LM324F-GE2 - 3-32V Quad Ground-Sense Op Amp | ROHM
MPN: LM324F-GE2 ✗ End of LifeLM324F-GE2 Overview
An operational amplifier is an analog integrated circuit that uses high-gain differential amplification to compare an input signal with a feedback network. The LM324F family is a ground-sense amplifier, placing emphasis on input and output voltage-range behavior near the lower supply rail. Four amplifiers are integrated into one package, reducing board area in designs requiring multiple general-purpose analog channels.
Key characteristics include four amplifier circuits, a 3 V to 32 V single-supply range, a ±16 V to ±32 V dual-supply description, ground-sense input and output operation, and operation from a 14-pin SOP package. Low current consumption and a wide operating-voltage range support battery-powered, industrial-control, instrumentation, and signal-conditioning equipment where component count and supply flexibility are important.
The LM324F architecture provides four general-purpose amplifier sections rather than a dedicated high-speed or precision design. Its supply tolerance allows operation from conventional low-voltage rails through substantially higher industrial bus voltages, subject to the absolute maximum ratings and application limits stated in the manufacturer datasheet. Ground-sense behavior should be reviewed carefully when the input source approaches ground or when the output must remain close to the lower rail.
Typical uses include DC signal amplification, sensor conditioning, current-loop receivers, sample-and-hold circuits, comparators with external feedback, low-voltage audio stages, and general instrumentation. The four-amplifier arrangement is particularly useful when a design requires several channels with similar voltage ranges and supply requirements within one compact package.
Designers should confirm the complete pin assignment, input-common-mode limits, output-swing limits, output-current capability, stability requirements, and bypass-capacitor recommendations in the manufacturer datasheet before layout release. Because the manufacturer marks LM324F as not recommended for new designs, production quantities and availability should be confirmed through the Request a Quote form before committing a new build.
This product page consolidates lifecycle guidance, package details, sourcing instructions, replacement analysis, and application-oriented engineering guidance. It also distinguishes the original ground-sense LM324F device from alternatives that share the 14-pin SOP footprint but may differ in supply range, output-stage design, or qualification status.
Drop-in alternatives for LM324F-GE2 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with LM324F-GE2 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Amplifier Type, Package, Input Offset Voltage.
LM324F-E2
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →LM324F
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LMR324F-GE2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM324DR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →LM324DT
✅ Drop-In✗ Out of Stock
$0.0827 / Unit
View Datasheet →LM324F-GE2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Amplifier Circuits | 4 circuits |
| Operating Supply Voltage, Single Supply | 3 V to 32 V |
| Operating Supply Voltage, Dual Supply | ±16 V to ±32 V |
| Amplifier Type | Ground-sense operational amplifier |
| Package | 14-pin SOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Number of Pins | 14 pins |
| Input and Output Ground-Sense Operation | Supported |
| Low Current Consumption | Supported |
LM324F-GE2 14-pin sop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for LM324F-GE2 (14-pin sop 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 LM324F-GE2.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
LM324F-GE2 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Voltage Current-Loop Receiver, Battery-Powered Analog Front End, Audio Preamplifier and Mixer, Comparator and Control Circuit, Legacy Equipment Maintenance.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The LM324F-GE2 fits four-channel industrial sensor conditioning because each amplifier operates from the same 3 V to 32 V supply class and includes ground-sense input and output behavior. Place the device close to the sensor interface, reference each non-inverting input to the selected excitation or return path, and use local feedback networks for gain and filtering. Ground-sense operation is useful when sensor outputs remain near the lower supply rail, while the four integrated channels reduce repeated support circuitry. Before release, verify the input common-mode range, output swing, output-current capability, noise, offset, and stability under the actual sensor impedance and cable environment.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Current-Loop Receiver
The LM324F-GE2 is suitable for amplifying the small voltage generated by a current-sense element in a 3 V to 32 V powered instrumentation system. Its ground-sense input stage helps preserve signal range when the measured voltage is close to circuit ground, and four amplifier sections can support buffering, filtering, and output conditioning within one package. Use a low-value sense resistor and carefully selected feedback resistors to control gain, then place the amplifier near the sense element to avoid adding noise and phase delay. Confirm that the output remains within the permitted swing range at maximum loop current.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Analog Front End
A 3 V minimum operating supply allows the LM324F-GE2 to operate from low-energy battery rails when the signal chain does not require a higher voltage. Low current consumption and ground-sense operation make the four amplifier sections useful for portable sensor interfaces, battery monitors, and low-level conditioning blocks. A common design uses two sections for differential sensing and two for filtering or output buffering. Use low-leakage support components and avoid forcing a biased input outside the common-mode range. Because the device is not recommended for new designs, existing equipment can retain it, while new battery products should select a currently recommended low-power amplifier.
Recommended
Audio Preamplifier and Mixer
The LM324F-GE2 can implement general-purpose audio preamplifier, summing, and mixing stages when powered from a 3 V to 32 V rail. Its four amplifier sections allow several low-level channels to be conditioned without using four separate packages, reducing board area. Ground-sense operation is valuable when source signals are referenced close to ground, while external passive networks establish gain and frequency response. The design must remain within the amplifier's input and output limits, and the PCB should minimize feedback-loop area and keep audio routing away from switching nodes. Confirm bandwidth, slew rate, output drive, and distortion behavior against the signal amplitude and load impedance.
Recommended
Comparator and Control Circuit
The four amplifier sections in the LM324F-GE2 can also form comparators and threshold-control circuits by applying positive feedback around selected channels. A single 3 V to 32 V supply can power the control section, while the ground-sense characteristic helps accommodate thresholds near the lower rail. Use the remaining channels for reference buffering or actuator-signal conditioning. Review the open-loop response, output saturation, propagation behavior, and input overdrive tolerance in the manufacturer datasheet, because stable comparator use depends on circuit topology and component selection rather than amplifier voltage gain alone.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Maintenance
LM324F-GE2 is most appropriate for maintaining existing equipment that already uses the exact 14-pin SOP ground-sense amplifier. Its four-amplifier architecture can replace several discrete stages while preserving the established supply range and board footprint. This is particularly useful for industrial controls, test fixtures, and electromechanical systems that require long product-support continuity rather than a new component selection. Before replacement, compare the exact ordering suffix, pinout, temperature grade, and critical electrical limits, then request current availability and lead time. ROHM's not-recommended-for-new-designs status means supply continuity should be confirmed before each production commitment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM324F-GE2 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM324F-E2 | LM324F | LMR324F-GE2 | LM324DR | LM324DT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-SOP | 14-SOP | 14-SOP | 14-SOP | 14-SOP | 14-SOP |
| Brand | ROHM Semiconductor | ROHM Semiconductor | ROHM Semiconductor | ROHM Semiconductor | Texas Instruments | STMicroelectronics |
| Number of Amplifier Circuits | 4 circuits | 4 circuits | 4 circuits | 4 circuits | 4 circuits | 4 circuits |
Key Differentiators
- Ground-sense operation distinguishes the device from generic quad amplifiers (vs LM324DR)
- Four amplifier circuits share one 14-SOP package (vs LM324DT)
- Closest listed family replacement preserves the established footprint (vs LM324F-E2)
Design Notes
Place the LM324F-GE2 close to the protected analog signals and route each feedback loop as a compact, dedicated path. Keep the 14-pin SOP footprint identical to the qualified original board and verify pin numbering against the manufacturer pin-description table. Connect the supply bypass capacitor directly between the supply and ground pins to minimize parasitic inductance. Avoid placing high-current return paths between the amplifier ground pins and the signal reference point.
Do not assume that every quad SOP amplifier is an exact replacement even when the package matches. Confirm the input common-mode range, output swing, output-current limit, gain-bandwidth product, slew rate, offset voltage, noise, and stability requirements. LM324F is a ground-sense device, so operation close to the lower supply rail must be checked against the specific datasheet limits. Mark any approved substitute on the schematic with its manufacturer and exact orderable MPN.
Use only the supply range and bypass configuration specified by ROHM. Although the LM324F-GE2 supports 3 V to 32 V from a single supply, operation near the lower limit can reduce input headroom and output swing. Conversely, higher supply voltages increase the stress on all amplifier sections even when the signal remains small. For maintenance designs, preserve the original supply arrangement and check absolute maximum ratings before substituting a component.
For sensor and audio channels, use a continuous ground reference and keep input and feedback nodes physically compact. Terminate unused amplifier sections according to the manufacturer guidance instead of allowing their inputs to float. Place external filtering components close to the associated pin, and isolate high-impedance inputs from moisture, contamination, and nearby switching traces. Validate AC stability with the actual source impedance and load capacitance on the assembled board.
Compliance Information
The manufacturer page identifies LM324F as not recommended for new designs. Specific environmental and automotive compliance declarations were not stated, so each applicable field remains unknown.
