LM2904 IC - Pinout, Datasheet & Its Applications

LM2904 is a widely used dual operational amplifier IC designed for automotive, industrial, and general-purpose electronic applications. With single-supply operation, low power consumption, high DC gain, and internal frequency compensation, it efficiently amplifies signals for sensor interfacing, motor control, power supplies, and analog signal conditioning. This article explores the LM2904 pinout, features, specifications, equivalents, applications, and datasheet, providing a complete guide for engineers, hobbyists, and electronics enthusiasts to implement this reliable op-amp in practical circuits.

1. What is IC LM2904?

2. LM2904 Equivalent

3. LM2904 Pinout and Circuit Diagram

4. Features of LM2904 IC

5. LM2904 Specifications

6. Where to Use LM2904?

7. How to Use LM2904

8. Applications of LM2904 IC

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What is IC LM2904?

The LM 2904 is a dual operational amplifier IC that integrates two independent, high-gain op-amps in a single package. Each amplifier is internally frequency-compensated, which simplifies circuit design and ensures stable operation without the need for external compensation components.

The circuit design specifically for automotive and industrial control systems, where reliability, wide operating voltage range, and low power consumption are critical. It operates from a single power supply over a broad voltage range, and its low supply current is largely independent of the actual supply voltage. This makes it well suited for battery-powered and always-on systems.

One of the major advantages of the chip is its ability to work directly from standard 5 V logic supplies, eliminating the need for dual power rails in many applications. In linear mode, the input common-mode voltage range includes ground, and the output can swing down to ground, even when powered from a single supply. Because of these features, the LM 2904 widely use in transducer amplifiers, DC gain blocks, and most conventional op-amp circuits implemented in single-supply systems.

LM2904 Equivalent

Several operational amplifiers can use as alternatives to the LM 2904, depending on performance requirements and application needs. Common equivalents include:

LM2902

The LM2902 is a quad operational amplifier, meaning it contains four op-amps in a single package. It shares similar electrical characteristics with the LM 2904 and commonly use in automotive and industrial applications where require multiple amplifier stages.

MCP602

The MCP602 is a CMOS, rail-to-rail dual op-amp known for low power consumption and higher output swing compared to LM 2904. Suitable for battery-powered devices and precision analog circuits operating at low voltages.

LM358

The LM358 is the closest equivalent to the LM2904. Both are dual op-amps with similar pinouts, supply voltage ranges, and single-supply operation. In many designs, the LM358 can directly replace the LM 2904 without circuit changes.

NE5532

The NE 5532 is a low-noise, high-performance dual op-amp optimized for audio applications. It offers better noise and distortion performance than LM2904 but typically requires higher supply current and is less suitable for low-power systems.

RC4558

The RC4558 is a general-purpose dual op-amp widely used in audio signal processing and analog amplification. While compatible in many circuits, it has higher noise and offset than modern precision op-amps.

OPA2134

The OPA2134 is a high-quality audio operational amplifier with low distortion and noise. Commonly use in professional audio equipment where sound quality is critical, though it is more expensive than the LM2904.

OPA2228

The OPA2228 is a precision dual op-amp featuring low offset voltage and low noise. Ideal for instrumentation and measurement applications where accuracy and stability are more important than low cost.

OPA2604

The OPA2604 is a high-speed, wide-bandwidth dual op-amp designed for advanced audio and signal-processing applications. It delivers excellent performance at higher frequencies but consumes more power than the LM 2904.

The choice of substitute depends on factors such as noise performance, bandwidth, supply voltage, and cost.

LM2904 Pinout and Circuit Diagram

The LM2904 is typically available in an 8pin package, containing two independent op-amps.

Pin Configuration

Circuit Diagram

In a basic circuit, the LM 2904 can configure as a voltage follower, amplifier, comparator, or filter by selecting appropriate external resistors and capacitors.

Features of LM2904 IC

The LM 2904 is a dual operational amplifier designed for stable and low-power operation in automotive and industrial environments. It includes internal frequency compensation, allowing the device to operate reliably without external stabilization components. The IC provides a high DC voltage gain of 100 dB, making it suitable for precision signal amplification.

It offers a wide unity-gain bandwidth of 1.1 MHz, which is temperature compensated to maintain consistent performance across varying conditions. The ic draws low supply current per amplifier, and this current remains largely independent of the supply voltage, an advantage in battery-powered systems.

The device features a low input bias current of 20 nA and a low input offset current of 2 nA, helping improve accuracy in low-level signal applications. Its input common-mode voltage range includes the negative rail, enabling direct amplification of ground-referenced signals in single-supply designs. Additionally, the differential input voltage range equals the power supply voltage, and the output provides a large voltage swing from 0 V to (VCC − 1.5 V).

LM2904 Specifications

Manufacturer

The LM2904 is manufactured by several major semiconductor companies, including:

ON Semiconductor (ONSEMI)

Texas Instruments (TI)

STMicroelectronics (ST)

Each supplier provide detailed datasheets, long-term availability, and automotive-grade versions.

Packages & Dimensions of LM2904 IC

Common package options include:

Both through-hole and surface-mount (SMD) options are available, allowing easy integration into various PCB designs.

Where to Use LM2904?

The LM2904 is ideal for circuits requiring reliable, low-power, dual operational amplification. Its ability to operate from a single supply makes it suitable for battery-powered devices, automotive electronics, and industrial control systems. Common uses include sensor signal conditioning, transducer amplifiers, DC gain blocks, and general-purpose analog signal processing. It works well in systems where need ground-referenced inputs, such as temperature-sensors, pressure sensors, and voltage monitoring circuits. Additionally, its low supply current and wide voltage range make it suitable for portable devices, power management circuits, and embedded control applications, providing efficient and accurate analog interfacing.

How to Use LM2904

Using the LM 2904 is straightforward because its dual op-amp design and internal frequency compensation. Connect V+ to the positive supply and V− to ground for single-supply operation. Configure each amplifier according to your application - such as voltage follower, inverting, non-inverting, or summing amplifier - using appropriate resistors and capacitors. The input common-mode voltage includes ground, allowing direct amplification of low-level signals without additional biasing. Add decoupling capacitors close to the supply pins to reduce noise and ensure stability. The wide output swing and high gain make it suitable for sensor interfacing, signal conditioning, and control circuits.

Applications of LM2904 IC

LM 2904 IC is a versatile dual operational amplifier widely used in automotive, industrial, and electronic circuits.
Dual operational amplifier provides two independent op-amps in a single package, making it suitable for signal conditioning and control applications.
Single-supply op-amp allows operation from a single voltage source, ideal for battery-powered devices and low-voltage systems.
Low power consumption ensures efficiency in portable electronics and industrial control panels.
High DC gain of 100 dB allows accurate amplification of weak signals.
Sensor amplification applications include temperature, pressure, and voltage monitoring circuits.
Motor control systems such as AC induction, brushed-DC, brushless DC, and stepper motors benefit from its stable performance.
Power supplies and mobile chargers use the component for reliable voltage regulation and signal interfacing.
Signal conditioning in embedded systems, measurement devices, and audio electronics is easy with LM2904’s features.

LM2904 Datasheet PDF

Provide complete electrical characteristics, application circuits, and package drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the LM2904 work?

The LM2904 is a dual operational amplifier that amplifies the difference between its inverting and non-inverting inputs. Internal frequency compensation ensures stability, while external resistors and capacitors define gain, filtering, or voltage follower configurations in single-supply or dual-supply systems.

What is LM2904 price?

The LM2904 is an affordable dual op-amp IC. Pricing depends on manufacturer, package type, and order quantity. Bulk purchases reduce cost, and typical prices range from a few cents to a couple of dollars per unit, making it suitable for high-volume designs.

What is the operating voltage range of LM2904?

The LM 2904 operates over a wide voltage range: 3V to 32V for single-supply operation, and ±1.5V to ±16V for dual-supply setups. This allows compatibility with automotive, industrial, and battery-powered applications.

What can be used instead of LM2904?

Common substitutes include LM358, LM2902, MCP602, NE5532, RC4558, OPA2134, OPA2228, and OPA2604. Selection depends on performance needs, such as noise, bandwidth, power consumption, or audio quality, ensuring a compatible dual op-amp replacement.

Can LM358 and LM2904 be used as voltage followers?

Yes. Both can configure as voltage followers by connecting the output directly to the inverting input. This provides unity gain buffering, isolates sources, and maintains signal integrity in single-supply or dual-supply systems.

Conclusion

The LM2904 IC is a reliable and versatile dual operational amplifier ideal for automotive, industrial, and general-purpose electronic applications. Its single-supply operation, low power consumption, high gain, and wide input range make it suitable for sensor amplification, motor control, power supplies, and signal conditioning. With multiple package options and compatible equivalents like LM358 or LM2902, it offers flexibility for engineers and hobbyists. Understanding its pinout, features, specifications, and applications ensures efficient circuit design and integration, making the circuit a go-to choice for precise and stable analog signal processing.

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