Description 

LM741 IC is an operational amplifier, this IC is available in different package with single op-amp and others with more than one operational amplifier. LM741 IC has one operational amplifier inside. It is a DC-coupled high gain electronic voltage amplifier. Its main function is to do mathematical operation for compare between two signals hence it’s used as a comparator.

An LM741 can operate as inverting operational amplifier and also as non-inverting operational amplifier. The IC is made of 20 transistors which gives it a wide range of application in the electronics projects.

Pin configuration and their functions

This op-amp can be used in two ways: Non-inverting and Inverting

Non-inverting

For non-inverting op-amp the input voltage source is connected on the non-inverting terminal (+), pin 3.

Inverting

For inverting op-amp the input voltage source is connected on the inverting terminal (-), pin 2.  

IC LM741 has 2 input and 6 output pins, the non-inverting and inverting input pins are protected from overload using protection circuitry.

Pin Number

Pin Name

Description

1,5

OFFSET

Pin used to remove the offset voltage and balance input voltage

2

Inverting Input

Inverting input signal

3

Non-inverting Input

Non-inverting input signal

4

V-

Ground /Negative supply voltage pin

6

OUTPUT

Output pin for the op amp

7

V+

Positive DC voltage supply pin

8

NC

Not connected, its kept open

Specifications and features 

When compared to the other op amp of the same class its more suitable due to its high protected hence protection circuitry is not required and also for short circuit.

  • Latch-up is not requirement.
  • Can be operated with single or double voltage supply (inviting and non-inverting pins) .
  • Its available in the following packages; TO99, PDIP and CDIP.
  • Power consumption is low.
  • High gain .
  • Its operating temperature range is between -50˚ to 150˚ .
  • Supply current is between -1.7 to 28mA.

Working principle 

When voltage is supplied through the non-inverting terminal (+) and the inverting terminal acts as the feedback, the output of the comparator is HIGH. If the voltage is supplied through inverting terminal (-) then the non-inverting terminal is the feedback and the output is LOW.

Application 

  • Voltage Comparator - compares one analogue signal with another analogue to generate an output based on the comparison of the two input signals.
  • DC amplifier – the output of the op-amp is feed to the input of another amplifier and no frequency required. Amplifiers are coupled to make a combination of amplifier; the initial input signal is amplification depends on the number of amplifiers. They are mostly used in amplifying low frequencies.       
  • Multi-vibrator/oscillator – is astable oscillator circuit which using RC circuit connected on the inverting input and on the non-inverting input voltage divider circuit is connected; the circuit is used to generate rectangular waveform.
  • Integrator or differentiator - for differentiator op amp circuit it produces output voltage equal to the input voltage rate of change. Integrator op amp circuit it produces output voltage equal to the multiplication of the op-amp input voltage and time.
  • Summing amplifier – it an op amp circuit with more than one input signal, the input signals are combining to produce one output signal.
  • Other applications are: Active filter, General feedback applications, AC/Dc converter 

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