LM741 vs LM324: Op Amp Differences Explained

This article compares the LM741 and LM324 Op Amps, outlining the key differences between these popular operational amplifiers.

LM741 Op Amp

Figure 1 shows the LM741 Op Amp IC pin diagram.

The LM741 is a widely used operational amplifier for a variety of applications:

• Comparators
• Multivibrators
• Amplifiers
• Integrators
• Differentiators
• Active Filters

In general, the output is given by: Vo = Ao X (V2 - V1) where Ao is the open-loop voltage gain.

Here are some general specifications of the 741 Op-Amp:

• Number of channels: 1
• Slew Rate: 0.5 V/µs
• Input Offset voltage (Max.): 5 mV (at TA = 25 degreeC)
• Output short circuit current: 25 mA
• CMRR (dB): 95 (max.)

LM324 Op Amp

Figure 1 shows the LM324 Op Amp IC pin diagram.

Key features of the LM324 Op Amp:

• Quadruple Operational Amplifier: A single IC provides the functionalities of four LM741 ICs.
• It’s a 14-pin IC with 4 differential pairs (8 inputs) and 4 outputs.

The figure depicts VCC and GND pins.

• Number of channels: 4
• GBW (MHz): 1
• Slew Rate: 0.5 V/µs
• Offset voltage (Max.): 7 mV
• Output current: 20 mA
• Offset Drift (µV/C): 7
• CMRR (dB): 85
• Vn at 1 KHz (nV/rtHz): 40
• Architecture: Bipolar
• IIB (max) (pA): 100000