lowest specified offset voltage (70μV), and true ground-sinking capability-making it irreplaceable in long-life, single-supply precision systems where power budget and output headroom are constrained.

Availability

LT1078ACH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, thermocouple amplifiers, micropower sample-and-hold circuits, and satellite telemetry requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LT1078ACH 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

Analog Devices acquired Linear Technology in 2017, inheriting its legacy of high-performance analog ICs with emphasis on precision, low power, and rugged packaging.

The LT1078ACH belongs to Linear's micropower precision op amp product line, designed specifically for battery-operated test equipment, remote sensors, and aerospace systems demanding ultra-low quiescent current without sacrificing DC accuracy or noise performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the LT1078ACH?

The LT1078ACH is rated for 0°C to 70°C ambient operation (C-grade). Its H-package metal can construction provides robust thermal performance with θ_JA = 100°C/W, allowing reliable function at full spec within this range. Operation beyond 70°C requires derating or validation per application-specific thermal modeling-LT1078AMH extends to –55°C to 125°C but is obsolete.

Does the LT1078ACH require external pull-down resistors for ground-referenced output?

No, the LT1078ACH does not require external pull-down resistors. Its all-NPN output stage sinks current to within 6mV of ground with 100μA load, eliminating the 300μA+ current draw typical of competing micropower op amps like OP-290 or HA5141 that mandate pull-down resistors for ground swing-preserving battery life in LT1078ACH-based designs.

Can the LT1078ACH operate from a single 3V lithium cell?

Yes, the LT1078ACH operates from a single 3V lithium cell. Its minimum supply voltage is 2.2V (per datasheet Note 5), and it delivers full performance-including 70μV max offset and 0.6μV_P-P noise-at 3V. Input common-mode range extends to –0.3V, and output swings to within 6mV of ground, making it ideal for direct integration with 3V microcontrollers and ADCs.

How does the LT1078ACH prevent phase reversal during negative input transients?

The LT1078ACH incorporates dedicated phase reversal protection circuitry. When inputs fall below –0.4V (where LM124 or OP-90 would invert output), the LT1078ACH clamps internal nodes to maintain correct polarity-even at –1V input-as verified in Figure 2 of the datasheet. This prevents servo lockup and ensures safe operation in systems with uncontrolled input transients.

Is the LT1078ACH pin-compatible with the LT1013 or LM358?

No, the LT1078ACH is not pin-compatible with the LT1013 or LM358. It uses the industry-standard LT1013DS8 SO pinout (not DIP), placing V+ at Pin 3 and V– (case) at Pin 6-unlike LT1013CN8 (V+ at Pin 8, V– at Pin 4) or LM358 (V+ at Pin 8, V– at Pin 4). Layout adaptation is required; refer to the H-package top view in the LT1078/LT1079 datasheet for exact mapping.