741 Pin Compatible Equivalent Op Amps

There are many 741 compatible chips readily obtainable; however, the problem is that many
students and colleges are not aware of the different manufacturers and the model numbers.
Consequently, some chips have been getting expensive due to students relying too much on
one model and manufacturer.
The 741 is the one everyone thinks of when looking for a general-purpose amplifier,
however, if you rely too much on the same chip and seller, they will sometimes artificially
hike up their prices. You can make your budget stretch further if you look for cheaper
equivalents.
Almost all the modern 8-pin operational amplifiers take their architecture from the earlier 741
chip. Many manufacturers have made minor changes to the original design, however for the
most part they are pinout equivalents, and the same formula for gain calculation applies.
If you were using an op amp for simple educational experiments to calculate the gain, or
perhaps for simple basic op amp circuits, then many cheaper equivalents would perform just
as effectively, and save you money. I have compiled a list of my favourite chips that are
readily available and affordable.

LM741

The LM741 is a classic op amp chip and as you can see, it has a very simple and standard
layout that is identical to all the chips mentioned on this page. This is a general-purpose
amplifier utilising bipolar junction transistor technology.
These come in two flavours, the 741 and 741 A can operate on split voltage rails of +22 V
and -22 V, whilst the LM741C requires +18 V and -18 V.
Even with all the modern day equivalents, the LM741CN is still a very cost effective chip at
around 54p each or 32p when you buy 100 from Farnell.
LM741 Datasheet

CA3140E

CA3140E is pin equivalent to the LM741. There is a minor difference in that pin 8 is for the
strobe function, which controls the output, however, for basic op amp circuits it is not used.
The CA3140E is a direct replacement for the 741, and the manufacturers designed it with this
being the main purpose.
The input and output stages of this chip use MOSFET transistors, hence, Bi-MOS technology
is utilised in its design.
CA3140 Datasheet

TL081CN

TL081CN is another favourite of mine because it is affordable. You can pick one of these up
from Maplin for around 62p whilst you are on your way to the chip shop.
This is a general-purpose operational amplifier with a JFET input, which is even better
because its input impedance will be high. This means you could connect the inputs directly to
a signal source with minimal impedance issues.
Your basic op amp circuit configurations will be the same and you will be using the same
formulas.
TL081 Datasheet

TL061CP

The TL061CP is a great op amp chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. Just like the
TL081CN, it has a JFET input stage; however, this IC is a low power version. You can get
these from RS at very affordable prices.
TL061CP Datasheet

TL071CP

TL071CP is also another great operational amplifier by Texas Instruments. This is the low
noise version, which is extremely useful for high-fidelity audio applications. It has JFET
inputs and is pin compatible with the 741.
TL071CP Datasheet

LF351N

ST Microelectronics used to manufacture the LF351N, and it had JFET inputs and wide
bandwidth. There is some old stock on eBay, and you could get ten chips from China for
approximately 2.50. However, Farnell have the LF356N, which is an equivalent for 38p.
LF351N Datasheet

MC33171N

MC33171N by ST Microelectronics is a general-purpose operational amplifier. This is one of

my favourites as it is almost identical to the old 741 in technology. This one is the most
affordable I could find from Farnell at just 38p each or 29p when you buy 100.
MC33171 Datasheet

Texas Instruments TL0xx Range

IC

Name

Cost Purpose

TL031

TL031CP

38p

Low Power, Low Offset, Enhanced JFET

TL051

TL051CP

54p

Low Offset, Enhanced JFET

TL061

TL061CP
TL061ACP

56p

Low Power

TL071

TL071CP

46p

Low Noise

TL081

TL081CP
TL081CN

28p

General Purpose

Texas Instruments have one of the largest ranges of integrated circuits that are 741 pin
compatible, with JFET inputs. Here is a list showing the approximate price for one at Farnell.
Obviously, it will be cheaper for bulk purchase.

MCP601 and MCP603

The MCP601 and MCP603 are by Microchip Technology Inc., and cost approximately 33p
and 26p respectively. These CMOS operational amplifiers will operate on a voltage as low as
2.7 V, and accept a maximum of 6 V. These are ideal for battery powered circuits and portable
devices. The common mode input voltage range will go 0.3 V below ground, making it ideal
for single-supply circuits.
Both chips are pin identical to 741, except the MCP603 has a chip select on pin 8. This is
useful if you wanted to switch audio signals, otherwise, you could always tie it permanently
to ground.

OPA602

The OPA602 is a high-speed precision operational amplifier with a dielectrically isolated

FET (Difet) construction. This is the extreme end of operational amplifiers manufactured by
Burr-Brown and costs approximately 8.70 per chip. If you required high-speed and
precision, and money was no object, then this IC is ideal for precision instrumentation,
medical equipment, and professional audio.