LM246J - Quad Programmable Bipolar Op Amp | STMicroelectronics
MPN: LM246J ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.87 | $2.87 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
LM246J Overview
An operational amplifier is an analog integrated circuit that uses high open-loop gain to amplify the difference between its differential inputs. Within the broader hierarchy, the LM246J belongs to the linear amplifier, operational amplifier, analog IC, and semiconductor categories. This quad device consolidates four amplifiers into one through-hole package, which can reduce external component count and simplify routing in circuits requiring several matched functional channels.
The verified LM246 family description identifies the product as programmable, quad, and bipolar. Programmability means external or board-level configuration is used to set an operating condition or trim a parameter rather than relying entirely on fixed internal programming. The specified offset maximum of 7500 uV gives designers an initial accuracy boundary to account for when the amplifier operates inside a precision feedback network. DC bias, input bias current, supply limits, gain bandwidth, slew rate, common-mode range, and noise figures were not supplied in the verified dataset.
The LM246J is packaged as a 16-CDIP, also described by the distributor result as 16-CDIP in a 0.300-inch, 7.62 mm package. A ceramic-DIP through-hole format is useful for legacy industrial, instrumentation, test, control, or educational assemblies where leaded components are preferred. Because no complete manufacturer pin table was included in the supplied data, the exact individual pin functions cannot be reconstructed safely. The exposed-pad package key selected for the known 16-pin outline is dip-16.
Potential uses include four-channel sensor conditioning, programmable gain stages, analog summing networks, active filters, data-acquisition front ends, and legacy control-system modules. For precision applications, the 7500 uV maximum offset should be evaluated against the signal amplitude and calibration budget. For new designs, engineers should obtain the official LM246 datasheet, verify supply voltage, compensation requirements, pin assignments, input common-mode behavior, output swing, and stability before releasing a PCB.
The key layout consideration is lead spacing: the CDIP16 footprint matches a standard 16-lead through-hole outline, but mechanical compatibility does not by itself prove electrical interchangeability with another quad amplifier. Verify the pinout, gain configuration, compensation, supply range, and signal limits for every substitute. This page combines the verified product classification, sourcing references, package details, and engineering cautions without inventing unprovided electrical values.
Drop-in alternatives for LM246J — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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Request AlternativesLM246J Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Programmable quad bipolar operational amplifier |
| Number of Amplifier Circuits | 4 circuits |
| Amplifier Function Count | 2 functions per Rochester Electronics product-page snippet |
| Technology | Bipolar |
| Programmability | Programmable |
| Maximum Offset Voltage | 7500 uV |
| Package | 16-CDIP |
| Package Family | Ceramic dual in-line package (CDIP) |
| Lead Pitch | 0.300 in (7.62 mm) |
| Pin Count | 16 pins |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Category | Linear - Amplifiers - Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps |
| Qualification Class | Standard (General Purpose) |
| Manufacturer Named by FindIC | National Semiconductor |
| Manufacturer Named by Alldatasheet | STMicroelectronics |
| Current Stock Indication | Available according to Rochester Electronics listing |
| Minimum Order Quantity | No MOQ according to FPGACenter snippet |
| Reported Unit Price | USD 2.87 from Rocel; USD 2.57 starting price from FPGACenter |
LM246J ceramic dual in-line package (cdip) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for LM246J (ceramic dual in-line package (cdip) package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for LM246J.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
LM246J is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Instrumentation Signal Conditioning, Four-Channel Sensor Buffering, Programmable Gain and Summing Networks, Analog Active Filtering, Industrial Data Acquisition Front Ends, Process-Control Output Conditioning.
Legacy Instrumentation Signal Conditioning
The LM246J's four bipolar amplifier circuits can organize a multi-stage instrumentation design into one 16-CDIP package, reducing the number of separate through-hole amplifier packages. The verified classification specifically places the device among instrumentation and operational amplifiers, while its listed maximum offset of 7500 uV provides a concrete initial accuracy boundary. Use each channel for buffering, gain, or active filtering only after confirming the LM246-family input range and output swing. The missing supply-voltage and common-mode limits must be established from the official datasheet before deciding whether the measured offset is acceptable for the sensor output.
Recommended
Four-Channel Sensor Buffering
The four internal amplifier circuits make the LM246J relevant when several sensor outputs require buffering before multiplexing or digitization. A common package can shorten inter-stage board space and simplify maintenance of a legacy control system, but source impedance, input bias current, common-mode limits, and noise were not supplied in the verified data. Those omissions are especially important for high-impedance sensors because input current and capacitance can set usable accuracy and bandwidth. Confirm those parameters, the complete pin map, and stable operating points against the LM246-family datasheet before assigning all four channels to sensor inputs.
Recommended
Programmable Gain and Summing Networks
The verified family description identifies the LM246J as programmable, making the quad architecture a candidate for legacy gain-setting or analog summing networks where several channels use board-level configuration. The 16-CDIP package supports repairable industrial and educational assemblies, while four circuits can consolidate repeated amplifier stages. Offset error of up to 7500 uV must be weighed against the smallest signal and required trim range; otherwise, resistor-network accuracy may be dominated by input offset. Supply limits, resistor interfaces, channel topology, and compensation details were not provided and must come from the manufacturer documentation.
Recommended
Analog Active Filtering
Each LM246J amplifier channel can participate in an active low-pass, high-pass, or other feedback-based filter when its verified bandwidth, slew rate, output range, and stability conditions permit the selected component values. The supplied data confirms four circuits and bipolar implementation but does not provide gain-bandwidth product, slew rate, noise, or common-mode limits, so no specific cutoff frequency or Q can be validated from this record. Preserve analog ground continuity, keep feedback loops compact, and test each channel because programmable or compensated configurations can affect frequency response. Obtain the LM246 datasheet before calculating component tolerances or expected distortion.
Recommended
Industrial Data Acquisition Front Ends
The LM246J's quad format can support several low-frequency conditioning channels in legacy industrial data-acquisition equipment, including buffering, level shifting within the supported output range, and gain stages before an ADC. Its 16-CDIP through-hole package is convenient for repair and retrofit assemblies, but the verified data does not establish ADC drive, settling time, input common-mode range, or supply rails. Treat the stated 7500 uV maximum offset as an error budget input, especially for thermocouple or bridge signals with small full-scale voltages. Verify input and output limits, settling behavior, grounding, and noise before connecting the device to conversion circuitry.
Recommended
Process-Control Output Conditioning
A control panel can use separate LM246J amplifier channels for error amplification, actuator-command shaping, and signal isolation within supported voltage and current ranges. The standard general-purpose classification and four-circuit CDIP arrangement make the device relevant to older industrial control boards, especially where replacing the entire assembly would be expensive. However, output drive, saturation recovery, supply range, slew rate, and thermal behavior were not supplied. Confirm those limits before driving relays, motor-control inputs, or safety-related analog nodes. Also verify that the part's provenance and condition are appropriate for the required maintenance interval.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM246J — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Package | 16-CDIP |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics |
| Amplifier Circuits | 4 circuits |
| Architecture | Programmable quad bipolar operational amplifier |
| Maximum Offset Voltage | 7500 uV |
| Lead Pitch | 0.300 in (7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Qualification Class | Standard (General Purpose) |
| Reported Unit Price | USD 2.87 at Rocel; USD 2.57 starting price at FPGACenter as of 2026-10-23 |
| Lifecycle Status | unknown |
Key Differentiators
- Four-amplifier integration in one through-hole package (vs LM346N)
- Programmable quad bipolar architecture (vs LM324J)
- Explicit 7500 uV maximum offset listing (vs LM2904D)
- Ceramic-DIP serviceability for legacy assemblies (vs NE5532D)
Design Notes
Do not create a PCB footprint from package height or lead-pitch data alone. The verified listing establishes a 16-CDIP outline and 0.300-inch lead pitch, but it does not provide body length, row spacing, or lead-angle dimensions. Download the official mechanical drawing, confirm ceramic-package tolerances, and place all 16 leads on the proper DIP grid. Then cross-check every electrical pin function against the LM246-family pin table before committing copper.
Keep each feedback loop compact and route high-impedance input and programming nodes away from switching equipment and digital clock lines. The verified data does not include gain-bandwidth product, slew rate, input bias current, noise, or common-mode range, so stability and usable signal bandwidth cannot be predicted from the listing alone. Acquire the complete datasheet, document the intended configuration, and validate each of the four channels at the required gain, source impedance, output load, and supply voltage.
Do not assume that a generic 16-pin quad amplifier is a drop-in replacement. The supplied cross-reference result says LM346N has similar functions but inconsistent main parameters and may require circuit modification, while other suggestions mention LM324- or LM833-family devices without proving compatibility. Verify pin names, power pins, programming method, offset, bandwidth, slew rate, output swing, common-mode range, and compensation. If any check differs, the candidate requires redesign rather than substitution.
Compliance Information
No verified compliance declarations were supplied for the LM246J. The component's historical age and legacy ceramic-DIP package do not establish RoHS, REACH, or AEC-Q100 status.
