LM833N

LM833N - Dual General Purpose Operational Amplifier

Overview

The LM833N is a high-performance dual general-purpose operational amplifier designed with a strong emphasis on audio applications. Manufactured by Texas Instruments, this IC delivers exceptional sound quality and wide dynamic range, making it ideal for professional audio equipment, high-fidelity systems, and other precision analog circuits. The device combines low noise, high slew rate, and wide bandwidth characteristics in a standard 8-pin DIP package.

With its matched pair of op-amps in a single package, the LM833N provides design flexibility while minimizing board space requirements. The amplifier's architecture is optimized to maintain stability across various gain configurations while delivering superior audio performance that meets the demands of critical listening environments.

Key Features

• Dual operational amplifier in single package
• Exceptional audio performance characteristics
• Wide dynamic range: >140dB
• Low noise: 4.5nV/√Hz typical at 1kHz
• High slew rate: 7V/μs typical
• Wide gain bandwidth product: 15MHz typical
• Low total harmonic distortion: 0.002% typical
• Wide supply voltage range: ±5V to ±18V
• Large output voltage swing: ±13V typical at ±15V supply
• Industry-standard pin configuration
• Internal frequency compensation

Applications

The LM833N's combination of audio-optimized performance and general-purpose flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

• Professional Audio Equipment: Mixing consoles, microphone preamplifiers, equalizers
• High-Fidelity Systems: Preamplifiers, active filters, tone control circuits
• Consumer Audio: CD players, tape decks, audio receivers
• Instrumentation: Precision signal conditioning, data acquisition systems
• Communication Systems: Modems, line drivers, receivers
• General Purpose Circuits: Integrators, differentiators, voltage followers

Electrical Characteristics

The following table summarizes the key electrical specifications at TA = 25°C, VS = ±15V unless otherwise noted:

• Input Offset Voltage: 0.3mV typical, 2.0mV maximum
• Input Bias Current: 200nA typical, 500nA maximum
• Input Offset Current: 50nA typical, 200nA maximum
• Input Resistance: 6MΩ typical
• Input Capacitance: 1.4pF typical
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio: 100dB typical
• Power Supply Rejection Ratio: 100dB typical
• Large Signal Voltage Gain: 100V/mV typical at RL = 2kΩ
• Output Resistance: 0.2Ω typical
• Supply Current (per amplifier): 2.5mA typical, 3.5mA maximum
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C

Package Information

The LM833N is available in several industry-standard packages:

• 8-Pin Plastic DIP (N):
  • Package Code: N
  • Dimensions: 9.81mm x 6.35mm
  • Pin Spacing: 2.54mm
  • Lead Material: Copper Alloy
  • Finish: Matte Tin
• 8-Pin SOIC (D):
  • Package Code: D
  • Dimensions: 4.90mm x 3.91mm
  • Pin Spacing: 1.27mm
  • Lead Material: Copper Alloy
  • Finish: Matte Tin

Detailed Performance Characteristics

The LM833N exhibits several performance advantages that make it particularly suitable for audio applications:

• Noise Performance: The 4.5nV/√Hz input noise voltage combined with low current noise (0.6pA/√Hz) results in excellent signal-to-noise ratio for sensitive audio applications.
• Dynamic Range: The >140dB dynamic range ensures that the amplifier can handle both very soft and very loud signals without distortion or noise becoming objectionable.
• Slew Rate: The 7V/μs slew rate allows the amplifier to handle fast transients in audio signals without introducing slew-induced distortion.
• THD Performance: At 0.002% typical THD+N, the LM833N maintains signal integrity even at high output levels.
• Power Supply Flexibility: The wide ±5V to ±18V supply range allows operation in various system voltages while maintaining consistent performance.

Design Considerations

When implementing the LM833N in circuit designs, several factors should be considered:

• Power Supply Decoupling: Proper decoupling with 0.1μF ceramic capacitors close to the supply pins is recommended for optimal performance.
• PCB Layout: Careful attention to grounding and signal routing is necessary to maintain the amplifier's low noise characteristics.
• Thermal Considerations: While the LM833N has modest power consumption, adequate PCB copper area should be provided for heat dissipation in high-density designs.
• Input Protection: For applications where input signals may exceed the supply rails, external protection diodes should be considered.
• Output Loading: The amplifier can drive 600Ω loads to ±10V, but performance may degrade with heavier loads.

Comparison with Similar Devices

The LM833N compares favorably with other audio operational amplifiers:

• Lower noise than the NE5532 (5nV/√Hz vs. 3.5nV/√Hz) while maintaining similar bandwidth
• Better THD performance than the TL072 (0.002% vs. 0.003%)
• Higher slew rate than the RC4558 (7V/μs vs. 1.7V/μs)
• More stable at high gains than many general-purpose op-amps

Reliability and Qualification

The LM833N is manufactured using a high-reliability bipolar process and undergoes rigorous testing:

• 100% electrical testing at wafer and package level
• ESD protection exceeds 1000V (Human Body Model)
• Qualified to JEDEC standards for commercial applications
• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) rating of 1 for the DIP package