LM324 Quad Op-Amp IC Pinout Datasheet

Introduction

The LM324 is a widely used quad operational amplifier (op-amp) IC that integrates four independent, high-gain, internally frequency-compensated amplifiers in a single package. It was designed especially to be useful in single-supply applications, though it can also operate from dual (±) supplies. Because of its ability to handle input voltages that include the negative rail (ground) and its relatively low cost, the LM324 is extremely popular in analog signal conditioning, sensor interfacing, and analog electronics.

One of the major advantages of the LM324 is that its input common-mode range includes the ground (negative rail), meaning you can measure signals that swing near zero volts without needing extra biasing. Similarly, its output can swing down to the negative rail (though not fully to the positive rail) in many load conditions. That makes it convenient in systems powered from a single supply, such as battery-powered devices and microcontroller-based systems.

LM324 Quad Op-Amp IC

However, designers must be mindful of its limitations — for example, the LM324 does not have rail-to-rail output on the positive side, and its speed and slew rate are modest compared to modern high-speed op-amps. In many precision or high-frequency designs, modern alternatives may offer improved offset, bandwidth, or output swing. Still, for many general-purpose analog tasks—filtering, amplification, comparator-like usage—the LM324 remains a versatile workhorse.

LM324 Pinout

LM324 Key Features

• Four independent op-amps in a single IC
• Internally frequency compensated (stable for unity gain)
• Wide supply voltage range (single-supply operation)
• Input common-mode range includes ground (negative rail)
• Output can swing to the negative rail
• Low input bias currents and low offset currents
• Short-circuit protected outputs
• Large DC open-loop gain
• Differential input voltage range up to supply
• Widely available in DIP-14, SOIC-14, TSSOP, etc.

LM324 Specifications/Characteristics

• Supply voltage: 3.0 V to 32 V (single supply) or ±1.5 V to ±16 V in dual supply mode
• Quiescent supply current: ~0.7 to 1.0 mA for entire package (i.e. ~0.175–0.25 mA per amplifier typical)
• Input offset voltage: typical ~2 mV (max values vary by version)
• Input bias current: tens to hundreds of nanoamps (varies with version)
• Input common-mode voltage range: from 0 V (negative rail) to (VCC – ~1.5 V)
• Output voltage swing: can approach ground (negative rail), but cannot swing fully to positive rail (stops ~1.5 V below VCC under load)
• Large open-loop gain: ~100 dB typical
• Unity-gain bandwidth: ~1 MHz typical
• Slew rate: ~0.5 V/µs typical for many versions
• Output current capability: can source / sink tens of milliamps under favorable conditions (varies by load)
• CMRR / PSRR: typical 65 dB to 100 dB depending on conditions and version
• Operating temperature: typically 0 °C to 70 °C (commercial ambient), some versions rated more broadly

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Pin Configuration of LM324 Quad Op-Amp IC

LM324 Typical Single-Supply Applications

More Circuit Layouts

Key Applications of LM324 Quad Op-Amp IC

• Signal conditioning, amplification of sensor outputs (thermistors, strain gauges, photodiodes)
• Active filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass)
• Voltage followers / buffers
• Summing, difference, instrumentation amplifier front-ends
• Oscillators, waveform generators
• Integrator and differentiator circuits
• Low-frequency analog computing (adders, subtractors, etc.)
• Comparator-like threshold circuits (though limited by slew)
• Audio pre-amplifiers for low-frequency signals
• Battery-powered systems, portable electronics

LM324 Equivalent ICs / Alternatives

• LM324A / LM324B – improved versions with better offset / performance (drop-in)
• LM224 / LM124 – older / related family variants with similar pinouts and behavior
• LM2902 – similar quad op-amp, often with better temperature tolerance in some variants
• TLV324 – a more modern low-voltage quad op-amp alternative (depending on required specs)
• MC33074 / MC34074 – quad op-amp families usable where higher performance is needed
• OPA2344 or other quad / dual op-amps (if you break the quad into two duals)

(The pinout for certain ICs can vary from that of the LM324).

Datasheet of LM324 Quad Op-Amp IC

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