LM246N - Programmable Quad Op Amp, 16-DIP | STMicroelectronics
MPN: LM246N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
LM246N Overview
An operational amplifier is an analog signal-conditioning semiconductor that uses high open-loop gain and negative feedback to amplify voltage differences. The LM246N belongs to the broader operational-amplifier hierarchy and is designed for instrumentation, buffering, active filtering, and programmable analog signal paths. Its four independent amplifiers can support several channels within one package while preserving consistent programmable operating characteristics.
The main technical feature is external programmability through two RSET resistors. This allows the circuit designer to tune bandwidth and dynamic behavior rather than relying only on fixed internal compensation. The device is internally compensated and uses a bipolar process. Verified data also identifies a Class AB output stage, which is useful when driving moderate external loads while maintaining an appropriate output operating point.
The LM246N is intended for general-purpose instrumentation rather than low-voltage modern mixed-signal systems. Its wide supply range allows operation from dual supplies up to ±22 V according to the verified source data. However, the exact input common-mode range, output swing, slew-rate range, input bias current, operating temperature, package dimensions, and absolute maximum ratings were not supplied in the verified data and must be confirmed in the manufacturer datasheet before production design.
Typical uses include four-channel signal conditioning, programmable gain stages, active filters, sensor interfaces, laboratory instrumentation, and analog control systems. Because the amplifiers are programmable, the external resistor values and the required bandwidth should be selected together. The DIP package also favors through-hole prototyping and educational or legacy industrial equipment rather than compact high-density PCB assemblies.
For PCB design, keep each RSET connection short and place compensation or bypass capacitors close to their relevant pins where the manufacturer circuit recommends them. Confirm the pinout and pin numbering against the selected DIP footprint before assembly. This page consolidates verified distributor information, programming characteristics, sourcing links, and design cautions; unavailable electrical limits are explicitly identified rather than inferred.
Drop-in alternatives for LM246N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LM246N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →LM246N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →LM246N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →LM246N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →LM246N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →LM246N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Amplifier Type | Programmable quad bipolar operational amplifier |
| Number of Amplifiers | 4 |
| Gain-Bandwidth Product | 1 MHz |
| DC Voltage Gain | 120 dB |
| Noise Voltage Density | 28 nV/√Hz |
| Supply Current | 250 µA per amplifier |
| Power Supply Range | ±22 V |
| Compensation | Internally compensated |
| Output Stage | Class AB |
| Programming Elements | Two external RSET resistors |
| Architecture | Four independent amplifiers |
| Process Technology | Bipolar |
| Package | 16-pin DIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
LM246N 16-pin dip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for LM246N (16-pin dip 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 LM246N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
LM246N is suitable for 6 applications: Programmable Instrumentation Amplifier Front End, Active Filter and Signal Conditioning, Laboratory Sensor Interface, Programmable Gain Control, Analog Control and Monitoring System, Educational Analog Electronics Prototype.
Programmable Instrumentation Amplifier Front End
The LM246N fits instrumentation front ends requiring several independently adjustable analog channels. Each of its four bipolar amplifiers can use external RSET resistors to program electrical characteristics, allowing the designer to tune bandwidth and dynamic behavior for a particular sensor or measurement chain. The verified 1 MHz gain-bandwidth product and 120 dB DC gain provide useful starting points, while the 16-DIP package simplifies through-hole laboratory and legacy industrial assembly. Verify the final RSET values, supply limits, common-mode range, output swing, and stability using the complete manufacturer datasheet.
Recommended
Active Filter and Signal Conditioning
Use the four LM246N channels as configurable building blocks for active filters and analog signal-conditioning stages when the system benefits from external programming. The internal compensation and programmable RSET control make the device useful for controlled bandwidth experiments, adjustable amplifiers, and multichannel filter prototypes. Its 28 nV/√Hz noise-density listing is relevant to low-level signal work, while the 1 MHz gain-bandwidth product provides a defined performance reference. Capacitor selection, resistor accuracy, feedback topology, output loading, and supply bypass must be checked in the application circuit.
Recommended
Laboratory Sensor Interface
The LM246N can provide multiple analog channels for laboratory sensor interfaces where each measurement path may need different programmable bandwidth or drive behavior. Four independent amplifiers reduce the number of packages needed for a multichannel measurement board, while the 16-DIP format is convenient for prototypes and educational systems. The verified ±22 V supply capability supports higher-voltage laboratory rails, but the input common-mode range and output swing are not supplied and must be confirmed before connecting transducers. Add input protection and verify grounding to avoid sensor or amplifier damage.
Recommended
Programmable Gain Control
LM246N is appropriate for a programmable gain-control block when the designer needs adjustable analog dynamics rather than a fixed-gain amplifier. External RSET resistors can be used to establish different gain-bandwidth and slew-rate behavior across operating modes. The four-channel arrangement allows multiple ranges or parallel paths to be implemented in one DIP device. Because the supplied sources do not include the complete resistor-selection table, do not scale the verified 1 MHz figure blindly; derive each setting from the manufacturer program tables and verify settling, noise, and stability.
Recommended
Analog Control and Monitoring System
The LM246N can support analog control, monitoring, and feedback functions in industrial or laboratory equipment where four channels are useful and external programmability improves flexibility. Its bipolar Class AB output stage and internally compensated amplifiers are intended for general-purpose signal processing rather than low-power sensor-node operation. Place bypass capacitors according to the final manufacturer guidance, keep feedback traces compact, and validate operation over the intended supply and temperature range. The supplied data does not confirm environmental or automotive qualification, so those requirements require separate review.
Recommended
Educational Analog Electronics Prototype
The LM246N works well for educational and laboratory prototypes because its four independent amplifiers, DIP package, and external programming resistors make internal signal-path behavior easier to inspect and modify. Students can demonstrate amplifier bandwidth, gain, feedback, noise, and RSET-programmed behavior without relying on a highly integrated mixed-signal device. The 250 µA-per-amplifier listing provides a useful starting point for supply-current analysis, but actual current depends on programming. Always verify the pinout and datasheet limits before connecting laboratory supplies or measurement equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM246N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM246N | LM246N | LM246N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-DIP | 16-DIP | 16-DIP | 16-DIP |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Amplifier Count | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Amplifier Architecture | Programmable bipolar | Programmable bipolar | Programmable bipolar | Programmable bipolar |
| Gain-Bandwidth Product | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 1 MHz |
| DC Voltage Gain | 120 dB | 120 dB | 120 dB | 120 dB |
| Noise Voltage Density | 28 nV/√Hz | 28 nV/√Hz | 28 nV/√Hz | 28 nV/√Hz |
| Supply Current | 250 µA per amplifier | 250 µA per amplifier | 250 µA per amplifier | 250 µA per amplifier |
| Supply Range | ±22 V | ±22 V | ±22 V | ±22 V |
| Compensation | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
Key Differentiators
- Programmable four-channel architecture (vs LM324N)
- Verified gain-bandwidth specification (vs LM358N)
- Higher stated DC gain and lower listed noise (vs NE5532D)
Design Notes
The verified source lists 250 µA of supply current per amplifier and a ±22 V supply range. Before selecting the supply rail, calculate the total device current from the actual operating mode and account for external-load current separately. Because the verified data does not provide input common-mode limits, output swing, or absolute maximum ratings, do not infer safe operation from the ±22 V headline alone.
Use a standard 16-DIP footprint only after checking the final manufacturer pin numbering. Keep the two RSET networks close to their associated amplifier pins, route feedback paths away from noisy switching nodes, and place supply-bypass capacitors at the locations specified by the manufacturer application guidance. The supplied search excerpts do not include official layout artwork, so these are general implementation safeguards rather than copied layout instructions.
Do not treat a generic quad op amp such as LM358N, LM324N, or NE5532D as a confirmed LM246N replacement. LM246N is defined by its programmable bipolar architecture and external RSET programming; alternate devices may differ in pin functions, compensation, supply range, gain bandwidth, and noise. Confirm the complete pinout and electrical characteristics before making any substitution.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data contains no explicit RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or AEC-Q100 statement. Compliance values therefore remain unknown or not_applicable as specified.
