Real View
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.
8Physical pins
LM741CN/NOPBPDIP-8
Manufacturer-referencedTexas Instruments
Pin diagram
Select a pin to explore its connection
Highlight
LM741PDIP-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
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
Positive supplyV+
Function
Positive power rail.
How to connect
Connect to +15 V; bypass locally to the 0 V midpoint.
PIN 8 · Not connected
No connectionNC
Function
No electrical connection is specified for this contact.
How to connect
Leave unconnected.
Key specifications
Use the signal midpoint and two supply rails correctly. The output cannot reach either rail.
Example rails±15 V · split supply
Amplifiers1 Eight-pin package
LM741C ambient0–70 °C
Typical slew rate0.5 V/µs · unity gain, 25°C
Package details
LM741CN/NOPB · PDIP-8
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Operating conditions
Commercial LM741C reference
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| 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
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| 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
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| 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
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| 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
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| 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.
Connections by function
Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.
Offset adjustment2 pins
Signal inputs2 pins
Supply2 pins
Analog output1 pin
Not connected1 pin
LM741 at a glance
Follow the labeled connections and functional stages
How it works
3 stages · Explore one step at a time
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.
Step 1 of 3
LM741 in a circuit
A physical eight-pin IC and a clearly routed feedback loop.
Connect it, step by step
Follow the component values and pin connections
Connect the split supply
Pin 7 uses +15 V and pin 4 uses −15 V. Bypass both rails to their common midpoint.
Close the feedback loop
90 kΩ connects OUT to IN−, and 10 kΩ connects IN− to the midpoint.
Measure the result
Apply 0.20 V to IN+. A high-impedance meter reads approximately 2.00 V before device errors.
Inside LM741
Input, gain, compensation and output stages inside one IC.
Explore the circuit
Select a stage to see its role and connections
Bipolar differential pair
The input pair senses a small voltage difference and draws finite input bias current.
Gain and compensation
Internal voltage gain is frequency-compensated to support ordinary feedback configurations.
Drive the load
The output stage supplies the load within its voltage, current and thermal limits.
Selected packagePDIP-8LM741CN/NOPB
Physical connections8 pinsPackage-specific numbering
Reference collection6 tables28 parameters & pin functions
Pin reference
Signal names, electrical functions and connection guidance
Physical pin numbers8 pins
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Pin | Signal | Type | Function & connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFFSET1 | Offset adjustment | One end of the optional offset-null network.Connection guidanceLeave open in the basic example. Use the manufacturer trim circuit when offset adjustment is required. | |
| IN− | Inverting input | Negative feedback input.Connection guidanceConnect to the 90 kΩ / 10 kΩ feedback junction. | |
| IN+ | Non-inverting input | Positive signal input.Connection guidanceApply the 0.20 V input signal relative to the supply midpoint. | |
| V− | Negative supply | Negative power rail.Connection guidanceConnect to −15 V; bypass locally to the 0 V midpoint. This is not ground in the illustrated split-supply circuit. | |
| OFFSET2 | Offset adjustment | Other end of the optional offset-null network.Connection guidanceLeave open in the basic example. | |
| OUT | Analog output | Amplified output signal.Connection guidanceConnect the 90 kΩ feedback resistor and a high-impedance meter. Output needs headroom from both supply rails. | |
| V+ | Positive supply | Positive power rail.Connection guidanceConnect to +15 V; bypass locally to the 0 V midpoint. | |
| NC | No connection | No electrical connection is specified for this contact.Connection guidanceLeave unconnected. |
No pins match these filters. Try another signal name or reset the filters.
Operating conditions
Commercial LM741C reference
Manufacturer-referenced values5 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| 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-referenced values5 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| 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-referenced values5 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| 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-referenced values7 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| 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-referenced values6 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| 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.
No matching rowsTry a pin name, parameter, unit or test condition, or reset the filters.
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