LM358P: Dual Low-Power Operational Amplifier

ElecSuppliers Part Number ComparisonAug 21, 2026

The LM358P is a dual operational amplifier designed for general-purpose analog signal processing. It integrates two independent op-amp channels in a single package and is widely used in low-voltage analog circuits.

The device is suitable for applications that require signal amplification, buffering, filtering, voltage comparison and other basic analog functions without using separate amplifier ICs for each channel.

What Is the LM358P?

The LM358P contains two operational amplifiers in one integrated circuit.

Each amplifier can operate independently, allowing a single LM358P to perform two separate analog functions within the same design.

For example, one channel can be used to amplify a sensor signal while the second channel performs filtering or buffering.

This dual-channel configuration can reduce component count and simplify PCB design compared with using two individual single-channel operational amplifiers.

LM358P Low-Voltage Operation

The LM358 family is designed for single-supply and dual-supply operation.

This makes the LM358P useful in systems where a traditional positive and negative analog supply is not available.

In a single-supply circuit, the amplifier can process signals referenced to ground, which is convenient for many embedded and sensor applications.

The actual input and output voltage range depends on the supply voltage and electrical operating conditions, so the required signal range should be checked during circuit design.

LM358P Input Common-Mode Range

The LM358P has an input common-mode voltage range that includes the negative supply rail under the specified operating conditions.

This characteristic is useful in single-supply circuits where the input signal may be close to ground.

For sensor interfaces, battery monitoring and low-side signal measurements, being able to operate with inputs near the negative supply can simplify the analog front end.

The input range should still be compared with the complete signal amplitude and supply voltage before selecting the amplifier.

LM358P Dual Op-Amp Configuration

The two amplifier channels inside the LM358P can be configured independently.

One common configuration is a non-inverting amplifier, where the output voltage follows the input signal with a gain determined by an external resistor network.

Another application is a voltage follower, where the amplifier provides buffering between a high-impedance sensor and a lower-impedance load.

The second channel can then be used for another signal path without adding another IC.

LM358P Sensor Signal Conditioning

The LM358P is frequently considered for sensor signal-conditioning circuits.

Many sensors produce relatively small analog signals that need amplification before being sent to an ADC.

An LM358P channel can increase the signal amplitude and provide a suitable interface between the sensor and the microcontroller.

External resistors can be selected to establish the required gain, while capacitors can be added to create filtering functions when necessary.

The final circuit should account for amplifier offset, noise, bandwidth and input characteristics when accurate measurements are required.

LM358P Active Filter Applications

The LM358P can also be used to build active analog filters.

External resistors and capacitors can be combined with the op amp to create low-pass, high-pass or other filter configurations.

Active filters can provide both signal filtering and amplification within the same circuit.

For low-frequency sensor signals, the LM358P can be a practical choice because many such applications do not require a high-speed operational amplifier.

The required bandwidth should nevertheless be evaluated against the amplifier's gain-bandwidth characteristics.

LM358P Voltage Follower

A voltage follower is one of the simplest applications for the LM358P.

In this configuration, the output is fed back directly to the inverting input while the signal is connected to the non-inverting input.

The circuit provides approximately unity voltage gain while offering a high input impedance and lower output impedance.

This can be useful when a sensor or reference source needs to drive another analog circuit without being heavily loaded.

LM358P Comparator Applications

The LM358P can sometimes be used in simple threshold-detection circuits.

An input signal can be compared against a reference voltage, with the output changing according to the relative voltage levels.

However, the LM358P is an operational amplifier rather than a dedicated comparator.

For applications requiring high-speed switching, well-defined comparator output behavior or specialized threshold detection, a dedicated comparator may be a better choice.

LM358P Power Supply Considerations

The LM358P can be used with a single power supply, which simplifies many embedded analog designs.

A stable supply and appropriate local bypass capacitor should be provided close to the IC.

Supply noise can appear at the amplifier output, particularly when the device is being used to process small analog signals.

For precision sensor applications, the power supply, grounding and PCB layout should therefore be considered together with the amplifier itself.

LM358P Package

The LM358P is supplied in a through-hole package configuration.

This makes it convenient for prototypes, development boards, laboratory circuits and applications where through-hole assembly is preferred.

For automated surface-mount production, engineers may instead select another LM358 package variant.

When replacing an LM358 device, the complete ordering code should be checked because different suffixes can identify different package or ordering configurations.

LM358P Applications

The LM358P can be used in a broad range of analog circuits.

Typical applications include sensor interfaces, signal conditioning, voltage monitoring, active filters, battery monitoring, analog control circuits and general-purpose amplification.

Its dual-channel configuration also makes it useful when two analog functions are required within a compact circuit.

LM358P PCB Design

PCB layout can have a significant influence on analog performance.

The power supply should be properly decoupled, while sensitive analog traces should be routed away from high-current switching nodes where possible.

Feedback components should be positioned close to the corresponding amplifier pins to reduce unwanted parasitic effects.

For low-level sensor signals, short signal paths and a suitable grounding strategy can help reduce interference.

Choosing the LM358P

The LM358P is a practical choice for general-purpose low-voltage analog circuits that require two operational amplifier channels in one IC.

It can be used for amplification, buffering, filtering and basic analog signal conditioning across a wide range of embedded applications.

Before selecting the LM358P, engineers should evaluate supply voltage, input signal range, required gain, bandwidth, offset voltage, output load and package requirements.

For procurement and BOM management, the complete LM358P Part Number should be retained rather than searching only for the generic LM358 family, especially when the required package is important.