LM324NE4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The LM324NE4 is a general-purpose operational amplifier featuring four independent circuits in a 14-pin DIP package. Manufactured by Texas Instruments under the LinCMOS™ series, this device operates across a wide supply voltage range of 3V to 32V and is designed for applications requiring low-power, general-purpose amplification. The part is currently in Last Time Buy status, indicating that Texas Instruments has discontinued active production. This status necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute components to ensure design continuity and long-term supply chain reliability for new designs and production requirements.

Substiute Parts

LM324NE4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1179LM324NE4 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LM324N

IntersilIn Stock: 324627LM324N Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LM324AN

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 55428LM324AN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LM324AN/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2546LM324AN/NOPB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LM324N/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 43700LM324N/NOPB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LP324N

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 4066LP324N Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LP324N/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1611LP324N/NOPB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

KA324A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 1409KA324A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LM324NE4 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Four independent operational amplifier circuits
• 14-pin DIP package (0.300", 7.62mm pitch)
• Through-hole mounting configuration
• Supply voltage range: 3V to 32V minimum
• Input offset voltage: 2 mV maximum
• Output current per channel: 40 mA minimum
• Operating temperature range: 0°C to 70°C

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Current supply consumption: 1.5 mA nominal
• Input bias current: 45 nA nominal
• Gain bandwidth product: 1 MHz to 1.2 MHz range
• RoHS3 compliance for new designs

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on electrical performance alignment:

Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents: Parts meeting all primary criteria with identical or superior electrical specifications. These include LM324N/NOPB, LM324AN/NOPB, and LM324N from Texas Instruments and Intersil.

Category B - Functional Equivalents with Performance Trade-offs: Parts meeting package and pin-count requirements but with modified electrical characteristics. LP324N and LP324N/NOPB feature reduced power consumption (150µA vs. 1.5mA) and lower output current (10 mA vs. 40 mA), suitable only for applications not requiring full output drive capability. KA324A from Fairchild Semiconductor provides equivalent performance with minor specification variations.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For New Designs with Active Component Availability:

LM324AN/NOPB (Texas Instruments) and LM324N/NOPB (Texas Instruments) are the preferred substitutes. Both parts maintain Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. These devices provide full electrical equivalence to the LM324NE4 across all critical parameters, including 1 MHz gain bandwidth product, 45 nA input bias current, and 40 mA output current per channel. Both are ROHS3 compliant and packaged in 14-PDIP configuration with tube packaging. LM324N/NOPB offers higher inventory availability (43,654 units) compared to LM324AN/NOPB (2,514 units).

For Legacy System Maintenance:

LM324N (Intersil) provides electrical equivalence but carries Obsolete product status and RoHS non-compliance, limiting its use to repair and maintenance of existing systems where component replacement is necessary. This part should not be selected for new production designs.

For Power-Constrained Applications:

LP324N/NOPB (Texas Instruments) is suitable only for applications where reduced power consumption (150µA vs. 1.5mA) and lower output current requirements (10 mA vs. 40 mA) are acceptable trade-offs. This part maintains Active status and ROHS3 compliance. The 100 kHz gain bandwidth product and 2 nA input bias current represent significant performance reductions compared to the LM324NE4 and are not suitable for high-speed or high-drive applications.

For Alternative Sourcing:

KA324A (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides functional equivalence with Active product status. This part meets all package and pin-count requirements with comparable electrical specifications (40 nA input bias, 1.5 mV input offset, 40 mA output current). However, limited inventory (1,300 units) and unspecified RoHS status may present supply chain constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can LM324N/NOPB directly replace LM324NE4 in existing PCB designs?

A: Yes. LM324N/NOPB is a direct pin-for-pin replacement with identical 14-DIP package dimensions (0.300", 7.62mm). All electrical parameters meet or exceed LM324NE4 specifications. No PCB modifications are required. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and operate across the same supply voltage range (3V to 32V).

Q2: What is the difference between LM324AN and LM324AN/NOPB?

A: The "/NOPB" suffix indicates lead-free, RoHS-compliant packaging. LM324AN/NOPB is the RoHS3-compliant version suitable for new designs. Both variants share identical electrical specifications. The LM324AN/NOPB is preferred for new production to ensure regulatory compliance.

Q3: Why is LP324N listed as a substitute if it has different electrical specifications?

A: LP324N is functionally equivalent in package and pin configuration but operates at significantly reduced power consumption (150µA vs. 1.5mA) and lower output current (10 mA vs. 40 mA). It is a valid substitute only for applications where these reduced specifications are acceptable. Applications requiring full 40 mA output drive or higher bandwidth (1.2 MHz) must use LM324N/NOPB or LM324AN/NOPB instead.

Q4: Is KA324A from Fairchild Semiconductor a suitable replacement?

A: KA324A provides functional equivalence with comparable electrical performance (40 nA input bias, 40 mA output current, 3V to 32V supply range). However, inventory availability is limited (1,300 units), and RoHS compliance status is unspecified. For new designs, LM324N/NOPB or LM324AN/NOPB from Texas Instruments are preferred due to higher availability and confirmed ROHS3 compliance.

Q5: Can I use LM324N (Intersil) in new production designs?

A: No. LM324N from Intersil carries Obsolete product status and is RoHS non-compliant. This part is suitable only for repair and maintenance of existing systems. New production designs must use Active-status parts: LM324N/NOPB, LM324AN/NOPB, or LP324N/NOPB from Texas Instruments.

Q6: What are the key parameters that determine substitutability?

A: Substitutability is determined by: (1) four independent operational amplifier circuits, (2) 14-pin DIP package with 0.300" (7.62mm) pitch, (3) through-hole mounting, (4) supply voltage range of 3V to 32V minimum, (5) input offset voltage of 2 mV maximum, and (6) output current of 40 mA per channel minimum. Parts meeting these criteria are electrically compatible. Additional considerations include gain bandwidth product (1 MHz to 1.2 MHz preferred), input bias current (45 nA nominal), and RoHS3 compliance for new designs.

Q7: Why is the LM324NE4 in Last Time Buy status?

A: Last Time Buy status indicates that Texas Instruments has discontinued active production and will no longer manufacture this part after existing inventory is depleted. This necessitates transition to equivalent active-status parts such as LM324N/NOPB or LM324AN/NOPB to ensure long-term supply chain continuity.

Q8: Are there any thermal or mechanical differences between substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts listed share identical package dimensions (14-DIP, 0.300" pitch) and through-hole mounting configuration. Operating temperature ranges are identical (0°C to 70°C). No thermal or mechanical modifications to PCB design are required when substituting between listed parts.