LM358 Dual Operational Amplifier

Overview

The LM358 series consists of two independent, high-gain, internally frequency-compensated operational amplifiers designed specifically for single-supply operation across a wide voltage range. These devices can also operate from split power supplies while maintaining low power consumption that remains independent of supply voltage magnitude. The LM358 is part of the LM158/LM258/LM358 family, with variants specified for different temperature ranges.

This general-purpose op-amp features low input offset voltage and input bias current, making it suitable for precision applications. The internal frequency compensation provides stability at unity gain, while the wide bandwidth supports various signal conditioning tasks.

Key Features

• Dual Op-Amp Configuration: Two independent amplifiers in single package
• Wide Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 32V with single supply (±1.5V to ±16V with dual supplies)
• Low Power Consumption: 0.7mA typical supply current per amplifier (independent of supply voltage)
• Large DC Voltage Gain: 100dB typical
• Wide Bandwidth: 1MHz unity gain bandwidth (temperature compensated)
• Low Input Offset Voltage: 2mV typical
• Input Common-Mode Range: Includes ground (0V) with single supply operation
• Output Voltage Swing: Rail-to-rail (within 100mV of supply rails)
• Internally Frequency Compensated: Stable at unity gain
• Differential Input Voltage Range: Equal to power supply voltage

Applications

The LM358's versatile characteristics make it suitable for numerous analog circuit applications:

• Transducer Amplifiers: Signal conditioning for sensors and transducers
• DC Gain Blocks: General-purpose amplification stages
• Active Filters: Low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filter implementations
• Voltage Followers: Impedance buffering applications
• Integrator Circuits: Analog computation and waveform generation
• Summing Amplifiers: Analog signal mixing
• Precision Rectifiers: AC signal processing with minimal voltage drop
• Battery-Powered Systems: Low-current operation extends battery life
• Industrial Control Systems: Process control and instrumentation
• Consumer Electronics: Audio pre-amplifiers, signal processing

Electrical Characteristics

All specifications are typical at V_CC = 5V, T_A = 25°C unless otherwise noted.

Input Characteristics

• Input Offset Voltage: 2mV (max 7mV)
• Input Bias Current: 45nA (max 250nA)
• Input Offset Current: 5nA (max 50nA)
• Input Common-Mode Voltage Range: 0V to V_CC-1.5V
• Input Resistance: 0.3MΩ (differential), 10¹²Ω (common-mode)

Output Characteristics

• Output Voltage Swing: 0V to V_CC-1.5V (RL ≥ 2kΩ)
• Output Short-Circuit Current: 40mA (continuous to ground)
• Output Resistance: 200Ω (open loop)

Dynamic Characteristics

• Gain Bandwidth Product: 1MHz (typical)
• Slew Rate: 0.6V/μs (typical)
• Common-Mode Rejection Ratio: 85dB (typical)
• Power Supply Rejection Ratio: 100dB (typical)

Power Supply Characteristics

• Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 32V (single supply), ±1.5V to ±16V (dual supply)
• Supply Current (per amplifier): 0.7mA (quiescent, no load)
• Power Consumption: 1.4mW per amplifier at 5V supply

Package Information

The LM358 is available in multiple package options to suit different application requirements:

Standard Package Options

• PDIP-8 (Plastic Dual In-Line):
  • Package Dimensions: 9.81mm × 6.35mm × 3.3mm
  • Lead Pitch: 2.54mm
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C (LM358), -40°C to +85°C (LM258), -55°C to +125°C (LM158)
• SOIC-8 (Small Outline IC):
  • Package Dimensions: 4.9mm × 3.9mm × 1.25mm
  • Lead Pitch: 1.27mm
  • Surface-mount package for space-constrained applications
• TSSOP-8 (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package):
  • Package Dimensions: 3.0mm × 4.4mm × 1.0mm
  • Lead Pitch: 0.65mm
  • Ultra-thin profile for high-density PCB layouts

Thermal Characteristics

• Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (θ_JA):
  • PDIP-8: 100°C/W
  • SOIC-8: 160°C/W
  • TSSOP-8: 240°C/W
• Maximum Junction Temperature: 150°C
• Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C

Design Considerations

Power Supply Decoupling

For optimal performance, place a 0.1μF ceramic capacitor close to the power supply pins to minimize noise and ensure stable operation. In high-frequency applications, additional bulk capacitance (1-10μF electrolytic) may be required.

Input Protection

While the LM358 features internal ESD protection diodes, additional external protection may be necessary in harsh environments. Current-limiting resistors (1kΩ to 10kΩ) in series with inputs can prevent damage from excessive differential voltages.

Output Loading

The output stage can typically drive loads down to 2kΩ to either rail. For heavier loads, consider adding a buffer stage or using an external transistor for increased current capability.

PCB Layout Guidelines

• Keep input traces short to minimize noise pickup
• Route sensitive analog signals away from digital lines