Texas Instruments MC3403NS

Overview

MC3403NS from Texas Instruments is a quadruple low-power operational amplifier designed for single-supply (3 V to 36 V) or dual-supply (±2.5 V to ±15 V) operation, featuring true differential inputs, Class AB output stage, internal frequency compensation, and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range. It delivers 1 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, 0.6 V/µs slew rate, and 10 mV max input offset voltage at 25°C - enabling precision signal conditioning in industrial sensor interfaces and power supply monitoring circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MC3403NS datasheet, MC3403NS pinout, MC3403NS application, or MC3403NS equivalent, key selection considerations include its NS-package thermal impedance (76°C/W), rail-to-rail input common-mode range (includes negative supply), output swing to VCC–1.5 V, and compatibility with legacy µA741-based designs requiring low quiescent current (≤7 mA total).

Technical Context

The MC3403NS integrates four independent op-amps sharing a common bias circuitry and supply rails. Each amplifier uses a true differential input stage with 0.3 MΩ minimum input resistance and Class AB output stage delivering ±45 mA short-circuit output current. Internal frequency compensation ensures stable unity-gain operation without external components.

It supports single-supply operation down to 3 V with common-mode input range extending to VCC– and output swing reaching VCC–1.5 V. The device exhibits 70 dB minimum common-mode rejection ratio and 20 V/mV large-signal differential voltage amplification under 2 kΩ load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC3403NS is housed in a 14-pin plastic small-outline (SO) package (NS drawing), 5.3 mm wide, with 1.27 mm pitch and 76°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quadruple low-power operational amplifier applications.

Compared with MC3403DR, the MC3403NS offers superior thermal performance in the same pin count; compared with LM324N, it delivers tighter input offset, higher CMRR, and documented crosstalk suppression - critical for multi-channel analog acquisition systems.

Availability

MC3403NS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, DC power supply monitoring, audio pre-amplification, and legacy system replacement requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC3403NS 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 50 years of op-amp innovation and broad industrial qualification.

The MC3403NS belongs to TI's legacy general-purpose op-amp product line, engineered for reliability in industrial control, instrumentation, and power management systems where long-lifecycle support and proven robustness are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the MC3403NS?

The MC3403NS is characterized for operation from 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature. This specification is explicitly defined in the "recommended operating conditions" table of the SLOS101C datasheet and applies strictly to the MC3403NS variant - unlike the –40°C to 85°C MC3303 family members. Exceeding 70°C may degrade input offset voltage and common-mode rejection performance.

Does the MC3403NS support true rail-to-rail output swing?

No, the MC3403NS does not provide rail-to-rail output. Its output swings from VCC– to VCC–1.5 V on single supply, or ±10 V with ±15 V dual supplies. This limitation is confirmed in the "electrical characteristics" table under VOM (peak output voltage swing) and reflects the Class AB output stage's saturation behavior - critical for designing headroom in sensor interface circuits.

Can the MC3403NS be used with a single 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the MC3403NS supports single-supply operation down to 3 V per the "recommended operating conditions" table. At 3.3 V, the output swing is limited to approximately 1.8 V peak-to-peak (VCC– to VCC–1.5 V), and input common-mode range extends from ground to 1.3 V - making it viable for low-voltage sensor buffering where gain and precision requirements align with these constraints.

What is the pinout compatibility between MC3403NS and MC3403N?

The MC3403NS and MC3403N share identical 14-pin functionality and signal mapping (1OUT, 1IN–, 1IN+, VCC–, etc.), as confirmed by the "TOP VIEW" diagram in the SLOS101C datasheet applicable to both NS and N packages. However, the NS package (SO) has different physical dimensions and thermal characteristics than the N package (PDIP), so mechanical fit and thermal design must be verified separately.

How does the MC3403NS compare to the µA741 in terms of quiescent current?

The MC3403NS draws ≤7 mA total supply current for all four amplifiers, less than half the typical 1.7 mA per amplifier (6.8 mA total) of the µA741. This reduction is explicitly stated in the device description: "Quiescent supply currents are less than one-half those of the µA741." Lower current directly translates to reduced self-heating and extended battery life in portable instrumentation using MC3403NS.