Texas Instruments OPA396DCKR

Overview

OPA396 from Texas Instruments is a single-channel, precision CMOS operational amplifier optimized for ultra-low-power, high-impedance sensor signal conditioning. It delivers 1MHz gain-bandwidth, 23.5µA quiescent current, ±100µV max input offset voltage, 10fA typical input bias current, and rail-to-rail output - enabling accurate amplification in battery-powered medical and industrial transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the OPA396 datasheet, OPA396 pinout, OPA396 application, or OPA396 equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, SC70-5 package details, real-world use cases in electrochemical sensing and flow measurement, and two validated alternative op amps with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The OPA396 employs Texas Instruments' e-trim™ technology to achieve ultra-low offset (±100µV max) and drift (±1.2µV/°C) without auto-zero or chopper switching - eliminating switching artifacts and enabling clean DC-coupled operation. Its CMOS input stage supports ±100mV beyond-rail common-mode range and delivers 10fA typical input bias current critical for photodiode and pH electrode interfaces.

Designed for unity-gain stability with capacitive loads up to 1nF, the OPA396 features an EMI-filtered input structure and achieves 46.5dB EMIRR at 900MHz. It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V, supports fast 1V/µs slew rate, and drives ±60mA output current while maintaining rail-to-rail swing within 10mV of supply rails under 10kΩ load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DCK (SC70-5) package: 2.00 mm × 2.10 mm, 5-pin surface-mount, thermally enhanced plastic case with exposed pad connected to V–.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision, low-power op amp applications.

Compared with LMP7721MA/NOPB and OPA333AIDBVR, the OPA396 uniquely balances 1MHz bandwidth, 23.5µA IQ, 10fA bias, and integrated EMI rejection - making it optimal for battery-powered, RF-noisy, high-impedance sensor nodes where all four parameters matter simultaneously.

Availability

OPA396 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for blood glucose monitoring, flow transmitter design, and electrochemical gas detection requiring stable component supply, traceable lot history, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for OPA396 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 decades of expertise in precision amplifiers and sensor interface solutions.

The OPA396 belongs to TI's e-trim™ precision op amp family, engineered specifically for low-power, high-accuracy signal conditioning in portable medical, industrial process analytics, and environmental monitoring equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the OPA396 can drive while remaining stable?

The OPA396 maintains unity-gain stability with capacitive loads up to 1 nF without external compensation. This is enabled by its adaptive output stage, which avoids the instability common in other low-IQ amplifiers. For loads exceeding 1 nF, a small series resistor (e.g., 25 Ω) between the OPA396 output and the capacitor restores phase margin. This capability is confirmed in Figure 5-29 and Section 6.3.3 of the OPA396 datasheet.

Does the OPA396 support rail-to-rail input operation?

The OPA396 supports input common-mode voltage from (V–) – 0.1 V to (V+) + 0.1 V - extending 100 mV beyond both supply rails. However, it does not support full rail-to-rail differential input swing; the absolute maximum differential input voltage is limited to ±0.5 V per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This extended common-mode range is ideal for single-supply sensor interfaces where the signal may approach or slightly exceed the supply rails.

How does the OPA396's e-trim™ technology differ from traditional auto-zero or chopper amplifiers?

OPA396's e-trim™ uses laser-trimmed on-chip resistors to null offset during manufacturing - eliminating the need for clocked auto-zero or chopper modulation. This avoids switching artifacts, low-frequency noise folding, and electromagnetic emissions associated with chopping. As a result, the OPA396 delivers clean DC performance with 1.2 µV/°C drift and no 1/f noise spikes - critical for precision analog security cameras and medical patches.

Can the OPA396 operate from a 1.8V supply and still meet its specified offset voltage?

Yes. The OPA396 is fully specified from 1.7 V to 5.5 V, including its ±100 µV maximum input offset voltage and ±1.2 µV/°C drift, across the entire supply range and temperature span (–40°C to +125°C). Electrical Characteristics Table 5.7 explicitly lists VOS performance at VS = 1.7 V, confirming that low-voltage operation does not degrade precision - a key advantage over many competing micropower op amps.

Is the thermal pad on the OPA396 DCK package required to be connected?

Yes. The DCK (SC70-5) package includes an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a PCB copper pour tied to V– (pin 2) for proper thermal performance and reliability. Per Section 5.4 of the datasheet, RθJB (junction-to-board) is 58°C/W only when the thermal pad is properly connected; omitting this connection degrades thermal resistance by >150°C/W and risks parametric shift or premature failure under sustained load.