LM358DR - Dual Low-Power Operational Amplifier from Texas Instruments

What Is LM358DR and How Does It Work?

The LM358 is a classic two-stage bipolar op-amp. The input stage uses a PNP differential pair that allows the common-mode voltage range to include ground - meaning you can sense signals all the way down to 0V in a single-supply system. This is the feature that made the LM358 famous. Before it, most op-amps needed dual supplies (±V) to work with ground-referenced signals.

The output stage is a class-AB push-pull with a NPN transistor pulling up to the positive rail (within about 1.5V) and a current sink pulling down to ground. The internal compensation capacitor makes it unity-gain stable - no external compensation needed.

Position in the product line: The LM358 sits at the low-cost, general-purpose end of TI's op-amp lineup. It's the part you use when you need a basic amplifier with wide supply range. One step up is the LM358B (1.2 MHz, 2 mV offset). Above that, the OPAx145 series (5.5 MHz, rail-to-rail) or OPAx188 precision series (zero-drift, 25 μV offset). But for a simple signal chain that "just works," the LM358 is still hard to beat.

What Are the Specifications of LM358DR?

Key Parameter Commentary

• GBW = 700 kHz: For a gain of 10, you get 70 kHz bandwidth. For a gain of 100, 7 kHz. Fine for audio-frequency signal conditioning and sensor filtering. Above 100 kHz, you need a faster op-amp like the NE5532 (10 MHz) or OPA2134 (8 MHz).
• Slew Rate = 0.3 V/μs: At 5V output swing, the LM358 changes voltage in about 17 μs. Full-power bandwidth is about 9.5 kHz at 5V p-p. Fine for line-level audio, not for high-speed pulse amplification.
• Input common-mode includes ground: The headline feature. In single-supply 5V systems, amplify ground-referenced sensors (thermistor, photodiode, current shunt) without a negative rail.
• Input offset = 7 mV max: At 10× gain, that's 70 mV DC offset at the output. If you're amplifying a 10 mV sensor signal, the offset could saturate the output. For precision DC, use LM358A (3 mV max) or OPA188 (25 μV).
• Output not rail-to-rail: Output swings to within 20 mV of ground but only to VCC − 1.5V. At 3.3V supply, maximum output is only 1.8V. For full swing, use a rail-to-rail op-amp.

What Is LM358DR Used For?

1. Sensor Signal Conditioning

The ground-sense input makes it a natural fit for amplifying signals from ground-referenced sensors: thermistors, photodiodes, pressure sensors, current shunt monitors.

Key parameter: Input common-mode includes ground. No negative rail needed.

2. DC Gain Blocks

General-purpose analog gain stages. Dual-channel package handles two independent channels in one SOIC-8.

Key parameter: Two op-amps in one package. Saves PCB space vs two single op-amps.

3. Active Filters (Low Frequency)

Second-order low-pass, high-pass, and bandpass filters below 10 kHz. Sallen-Key and multiple-feedback topologies both work.

Key parameter: 700 kHz GBW is adequate for Q factors up to about 10 at 10 kHz.

4. Transimpedance Amplifiers (Low Speed)

Photodiode current-to-voltage conversion for light sensors and optical encoders, as long as signal bandwidth stays below 10 kHz.

Key parameter: Input bias current ~20 nA. For 1 MΩ feedback, that's 20 μV of additional offset.

5. Battery Monitoring

Low-side current sensing using a shunt resistor. Ground-sense input allows the shunt between load and ground.

Key parameter: Supply current ~700 μA/ch. Fine for mains-powered and moderately power-sensitive designs.

6. Comparator Function (With Limitations)

Can function as a comparator for non-critical applications, but recovery from saturation is slow (10–20 μs).

Key parameter: Recovery time ~10–20 μs vs LM393 at 1.3 μs.

LM358DR vs LM358B vs LM2904 vs MCP6002

Pick LM358DR: Cheapest, commercial temp (0–70°C), single-supply at 5V or higher. Workhorse for non-critical applications.

Pick LM358B: Industrial temp, wider supply (up to 36V), lower offset (2 mV), lower quiescent (300 μA/ch). Drop-in upgrade.

Pick LM2904: Same core but rated for automotive temp. Use for AEC-Q100 designs.

Pick MCP6002: You need rail-to-rail output at low voltage (1.8–6V). LM358 loses 1.5V headroom - at 3.3V supply, max output is only 1.8V.

Frequently Asked Questions About LM358DR

Q1: What is the supply voltage range for LM358DR?

A: 3V to 32V single supply, or ±1.5V to ±16V dual. Minimum recommended is 3V. Absolute maximum is 32V.

Q2: Is LM358DR rail-to-rail?

A: No. Output swings near ground (within 20 mV) but only to VCC − 1.5V on the positive side. At 3.3V supply, maximum output about 1.8V.

Q3: What's the difference between LM358 and LM393?

A: LM358 is an op-amp (linear output). LM393 is a comparator (open-collector output). Different jobs, not interchangeable.

Q4: Can I use LM358DR as a comparator?

A: You can, but recovery from saturation is slow (10–20 μs vs 1.3 μs for LM393). Fine for occasional threshold detection, not for PWM or high-speed comparison.

Q5: Can LM358DR work with 3.3V supply?

A: Yes, but output is limited to about 1.8V. Input common-mode also limited to ~1.8V. For full 3.3V swing, use a rail-to-rail op-amp like MCP6002.

Q6: What is the difference between LM358DR and LM358P?

A: Same die. DR = SOIC-8 (surface mount). P = PDIP-8 (through-hole). Choose by your assembly process.

Q7: What are good upgrades from LM358DR?

A: Drop-in: LM358B (1.2 MHz, 2 mV offset, 300 μA/ch). Different pinout: OPA2374, TLV2372, or MCP6002 for rail-to-rail output.

Q8: Can LM358DR drive a speaker?

A: About 30 mA output. Into 8 Ω at 5V supply, that's ~3.6 mW - barely audible. For real audio, use LM386 or TPA3110.

Pricing & Availability

Stock: TI LM358DR and cross-compatible variants (LM358P, LM2904DR) in stock. Lead time: 2–5 business days.