CA3240E Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CA3240E is a general-purpose operational amplifier integrated circuit manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation. This device contains two independent amplifier circuits in an 8-pin DIP package and is designed for general-purpose analog signal processing applications. The CA3240E is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. Active alternatives with comparable or enhanced electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

CA3240E

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1215CA3240E Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CA3240EZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1909CA3240EZ Datasheet

DirectRFQ

AD712JNZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2086AD712JNZ Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

AD712KNZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3820AD712KNZ Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

LM258P

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 35053LM258P Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

OP213FPZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2078OP213FPZ Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

RC4559P

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2299RC4559P Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the CA3240E is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Package type: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole mounting
• Number of circuits: 2 independent amplifier channels
• Supply voltage range compatibility: minimum 4 V to maximum 36 V
• Output current capability: minimum 40 mA per channel
• Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C or compatible subset

Substitution Categories:

Direct Equivalent (CA3240EZ): Identical electrical specifications and base product number. Differs only in packaging format (tube) and product status (active). Fully interchangeable at the circuit level.

General-Purpose Amplifier Substitutes (OP213FPZ, LM258P, RC4559P): These parts share the general-purpose amplifier classification and 8-DIP package. Each exhibits different electrical characteristics within acceptable operating parameters. Substitution validity depends on specific application requirements within the defined parameter ranges.

J-FET Amplifier Alternatives (AD712JNZ, AD712KNZ): These parts feature J-FET input stages rather than standard bipolar inputs. They provide different input bias current and offset voltage characteristics while maintaining 8-DIP package compatibility and dual-circuit configuration. Substitution requires verification of input impedance and bias current requirements in the target application.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CA3240EZ (Renesas Electronics Corporation): This part is the direct equivalent of the CA3240E with identical electrical specifications. It is the primary recommended substitute due to matching performance characteristics and active product status. The CA3240EZ carries ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements that the obsolete CA3240E does not meet. This part is suitable for direct replacement in existing designs without circuit modification.

OP213FPZ (Analog Devices Inc.): This general-purpose amplifier provides comparable gain-bandwidth product and supply voltage range. It features rail-to-rail output capability and ROHS3 compliance. The OP213FPZ exhibits lower slew rate (1.2 V/µs versus 9 V/µs) and higher input bias current (600 nA versus 10 pA). Selection of this part is appropriate for applications where rail-to-rail output swing is beneficial and where the reduced slew rate does not impact performance.

LM258P (Texas Instruments): This general-purpose amplifier is widely available with the highest inventory level among all substitutes. It provides ROHS3 compliance and operates across a 3 V to 32 V supply range. The LM258P exhibits significantly lower slew rate (0.3 V/µs) and gain-bandwidth product (700 kHz), making it suitable only for low-frequency applications. The operating temperature range (-25°C to 85°C) is narrower than the CA3240E. This part is appropriate for cost-sensitive, low-frequency applications where performance margins are adequate.

RC4559P (Texas Instruments): This general-purpose amplifier provides ROHS3 compliance and moderate performance characteristics. The RC4559P has a minimum supply voltage requirement of 10 V, which restricts its use in low-voltage applications. Output current per channel is limited to 10 mA, significantly below the CA3240E specification of 40 mA. The operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C) is narrower than the CA3240E. Selection of this part is limited to applications with 10 V minimum supply voltage and low output current requirements.

AD712JNZ and AD712KNZ (Analog Devices Inc.): These J-FET input amplifiers provide superior slew rate (20 V/µs) and lower input offset voltage (300 µV). Both parts carry ROHS3 compliance and active product status. The minimum supply voltage requirement is 9 V, restricting use in applications requiring 4 V operation. Output current per channel is 25 mA, below the CA3240E specification. Operating temperature range is 0°C to 70°C. These parts are appropriate for high-speed applications where J-FET input characteristics and enhanced slew rate provide performance advantages, provided supply voltage and temperature requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CA3240EZ be used as a direct replacement for CA3240E?

A: Yes. The CA3240EZ is electrically identical to the CA3240E across all specified parameters. Both parts feature 9 V/µs slew rate, 4.5 MHz gain-bandwidth product, 10 pA input bias current, and identical supply voltage range (4 V to 36 V). The primary differences are packaging format (tube versus bulk) and product status (active versus obsolete). The CA3240EZ is suitable for direct circuit substitution without design modification.

Q: What are the key differences between general-purpose and J-FET amplifier substitutes?

A: General-purpose amplifiers (CA3240EZ, OP213FPZ, LM258P, RC4559P) use standard bipolar input stages. J-FET amplifiers (AD712JNZ, AD712KNZ) use field-effect transistor input stages. J-FET devices provide lower input bias current (25 pA versus 10-600 nA) and lower input offset voltage (300 µV versus 2-5 mV), but require higher minimum supply voltage (9 V versus 3-4 V). Selection depends on whether the application prioritizes input impedance characteristics or low-voltage operation.

Q: Which substitute part has the lowest power consumption?

A: The LM258P has the lowest supply current at 500 µA per channel (1 mA total for two channels), compared to 8 mA for the CA3240E. The RC4559P draws 3.3 mA per channel. The AD712 series draws 5 mA total. Selection based on power consumption must be balanced against other performance requirements such as slew rate, gain-bandwidth product, and output current capability.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed (CA3240EZ, OP213FPZ, LM258P, RC4559P, AD712JNZ, AD712KNZ) carry ROHS3 compliance. The original CA3240E is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is a design requirement, any of the listed substitutes is acceptable.

Q: What is the impact of different slew rates on circuit performance?

A: Slew rate determines the maximum rate of change of output voltage. The CA3240E has 9 V/µs slew rate. The AD712 series provides 20 V/µs (faster), while LM258P provides 0.3 V/µs (slower). For high-frequency or fast-transient applications, higher slew rate reduces distortion. For low-frequency applications, slew rate is not a limiting factor. Selection must match the application's frequency content and transient requirements.

Q: Can RC4559P be used in applications requiring 4 V supply voltage?

A: No. The RC4559P has a minimum supply voltage of 10 V. It cannot operate at the 4 V minimum specified for the CA3240E. Applications requiring 4 V operation must use CA3240EZ, OP213FPZ, or LM258P.

Q: What is the significance of output current rating differences?

A: Output current rating specifies the maximum current each amplifier can source or sink at its output. The CA3240E provides 40 mA per channel. The RC4559P provides only 10 mA per channel, and the AD712 series provides 25 mA per channel. Applications requiring high output current (driving low-impedance loads or capacitive loads) must use parts with adequate output current specification. Exceeding the rated output current causes distortion and potential device damage.

Q: Are there temperature range restrictions with any substitute parts?

A: Yes. The CA3240E operates from -40°C to 85°C. The LM258P operates from -25°C to 85°C (narrower low-temperature range). The RC4559P and AD712 series operate from 0°C to 70°C (narrower range at both ends). Applications requiring full -40°C to 85°C operation must use CA3240EZ or OP213FPZ.

Q: What does "rail-to-rail" output mean for the OP213FPZ?

A: Rail-to-rail output capability means the amplifier output can swing to within a small margin of both positive and negative supply rails. Standard amplifiers have output swing limitations that prevent reaching the full supply voltage range. Rail-to-rail output is beneficial in low-voltage applications where maximum output swing is required. The CA3240E does not specify rail-to-rail capability.