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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.
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.
| Orderable Device | Version | Package | Carrier |
| LM258DR | LM258 | SOIC-8 | Large tape and reel |
| LM258AP | LM258A | PDIP-8 | Tube |
| LM258ADGKR | LM258A | VSSOP-8 | Large tape and reel |
| 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 |
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
In an inverting configuration, the signal is applied to the inverting input through R_in, while R_fprovides negative feedback from the output.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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.
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