LM258 Low-Power Dual Operational Amplifier IC Specifications

The LM258 is a low-power dual operational amplifier containing two independent op-amps in one IC. This guide explains the LM258 pinout, working principle, specifications, design formulas, package and ordering options, practical circuits, common problems, comparisons, and modern alternatives.

Catalog

What is LM258 Dual Operational Amplifier?

The LM258 is a low-power dual operational amplifier IC containing two independent, high-gain op-amps in one chip. Both amplifiers have separate inverting inputs, non-inverting inputs, and outputs, but they share the same power-supply connections. They are internally frequency-compensated and can operate from either a single power supply or split supplies.

The LM258 is commonly supplied in an 8-pin package. Depending on the manufacturer and exact ordering code, available options may include PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and VSSOP packages. PDIP is suitable for breadboards and through-hole assembly, while the smaller surface-mount packages help reduce PCB space.

If you are interested in purchasing the LM258, feel free to contact us for pricing and availability.

LM258 Ordering Information

Orderable Device	Version	Package	Carrier
LM258P	LM258	PDIP-8	Tube
LM258DR	LM258	SOIC-8	Large tape and reel
LM258DGKR	LM258	VSSOP-8	Large tape and reel
LM258AP	LM258A	PDIP-8	Tube
LM258ADR	LM258A	SOIC-8	Large tape and reel
LM258ADGKR	LM258A	VSSOP-8	Large tape and reel

LM258 Pinout and Pin Functions

Pin	Pin Name	Function
1	OUT1	Output of operational amplifier 1
2	IN1−	Inverting input of operational amplifier 1
3	IN1+	Non-inverting input of operational amplifier 1
4	V−	Negative supply connection; normally connected to ground in a single-supply circuit
5	IN2+	Non-inverting input of operational amplifier 2
6	IN2−	Inverting input of operational amplifier 2
7	OUT2	Output of operational amplifier 2
8	V+	Positive power-supply connection

Working Principle of LM258

How the LM258 Works

The LM258 contains two independent operational amplifiers that work in the same way. Each amplifier detects the voltage difference between its non-inverting input (IN+) and inverting input (IN−). When IN+ is more positive than IN−, the output voltage rises. When IN− is more positive, the output voltage falls.

As shown in the internal circuit diagram, the input stage compares the two signals, while the intermediate stage provides most of the voltage gain. The output stage supplies the resulting voltage to the OUT pin. Internal current regulators establish stable operating currents, and an internal compensation capacitor supports stable closed-loop operation.

In normal linear operation, negative feedback returns part of the output to the inverting input. External resistors in this feedback path determine the circuit’s closed-loop voltage gain.

Single-Supply and Dual-Supply Operation

In single-supply operation, pin 8 connects to the positive supply and pin 4 connects to ground. The LM258 supports a total supply range of approximately 3 V to 30 V.

For dual-supply operation, pin 8 connects to the positive rail and pin 4 to the negative rail. For example, ±15 V produces a total supply voltage of 30 V. The total voltage between pins 8 and 4 must remain within the rated limit. Its input range includes the negative rail, but neither the input nor output is fully rail-to-rail.

LM258 Technical Specifications

Parameter	LM258 Specification
Number of amplifiers	2
Supply-voltage range	3 V to 30 V total
Dual-supply range	Approximately ±1.5 V to ±15 V
Operating temperature	−25°C to 85°C
Input offset voltage	3 mV typical; 5 mV maximum at 25°C
Input offset drift	7 µV/°C typical
Input bias current	20 nA typical; 150 nA maximum
Input offset current	2 nA typical; 50 nA maximum
Common-mode input range	From V− to approximately V+ − 1.5 V
Common-mode rejection ratio	70 dB minimum; 80 dB typical
Power-supply rejection ratio	65 dB minimum; 100 dB typical
Open-loop voltage gain	100 dB typical
Gain-bandwidth product	0.7 MHz typical
Slew rate	0.3 V/µs typical
Channel separation	120 dB typical
Output low-level voltage	5 mV typical; 20 mV maximum under specified conditions
Output high-level voltage	Typically 2 V below V+ with a light load
Short-circuit output current	±40 mA typical
Quiescent current	350 µA typical per amplifier
Frequency compensation	Internal
Package options	PDIP-8, SOIC-8, and VSSOP-8

LM258 Design Formulas

The gain-setting resistors determine the closed-loop voltage gain of an LM258 amplifier. However, the calculated output must remain within its input common-mode range, output-voltage swing, bandwidth, slew-rate, and output-current limits.

Inverting Amplifier Gain

In an inverting configuration, the signal is applied to the inverting input through R_in, while R_fprovides negative feedback from the output.

Non-Inverting Amplifier Gain

In a non-inverting configuration, the signal connects to the non-inverting input. R_fconnects the output to the inverting input, while R_gconnects that input to ground or a reference voltage.

If Rf=40kΩ and Rg=10kΩ:

The output is five times the input and retains the same polarity.

Bandwidth and Slew-Rate Limits

The LM258 has a typical gain-bandwidth product of approximately 0.7" " MHz. The approximate small-signal bandwidth is:

For a non-inverting gain of 10:

For an inverting amplifier, noise gain is 1+Rf/Rin, not simply the magnitude of its signal gain.

The LM258’s typical slew rate is 0.3V/μs. The approximate maximum frequency for an undistorted sine wave is:

For a 5 V peak output:

The lower result from the bandwidth and slew-rate calculations should be treated as the practical frequency limit, with additional design margin included.

LM258 Circuit Examples

LM258 Zener Reference Voltage Follower

In this circuit, resistor RZ limits the current flowing from the supply through Zener diode Z1. When the Zener diode operates in breakdown, it produces a relatively stable reference voltage at the LM258’s non-inverting input. This reference must remain within the IC’s valid input common-mode range.

The LM258 output is connected directly to its inverting input, creating negative feedback and a voltage gain of one. The IC automatically adjusts its output until the inverting-input voltage closely matches the Zener voltage at the non-inverting input. Therefore, Vout is approximately equal to the Zener reference voltage.

The LM258 also isolates the Zener network from load RL. The load receives current mainly from the op-amp output, which helps prevent changing load current from disturbing the Zener reference. However, the required output voltage and load current must remain within the LM258’s output-swing and current limits.

LM258 Triangle-Wave and Square-Wave Generator

This circuit uses both operational amplifiers inside the LM258 to generate triangle and square waveforms. A reference voltage equal to half the supply voltage, Vref=V_CC/2, provides a midpoint that allows the circuit to operate from a single supply.

The first amplifier works as an integrator. The square-wave signal passes through Rf and repeatedly charges and discharges capacitor C. This causes the first amplifier’s output to rise and fall at a nearly constant rate, producing the triangle wave.

The second amplifier operates as a Schmitt trigger with hysteresis. It monitors the triangle-wave voltage through the resistor network. When the triangle wave reaches the upper or lower switching threshold, the second amplifier changes its output state. This produces the square wave and reverses the capacitor’s charging direction, allowing oscillation to continue. Although the diagram shows an LM358, the same circuit can use an LM258 because they share the same pin configuration and basic function.

LM258 vs Other Operational Amplifiers

Feature	LM258	LM258A	LM358	LM158	LM2904	LM324
Number of amplifiers	2	2	2	2	2	4
Total supply range	3–30 V	3–30 V	3–30 V	3–30 V	3–26 V	3–30 V
Operating temperature	−25°C to 85°C	−25°C to 85°C	0°C to 70°C	−55°C to 125°C	−40°C to 125°C	0°C to 70°C
Maximum offset at 25°C	5 mV	3 mV	7 mV	5 mV	7 mV	7 mV
Typical gain bandwidth	0.7 MHz	0.7 MHz	0.7 MHz	0.7 MHz	0.7 MHz	0.7 MHz
Typical slew rate	0.3 V/µs	0.3 V/µs	0.3 V/µs	0.3 V/µs	0.3 V/µs	0.3 V/µs
Rail-to-rail operation	No	No	No	No	No	No
Input range includes V−	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Main distinction	Industrial temperature range	Tighter offset limit	Commercial temperature range	Military temperature range	Extended temperature range	Four op-amps

Notes: These values represent traditional Texas Instruments versions. Specifications can vary according to manufacturer, suffix, supply voltage, temperature, and testing conditions.

Modern LM258 Alternatives

• LM358B

• LM358BA

• LM2904B

• LM2904BA

• TLV9302

• TLV9352

• TLV2372

• OPA2171

• OPA2192

• OPA2197

• OPA2990

• OPA2991

Common LM258 Problems and Solutions

Limited Input and Output Range

The LM258 can sense signals near the negative supply, but its input and output cannot reach the positive rail. Keep the signal within the datasheet limits. If the circuit requires operation close to both rails, choose a rail-to-rail op-amp.

Output Saturation

When the selected gain demands a voltage beyond the available output swing, the waveform clips or remains near one limit. Reduce the gain or input amplitude, increase the supply voltage within the rated range, or shift the signal to a suitable reference level.

Noise and Oscillation

Poor grounding, long feedback traces, inadequate bypassing, and capacitive loads can make the output noisy or unstable. Place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor close to the supply pins, keep feedback paths short, and use an output isolation resistor when necessary.

DC Accuracy Errors

Input offset voltage, bias current, resistor tolerance, and temperature changes can introduce output error. Use precision resistors, calculate the worst-case error, and select the LM258A or a precision op-amp when tighter accuracy is required.

Insufficient Load Drive

A low-resistance load may pull excessive current and prevent the output from reaching the expected voltage. Increase the load impedance or add a suitable transistor or buffer stage.

Floating Unused Channel

An unused amplifier should not have floating inputs. Connect it as a voltage follower by linking its output to its inverting input and connecting its non-inverting input to ground or another valid reference voltage.

How to Select the Correct LM258

Begin by checking the circuit’s supply voltage, input range, required output swing, gain, signal frequency, load current, and operating temperature. The LM258 is suitable only when these conditions remain within its datasheet limits. Remember that it is not rail-to-rail, so both the input and output need enough headroom below the positive supply.

Choose between the standard LM258 and the lower-offset LM258A according to the required accuracy. Then select the package that fits the assembly method: PDIP-8 for through-hole construction, SOIC-8 for standard surface mounting, or VSSOP-8 when PCB space is limited. Confirm the complete ordering code, manufacturer, package quantity, lifecycle status, and availability before purchasing.

LM258 Mechanical Dimensions

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments has extensive internal semiconductor manufacturing capabilities that support products such as the LM258. The company operates 15 manufacturing sites worldwide, including wafer fabrication, assembly, and testing facilities, giving it greater control over production capacity, cost, quality, and supply continuity. TI also operates large assembly and test facilities that can process billions of devices annually, supporting high-volume production from wafer fabrication through final packaged IC testing.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

1. Can the LM258 directly drive a microcontroller ADC input?

Yes, but its output range must match the ADC limits, and it must settle before sampling. A small RC filter may reduce noise, but excessive capacitance can cause instability or slow settling.

2. Can the two LM258 amplifier channels be connected in parallel for more output current?

Direct paralleling is not recommended. Small differences in offset voltage can make the channels drive against each other. Use a suitable transistor buffer or higher-current op-amp instead.

3. How does source resistance affect LM258 accuracy?

Input bias current flowing through the source resistance creates an additional voltage error. High-resistance feedback networks can therefore increase output offset, especially in high-gain circuits.

4. Should a resistor be added to compensate for input bias current?

In an inverting amplifier, a resistor approximately equal to R_in∥R_fcan be placed at the non-inverting input. This balances input resistance and may reduce bias-current-related offset.

5. Can the LM258 drive a large capacitive load?

A large capacitive load can reduce stability and cause ringing or oscillation. A small series resistor between the output and load may provide isolation, but its value should be verified through testing.

6. Why can the LM258 produce crossover distortion?

Its bipolar output stage can introduce distortion when the output current changes between sourcing and sinking. This makes the device less suitable for high-quality audio and other low-distortion signals.

7. Is the LM258 suitable for bridge sensors or load cells?

It may amplify large bridge signals, but its offset, drift, bias current, and limited common-mode rejection can reduce accuracy. A precision instrumentation amplifier is normally a better choice for small differential signals.

8. What happens when the LM258 output remains saturated for a long time?

The amplifier may take time to recover and return to linear operation. Avoid designs that repeatedly force the output beyond its available voltage swing when fast, predictable recovery is required.