Texas Instruments OPA2544T

Overview

OPA2544T from Texas Instruments (formerly Burr-Brown) is a dual high-voltage, high-current operational amplifier designed for demanding power-driving applications. It delivers ±2A minimum output current, operates from ±10V to ±35V supplies, features 8V/µs slew rate, FET-input stage with ≤50pA bias current, and integrates thermal shutdown and internal current limiting. It is used in motor drivers, programmable power supplies, and magnetic deflection coil amplifiers.

For engineers reviewing the OPA2544T datasheet, OPA2544T pinout, OPA2544T application, or OPA2544T equivalent, key selection criteria include safe operating area (SOA) compliance at ±35V, thermal resistance (θJC = 2.5°C/W DC), output swing under 2A load, and TO-220-11 package mounting constraints for heatsinking.

Technical Context

The OPA2544T integrates two independent high-power FET-input op amps on a single monolithic die, each with dedicated high-current output stages capable of sourcing/sinking ≥2A into resistive loads. Its architecture includes internal foldback current limiting (≈4A at 25°C, decreasing with temperature) and thermal shutdown activation at ≈155°C junction temperature.

It supports unbalanced supply configurations (e.g., –7V/+63V), maintains >90dB CMRR up to 10kHz, and achieves 1.4MHz gain-bandwidth product with 15Ω load. The V– pin is internally connected to the metal tab for direct heatsink mounting, requiring electrical isolation if the heatsink must remain at ground potential.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The OPA2544T is housed in an 11-lead TO-220 (KV) package with the metal tab electrically connected to the V– pin. This configuration mandates insulated mounting hardware when the heatsink must be isolated from the negative supply rail.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage, high-current operational amplifier applications.

Compared with OPA544T and LM675T, the OPA2544T uniquely combines dual-channel integration, FET-input precision, and robust thermal/current protection - making it optimal for space-constrained, high-reliability servo and actuator driver designs requiring matched channel performance.

Availability

OPA2544T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor driver, programmable power supply, and servo amplifier applications requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.

Supply support for OPA2544T 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 (TI) is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with deep heritage in precision amplifiers dating to Burr-Brown acquisition in 2000.

The OPA2544T belongs to TI's OPA high-power operational amplifier family, engineered specifically for industrial actuation, test equipment, and high-fidelity analog power stages where output current, thermal resilience, and DC precision must coexist.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel of the OPA2544T?

The OPA2544T delivers ±2A minimum continuous output current per amplifier into resistive loads at TCASE = +25°C and VS = ±35V, as verified by SOA curves and thermal resistance data. Sustained 2A operation requires adherence to θJC = 2.5°C/W (DC) and proper heatsinking to maintain TJ ≤ 150°C. Short-circuit current reaches ±4A but triggers thermal shutdown within milliseconds.

Does the OPA2544T support unbalanced power supply configurations?

Yes, the OPA2544T supports unbalanced supplies - for example, –7V on V– and +63V on V+, as long as the total V+–V– differential remains ≤70V. This enables zero-output swing capability while maximizing positive headroom. However, short-circuit protection margin decreases at extreme asymmetry due to higher VCE stress, requiring careful SOA validation per application.

How is the metal tab on the OPA2544T package electrically connected?

The metal tab of the OPA2544T TO-220 package is internally connected to the V– supply pin (Pin 11). This design allows direct thermal coupling to a heatsink but mandates electrical isolation (e.g., mica washer + shoulder washer) if the heatsink must remain at ground or another potential. Failure to isolate may cause supply rail shorts or ground loop issues.

What is the input common-mode voltage range for the OPA2544T?

The OPA2544T has a linear input common-mode range of (V+)–6V to (V–)+6V at ±35V supplies. This means inputs must stay ≥6V below V+ and ≥6V above V– to avoid clipping or increased distortion. For example, with ±35V rails, valid input range is –29V to +29V - narrower than rail-to-rail op amps and critical for feedback network design.

Can the OPA2544T be paralleled for higher output current?

Paralleling OPA2544T amplifiers is possible using external ballast resistors (e.g., 0.01Ω per output) as shown in Figure 5 of the datasheet, extending SOA for pulsed loads. However, TI explicitly warns against paralleling for signals causing slewing - mismatched slew rates induce cross-talk and instability. For DC or low-frequency >4A needs, discrete power stages remain more reliable than parallel OPA2544T units.