Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

TL074CN - Quad JFET-Input Operational Amplifier

Details

Description

The TL074CN is a quad operational amplifier featuring JFET inputs, providing low noise and high-speed performance. It contains four independent op-amps in a single 14-pin package, each with JFET input transistors that deliver high input impedance and extremely low input bias currents. This makes it ideal for precision analog applications, audio circuits, and instrumentation.

Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

  • Operating Voltage: 6V ~ 36V (±3V ~ ±18V)
  • Supply Current: 1.4mA per channel (5.6mA total)
  • Slew Rate: 13V/µs
  • Gain Bandwidth Product: 3 MHz
  • Input Bias Current: 30 pA (extremely low due to JFET inputs)
  • Input Offset Voltage: 3 mV
  • Output Current: 40 mA per channel

Physical Characteristics

  • Package: 14-DIP (0.300”, 7.62mm)
  • Dimensions: Standard 14-pin DIP package
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole

Key Features

  • Four independent operational amplifiers
  • JFET input stage for ultra-low bias current
  • High input impedance
  • Low noise performance
  • Wide supply voltage range
  • Short-circuit protection on outputs
  • Low total harmonic distortion (~0.003%)
  • High slew rate for fast signal processing

Image

Image needed - Standard 14-pin DIP package IC with TL074CN markings on top. Consider taking a photo of actual component for documentation.

Pinout Diagram

Pin Descriptions (14-DIP Package)

PinNameFunction
1OUT AOp-amp A output
2IN A-Op-amp A inverting input
3IN A+Op-amp A non-inverting input
4VCC-Negative power supply
5IN B+Op-amp B non-inverting input
6IN B-Op-amp B inverting input
7OUT BOp-amp B output
8OUT COp-amp C output
9IN C-Op-amp C inverting input
10IN C+Op-amp C non-inverting input
11VCC+Positive power supply
12IN D+Op-amp D non-inverting input
13IN D-Op-amp D inverting input
14OUT DOp-amp D output

Applications

Common use cases and applications for this component:

  • Audio mixers and preamplifiers
  • Active filters and equalizers
  • Instrumentation amplifiers
  • Signal conditioning circuits
  • Voltage followers and buffers
  • Precision analog circuits
  • Audio effects processors
  • Motor drive circuits
  • Solar energy inverters
  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems

Circuit Examples

Basic Non-Inverting Amplifier

VCC+ (Pin 11) ---- +15V
VCC- (Pin 4)  ---- -15V
IN A+ (Pin 3) ---- Input signal
IN A- (Pin 2) ---- Feedback from output through voltage divider
OUT A (Pin 1) ---- Amplified output

Gain = 1 + (R2/R1) where R2 is feedback resistor, R1 is ground resistor

Active Low-Pass Filter

Input signal -> R1 -> IN A+ (Pin 3)
IN A- (Pin 2) connected to output through feedback network
C1 from IN A+ to ground for frequency response
OUT A (Pin 1) -> Filtered output

Quad Channel Audio Mixer

Four independent input channels, each using one op-amp
Mix outputs through summing resistors
Final stage amplification using external op-amp
Ideal for audio mixing applications

Technical Notes

Important technical considerations and features:

  • JFET inputs provide extremely high input impedance (>10^12 Ω)
  • Very low input bias current makes it suitable for high-impedance sources
  • Each op-amp is independent and can be used separately
  • Requires dual supply for best performance (±3V to ±18V)
  • Can operate on single supply with proper biasing
  • Output short-circuit protection prevents damage
  • Use proper power supply decoupling (0.1µF ceramic capacitors)
  • Avoid input voltages exceeding supply rails
  • Excellent for audio applications due to low noise and distortion

Status Note

Important: The TL074CN is marked as obsolete by the manufacturer. Direct substitutes include:

  • TL074IN (Texas Instruments) - Direct replacement
  • LF347N (Texas Instruments) - Similar JFET quad op-amp
  • AD704JNZ (Analog Devices) - Higher performance alternative

Tags

op-amp, analog-ic, quad-opamp, jfet-input, audio, precision, stmicroelectronics cabinet-3 bin-37 status-available

Notes

The TL074CN is a classic and widely-used quad op-amp that has been a staple in analog circuit design for decades. Its JFET input stage makes it particularly valuable for high-impedance applications and audio circuits where low noise is critical. While the part is now obsolete, existing stock remains useful for repairs, prototyping, and educational purposes. The four independent op-amps in a single package make it very cost-effective for multi-channel applications.