LM358 Dual Op-Amp vs LM393 Dual Comparator

The LM358 is a dual op-amp integrated circuit having two op-amps supplied by a single power source. It is one-half of the LM324 Quad op-amp, which has four op-amps with a shared power supply. The differential input voltage range can be the same as the power supply voltage range. The default input offset voltage is incredibly low, measuring only 2mV. The standard supply current is 500uA and has a maximum current of 700uA regardless of the supply voltage range. The operational temperature ranges from 0˚C to 70˚C at ambient, with a maximum junction temperature of 150 C.

The LM393 integrated circuit is the comparator version of the popular LM358 Op-Amp. While any Op-Amp may be made to serve as a voltage comparator, the LM393 has a benefit in that it has an open collector output, making it suited for driving loads.

The output transistor can drive loads up to 50V and 50mA, which is sufficient for typical TTL, MOS, and RTL loads. The transistor can also separate the load from the system ground. So, if you need a Voltage comparator to drive loads with these characteristics, this IC could be a good fit.

LM358 Dual Op-Amp IC Features and Specifications

• Integrated with two Op-Amps in a single package

• Wide power supply Range

• Singe supply: 3V to 32V

• Dual supply: ±1.5V to ±16V

• Low Supply current: 700uA

• A single supply for two op-amps enables reliable operation

• Short circuit protected outputs

• Operating ambient temperature: 0˚C to 70˚C

• Soldering pin temperature: 260 ˚C (for 10 seconds – prescribed)

• Available packages: TO-99, CDIP, DSBGA, SOIC, PDIP, DSBGA

LM393 Differential Comparator features and specifications

• Dual Comparator in a single package

• Wide power supply Range

     -Singe supply – 2V to 36V

     -Dual supply – ±1V to ±18V

• Drain Current of only 0.4mA

• Input Offset Voltage is ±5mV maximum

• Power Dissipation: 660mW

• Can Drive most of the TTL and MOS loads

• Output can be Isolated from System Ground

• Low Offset Voltage and current

                          LM358 pinout                                                              LM393 pinout

As shown in the two pinouts above, LM358 and LM393 share the same pinout configurations. 

LM358 Applications

• Transducer Amplifiers

• Conventional op-amp circuits

• Integrator, Differentiator, Summer, adder, Voltage follower, etc.,

• DC gain blocks, Digital multimeters, Oscilloscopes

• Comparators (Loop control & regulation)

LM393 Applications

• Voltage Comparator circuits

• Can drive Relay, Lamp, Motor Etc

• Zero Crossing detector

• Peak voltage Detector

• High Voltage Protection/Warning

• Oscillator circuits

LM358 Equivalents

LM358A, LM358E, LM358-N, LM358W

LM393 Equivalents

LM358, TL082, LM311

onsemi (legally ON Semiconductor Corporation; formerly ON Semiconductor until August 5, 2021) is an American semiconductor supplier company, formerly in the Fortune 500, but dropping into the Fortune 1000 (ranked 512) in 2020. Products include power and signal management, logic, discrete, and custom devices for automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial, LED lighting, medical, military/aerospace, and power applications. onsemi runs a network of manufacturing facilities, sales offices, and design centers in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, onsemi has revenues of $3.907 billion (2016), which puts it among the worldwide top 20 semiconductor sales leaders.

lm358 circuit

lm393 circuit

The internal circuitry of the LM358 and LM393 appear similar at first glance, but deeper inspection reveals variances that explain the varied specs indicated above.

The input stages are analogous to "Darlington-connected" PNPs, which explains why both the LM358 and LM393 have ground sensing capabilities. The differential stages, however, operate at different currents; the LM393 operates at a higher current to boost the gain and output switching speed. Because the LM358 is a linear amplifier, this is unimportant.

The output stages are the most noticeable change. The LM393 output stage is substantially simpler than the LM358 output stage because it is designed to switch the output between the rails as quickly as possible while spending the least amount of time between the rails. The output stage is open-collector as well. Because the LM358 is an op-amp meant to be used as a linear amplifier, its output scales linearly with the input, it has a fully linear output stage.

LM393 Datasheet

LM358 Datasheet