LM741Single bipolar operational amplifier
Understand analog gain through negative feedback.
LM741 is a classic single operational amplifier with a bipolar input stage, internal compensation and dedicated offset-adjustment pins. Negative feedback turns its high open-loop gain into a predictable closed-loop circuit. Our example uses a ±15 V supply and a gain of ten: a 0.20 V input ideally becomes 2.00 V. The supply midpoint is the signal ground; it is separate from the IC’s negative power pin. This page uses the commercial LM741CN/NOPB in PDIP-8. The reviewed TI document removed the obsolete SOIC package, so this reference does not offer a fabricated SMD counterpart.
Offset adjustmentSignal inputsSupply railsAnalog outputUnconnected
LM741CN/NOPBPDIP-8Top view
Click a lead or use the arrow keys. Top view
PIN 1 · Offset adjustment
Offset adjustmentOFFSET1
Function
One end of the optional offset-null network.
How to connect
Leave open in the basic example.
Electrical note
Use the manufacturer trim circuit when offset adjustment is required.
PIN 2 · Signal inputs
Inverting inputIN−
Function
Negative feedback input.
How to connect
Connect to the 90 kΩ / 10 kΩ feedback junction.
PIN 3 · Signal inputs
Non-inverting inputIN+
Function
Positive signal input.
How to connect
Apply the 0.20 V input signal relative to the supply midpoint.
PIN 4 · Supply rails
Negative supplyV−
Function
Negative power rail.
How to connect
Connect to −15 V; bypass locally to the 0 V midpoint.
Electrical note
This is not ground in the illustrated split-supply circuit.
PIN 5 · Offset adjustment
Offset adjustmentOFFSET2
Function
Other end of the optional offset-null network.
How to connect
Leave open in the basic example.
PIN 6 · Analog output
Analog outputOUT
Function
Amplified output signal.
How to connect
Connect the 90 kΩ feedback resistor and a high-impedance meter.
Electrical note
Output needs headroom from both supply rails.
PIN 7 · Supply rails
Positive supplyV+
Function
Positive power rail.
How to connect
Connect to +15 V; bypass locally to the 0 V midpoint.
PIN 8 · Unconnected
No connectionNC
Function
No electrical connection is specified for this contact.
How to connect
Leave unconnected.
At a glance
Single bipolar operational amplifier
Use the signal midpoint and two supply rails correctly. The output cannot reach either rail.
±15 V · split supplyExample rails
1 Eight-pin packageAmplifiers
0–70 °CLM741C ambient
0.5 V/µs · unity gain, 25°CTypical slew rate
Operating profile
LM741CN/NOPB
Operating conditions
Key parameters and their test conditions
- Recommended split supply
- ±10 to ±18 VConditions / notes: TI operating table; ±15 V nominal
- Ambient temperature
- 0 to +70°CConditions / notes: LM741C grade
- Example rails
- +15 V / −15 VConditions / notes: 30 V total span; midpoint is 0 V
- Input common-mode range
- ±12 V minimum; ±13 V typicalConditions / notes: ±15 V supply; 25°C
- Local bypass
- 100 nF from each rail to midpointConditions / notes: Short paths near pins 7 and 4
Package details
Follows the selected physical package
- Manufacturer
- Texas Instruments
- Part number
- LM741CN/NOPB
- Package
- PDIP-8
- Connections
- 8 pins
- Mounting
- Through-hole
- Lead pitch
- 2.54 mm
- Package code
- dip
- Thermal reference
- Board and package dependent; see manufacturer data
Connections by function
Select a pin to open its function, electrical notes and wiring guidance.
Offset adjustment2 pins
Signal inputs2 pins
Supply rails2 pins
Analog output1 pins
Unconnected1 pins
Compare two inputs
The input stage responds to the difference between pins 3 and 2. Small input errors can cause large output changes without feedback.
Return part of the output
The 90 kΩ and 10 kΩ network returns one tenth of the output to IN−. Negative feedback brings this near the voltage at IN+.
Stay within the analog limits
With ±15 V rails, the example has comfortable headroom. Input offset and bias currents introduce DC error; bandwidth, slew rate and loading limit changing signals.
The resistor ratio determines nominal gain. Real offset, bias current, output swing and dynamic limits determine how accurately that gain is achieved.
Pin reference
Select a pin to explore its function and connection.
8 pins
| Pin | Signal | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFFSET1 | Offset adjustment | One end of the optional offset-null network. | |
| IN− | Inverting input | Negative feedback input. | |
| IN+ | Non-inverting input | Positive signal input. | |
| V− | Negative supply | Negative power rail. | |
| OFFSET2 | Offset adjustment | Other end of the optional offset-null network. | |
| OUT | Analog output | Amplified output signal. | |
| V+ | Positive supply | Positive power rail. | |
| NC | No connection | No electrical connection is specified for this contact. |
No pins match. Try a signal name or choose All pins.
Operating conditions
Commercial LM741C reference
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended split supply | ±10 to ±18 V | TI operating table; ±15 V nominal |
| Ambient temperature | 0 to +70°C | LM741C grade |
| Example rails | +15 V / −15 V | 30 V total span; midpoint is 0 V |
| Input common-mode range | ±12 V minimum; ±13 V typical | ±15 V supply; 25°C |
| Local bypass | 100 nF from each rail to midpoint | Short paths near pins 7 and 4 |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Do not substitute military-grade limits or assume modern rail-to-rail operation.
DC characteristics
LM741C · ±15 V · 25°C unless stated
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Input offset | 2 mV typical; 6 mV maximum | RS ≤ 10 kΩ |
| Input bias current | 80 nA typical; 500 nA maximum | Magnitude; specified test conditions |
| Input offset current | 20 nA typical; 200 nA maximum | Difference between the input currents |
| Supply current | 1.7 mA typical; 2.8 mA maximum | No external output load |
| Open-loop gain | 200 V/mV typical; 20 minimum | VO = ±10 V; RL ≥ 2 kΩ |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Input offset is multiplied by the closed-loop noise gain. Bias-current errors depend on the source resistances.
Output and dynamic limits
Specified test conditions
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Output swing, RL ≥ 10 kΩ | ±14 V typical; ±12 V minimum | ±15 V supply |
| Output swing, RL ≥ 2 kΩ | ±13 V typical; ±10 V minimum | ±15 V supply |
| Slew rate | 0.5 V/µs typical | 25°C; unity gain |
| Small-signal rise time | 0.3 µs typical | 25°C; unity gain |
| Large sine-wave requirement | SR ≥ 2π f VPEAK | Engineering design relation, not a new device rating |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Load, amplitude and frequency matter together. A slow DC example does not establish high-frequency performance.
Gain-of-ten example
Non-inverting connection
Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | 0.20 V | Pin 3, referenced to 0 V |
| Rf | 90 kΩ | Pin 6 to pin 2 |
| Rg | 10 kΩ | Pin 2 to 0 V |
| Nominal gain | 10 V/V | 1 + Rf / Rg |
| Ideal output | 2.00 V | 0.20 V × 10 |
| Feedback node | 0.20 V nominal | Output divided by ten |
| Null pins / NC | 1, 5 and 8 left open | Optional trim is not used |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
An illustrative light-load DC example; it is not a precision or rail-to-rail claim.
Package and connection reference
LM741CN/NOPB · PDIP-8
Manufacturer specifications 6 parameters
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead pitch | 2.54 mm | Through-hole |
| Inputs | IN− 2; IN+ 3 | Differential signal pair |
| Output | 6 | Amplifier output |
| Power | V− 4; V+ 7 | Both rails are required for this circuit |
| Offset adjustment | 1 and 5 | See manufacturer trim circuit |
| No connection | 8 | Leave open |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
PDIP top view; orient the notch before counting pins.
Analog gain stages
Demonstrate feedback and gain using low-frequency signals and suitable supply rails.
Manufacturer application guideSumming amplifiers
Combine inputs through an inverting summing network; account for bias-current and offset errors.
Manufacturer application guideIntegrators and filters
Use capacitors in feedback networks with a defined DC path and suitable frequency range.
Manufacturer application guideTake it into ProTech
Find LM741 in the Components Library to place its schematic symbol and connect its pins.
Reference page · circuit simulation model not yet availableOpen ProTech