Engineering Reference
Op-Amp Datasheet Parameters Reference
Quick-reference op-amp datasheet parameters including offset, bias current, input range, output swing, GBW, slew rate, CMRR, PSRR, noise, supply, and thermal ratings.
- Reading Time
- 13 min
- Format
- Datasheet lookup
- Updated
- September 26, 2026
How to Read an Op-Amp Datasheet
Start with supply voltage, temperature, load and package conditions. Then distinguish guaranteed minimum or maximum limits from typical characterization. Parameter names and symbols vary among manufacturers, so use the definitions and test circuit in the specific datasheet rather than relying on the symbol alone.
Operating specification
Conditions are part of the number
Parameter Quick Reference
| Parameter | Common symbols | Units | Engineering meaning | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input offset voltage | VOS | µV, mV | Input-referred differential voltage required to force the output to the ideal value | Check maximum value, temperature range and supply conditions |
| Offset-voltage drift | TCVOS | µV/°C | Change in input offset with temperature | Important in precision DC and wide-temperature designs |
| Input bias current | IB | pA, nA, µA | Average current flowing into or out of the input pins | Source resistance converts bias current into voltage error |
| Input offset current | IOS | pA, nA | Difference between the two input bias currents | Relevant after source resistances are balanced |
| Common-mode input range | VICM, VCM | V | Allowed average input voltage range | May vary with supply, temperature and output loading |
| Differential input voltage | VID | V | Voltage permitted between the two input pins | Absolute maximum is not a normal operating target |
| Open-loop gain | AOL, AVO | V/V, dB | Uncompensated differential voltage gain | Specified at DC or low frequency and under stated load |
| Gain-bandwidth product | GBW, GBP | Hz | Approximate unity-gain frequency for a dominant-pole op amp | Closed-loop bandwidth depends on noise gain and stability |
| Slew rate | SR | V/µs | Maximum large-signal output rate of change | Test conditions, polarity and output swing matter |
| Common-mode rejection ratio | CMRR | dB | Rejection of common-mode input changes | Often degrades near rail limits and with frequency |
| Power-supply rejection ratio | PSRR | dB | Rejection of supply-voltage changes | May be reported separately for positive and negative rails |
| Input voltage-noise density | en | nV/√Hz | Input-referred broadband voltage noise density | Use the noise spectrum and bandwidth, not one point alone |
| Input current-noise density | in | fA/√Hz, pA/√Hz | Input-referred broadband current noise density | Source impedance converts current noise to voltage noise |
| Input capacitance | Cin | pF | Differential or common-mode input capacitance | Interacts with source impedance and feedback stability |
| Output-voltage swing | VOH, VOL, VOUT | V | Available output range under a stated load | Rail-to-rail does not necessarily mean exactly to both rails |
| Output current | IO | mA | Source or sink current under specified conditions | Observe output swing, dissipation and short-circuit limits |
| Quiescent supply current | IQ, IS | µA, mA | Supply current without load current | Confirm per-amplifier versus per-package convention |
| Supply voltage | VS, VCC/VEE | V | Permitted single-supply or split-supply operating range | Do not confuse recommended operation with absolute maximum |
| Thermal resistance | θJA, θJC | °C/W | Package thermal path under defined board conditions | Board copper and airflow change effective thermal behavior |
Input Accuracy and Range
Offset contribution
Bias-current contribution
Common-mode range
Input protection boundary
Output, Supply and Thermal Limits
| Check | Question | Common dependency | Design interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output swing | Can the required voltage be reached? | Load, rails, temperature | Keep the commanded output inside guaranteed VOH/VOL limits |
| Output current | Can the load current be sourced and sunk? | Output voltage and duration | Current capability and voltage swing must be met simultaneously |
| Supply range | Is the selected single or split supply valid? | Device grade and temperature | Use the recommended range, not absolute maximum |
| Quiescent current | What current does the amplifier itself consume? | Number of channels and operating mode | Check whether the value is per channel or per package |
| Power dissipation | Will junction temperature remain acceptable? | IQ, output loading, package and PCB | Estimate all internal dissipation paths and derate with temperature |
Gain, Bandwidth and Slew Rate
Open-loop gain
GBW estimate
Large-signal limit
Stability is separate
CMRR and PSRR
| Parameter | Disturbance | Input-referred approximation | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMRR | Common-mode input change | Equivalent error scales approximately with ΔVCM / 10^(CMRR/20) | CMRR varies with frequency and position inside the input range |
| PSRR | Supply-voltage change | Equivalent error scales approximately with ΔVS / 10^(PSRR/20) | Positive and negative supply rejection may differ and degrade with frequency |
Noise Terms and Boundaries
Voltage-noise density and current-noise density are input-referred spectral quantities. A complete noise analysis includes source resistance, resistor thermal noise, noise gain, bandwidth shaping, low-frequency 1/f noise and any discrete noise specifications.
Flat white-noise estimate
Current noise
Worked Lookup Examples
Offset at the output
Bias-current error
Bandwidth estimate
Slew-rate requirement
White-noise estimate
Split-supply span
Datasheet Review Checklist
- 1Confirm supply range and polarity convention.
- 2Check input common-mode range at the actual supply.
- 3Check output swing under the actual load.
- 4Estimate offset and bias-current errors.
- 5Check closed-loop bandwidth against noise gain.
- 6Check large-signal slew-rate requirement.
- 7Review CMRR and PSRR over frequency.
- 8Integrate voltage and current noise over the real bandwidth.
- 9Check output current, dissipation and junction temperature.
- 10Verify stability, capacitive load and layout guidance.
Common Interpretation Mistakes
- Treating a typical value as a guaranteed limit.
- Using an absolute maximum as an operating point.
- Assuming rail-to-rail means exactly to both rails.
- Ignoring common-mode range while checking only differential voltage.
- Multiplying offset by signal gain instead of noise gain.
- Ignoring source resistance in bias-current error.
- Treating GBW divided by signal gain as universal.
- Assuming sufficient GBW guarantees stability.
- Checking small-signal bandwidth but not slew rate.
- Using one noise-density point across all frequencies.
- Ignoring load and temperature conditions for output swing.
- Comparing devices under different datasheet test conditions.
Support reference
FAQ
What is input offset voltage?
Input offset voltage is the small differential input voltage required to make the real amplifier produce the ideal output. Its output contribution is approximately VOS multiplied by circuit noise gain.
What is input bias current?
Input bias current is the average current flowing into or out of the two input pins. It creates voltage error when it flows through source and feedback resistance.
What is input offset current?
Input offset current is the difference between the two input bias currents. It matters when resistance balancing has cancelled much of the average bias-current effect.
What is the common-mode input range?
It is the permitted range for the average voltage at the two inputs while the amplifier remains within its specified operating behavior. The range depends on supply, temperature and often output conditions.
Does rail-to-rail input mean the output is also rail-to-rail?
No. Input common-mode range and output-voltage swing are separate specifications. Each must be checked under the intended supply, load and temperature conditions.
What is open-loop gain?
Open-loop gain is the amplifier's differential gain without closed-loop feedback. It is large at low frequency and falls with frequency; finite gain contributes closed-loop error.
What is gain-bandwidth product?
GBW is an approximate frequency-gain product for a dominant-pole, unity-gain-stable op amp. A first estimate of closed-loop bandwidth is GBW divided by noise gain, subject to device response and stability.
What is slew rate?
Slew rate is the maximum large-signal rate of output-voltage change. A sine wave of peak amplitude Vpk and frequency f needs at least 2πfVpk.
What is the difference between CMRR and PSRR?
CMRR describes rejection of common-mode input changes. PSRR describes rejection of supply-voltage changes. Both are condition- and frequency-dependent.
How do I use voltage-noise density?
For a simplified flat white-noise estimate, multiply noise density by the square root of noise bandwidth. Real calculations also account for spectral shape, 1/f noise, filter response, current noise and resistor noise.
What does output swing depend on?
Output swing depends on supply rails, load current, load resistance, temperature and device output architecture. Typical and guaranteed limits may differ.
Are absolute maximum ratings valid operating points?
No. Absolute maximum ratings are damage boundaries, not recommended operating conditions. Designs need margin inside the operating specifications.
Why do typical and maximum values differ?
Typical values describe representative behavior under stated conditions; maximum or minimum limits are production guarantees only where the datasheet explicitly says so.
Can one headline parameter determine the best op amp?
No. The suitable device must satisfy input range, output swing, supply, load, bandwidth, slew, noise, accuracy, stability and thermal requirements together.
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