Operational amplifiers, or op-amps, play an essential role in audio systems. So, if any sound system generates noise feedback, then there are some possible solutions. Among them is a NE5532 pre-amp circuit because of its efficiency and high-quality sound. The NE5532 is a bipolar, dual monolithic and internally compensated op amp introduced in 1979 by ‘Signetics’ for audio applications. Generally, preamplifier ICs work by enhancing the input signal; thus, your audio equipment can provide better sound. This article elaborates on NE5532 IC, pin-out, specifications, and its applications.
What is NE5532 IC ?
The NE5532 IC is a dual monolithic, internally compensated, and bipolar operational amplifier used as an amplifier within audio applications. These ICs can also sell as NG5532, SE5532, SA5532, etc. The 5532 IC became the industry standard mainly for professional audio due to its very low distortion & low noise. These ICs exist only in a dual form as compared to other low-cost operational amplifiers and are available in 8-pin SOIC, SO, and PDIP packages.
The NE5532 IC is designed as a high-performance op-amp by combining outstanding AC and DC characteristics. This IC provides very low noise, high unity-gain, higher output-drive capability & highest output-swing bandwidths. In addition, it can also have a high slew rate, low distortion, output short-circuits shield & input-protection diodes. So, these ICs are internally compensated for unity-gain operation. NE5532 IC provides a 10 MHz of unity-gain bandwidth with up to 5000 gain, thus widely used within audio pre-amplifier circuits.
How does NE5532 IC Work ?
The NE5532 IC works as a high-performance amplifier, including two independent channels. So this IC is designed to generate minimal noise to make it useful, particularly within audio circuits wherever high fidelity is necessary. This op-amp amplifies the variation between its input voltages by providing a high gain with wide bandwidth, low distortion, and high output drive capability. Thus, it is suitable for different applications like instrumentation circuits and professional audio equipment.
The NE5532 IC includes two separate op-amps in a single package, which allows simultaneous two different signals. This IC is mainly designed to produce very low noise and is essential for sensitive audio applications. So it delivers a very strong output signal to drive speakers and high-impedance loads.
The NE5532 ICs amplify audio signals across a wide frequency range. This IC is internally compensated for constant operation at a gain of 1. The amplifier’s gain can be determined through the external resistors, which are connected to the input & feedback pins by allowing for accurate control above amplification. This IC generates an amplified output voltage through pin 6 depending on the input voltage variation & the set gain.
NE5532 IC Pin Configuration:
The pin configuration of the NE5532 IC is shown below. This IC includes 8 pins, which are explained below.
NE5532 IC Pin Configuration
- Pin-1 (Output-A): It is an output pin of the first op-amp.
- Pin-2 (Input-A-): It is an inverting input pin of the first op-amp.
- Pin- 3 (Input-A+): It is a non-inverting input pin of the first op-amp.
- Pin-4 (VEE/GND): It is the negative voltage supply or GND pin of the op-amp voltage supply.
- Pin-5 (Input-B+): It is a non-inverting input pin of the second op-amp.
- Pin-6 (Input-B-): It is an inverting input pin of the second op-amp.
- Pin-7 (Output-B): It is an output pin of the second op-amp.
- Pin-8 (VCC): It is a positive voltage supply pin of the op-amp.
Features & Specifications:
The features & specifications of NE5532 IC include the following.
- NE5532 IC is a dual low-noise op-amp.
- This IC includes 8 pins.
- Available packages are TO-99, DSBGA, CDIP, SOIC, DSBGA, PDIP, etc.
- Its voltage supply ranges from ±3V to ±20V.
- DC voltage gain is 50000.
- Unity gain BW is 10MHz.
- Its CMRR, or common mode rejection ratio, is 100dB.
- The slew rate is 9V/uS.
- Its output swing voltage is 26V.
- This IC has two channels.
- Its maximum offset voltage at 25 C is 4mV.
- The typical Iq per channel is 4 mA.
- Typical Vn at 1 kHz is 5 nV/rtHz.
- Typical THD + N is 0.002 at 1 kHz.
- The typical output current is 38 mA.
- Operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 70°C.
Equivalents & Alternatives
Equivalent NE5532 ICs are; TL072, LM4558, LM358, LM258, RC4588, NJM4560, TL1971,etc. Alternative dual op-amps are; LM358, LM393, LM1458, LM747, LP2904, LP358, MC1458, etc.
Stereo Headphone Amplifier Circuit with NE5532 IC
The stereo headphone amplifier circuit with NE5532 IC is shown below. This is a very simple circuit that uses only a few external electronic components. But the NE5532 IC plays a key role as an amplifier to provide superb audio quality. So the NE5532 IC is a dual high-performance op-amp that provides low noise & distortion and an outstanding S/N ratio that is suitable in audio applications.
The required components to make this circuit mainly include an NE5532 IC, stereo headphone jack, 50k dual pole potentiometer, two 50k resistors, four 20k resistors, two 15k resistors, three 1uF capacitors, two 470uF capacitors, and connecting wires.
Stereo Headphone Amplifier Circuit with NE5532 IC
Working
This stereo headphone amplifier circuit works in a standard gain configuration by using both the op-amp channels. First, the input signal is given to the non-inverting pin of the op-amp. After that, the gain of this IC can be determined by the 20k resistor. Here, resistors set the feedback network by ensuring constant operation. The NE5532 IC in this circuit provides low noise & low distortion by allowing you to have clear & crisp hum reproduction. So it can also provide a high slew rate by allowing quick replies to dynamic audio signals by making it an ideal choice for audio amplification applications.
Thus, this circuit is the perfect choice for high-quality audio reproduction. This IC improves the listening experience by providing clear and precise sound with its characteristics like low distortion, low-noise & higher slew rate. Thus, this simple circuit is very useful for audio enthusiasts by boosting the audio quality of their headphones.
Differences between NE5532 IC and TL072 IC
The differences between NE5532 IC and TL072 IC include the following. The NE5532 IC and TL072 ICs are well known for their low noise and excellent sound quality, so they are used in mixers and preamplifiers wherever clean and clear sound is a priority. Alternatively, the TL072 IC is perfect for uses that need high-frequency performance or sensitivity to i/p current.
|
NE5532 IC |
TL072 IC |
| This IC has low-noise performance and is suitable for audio. | This IC has good noise performance.
|
| The input offset voltage of this IC is slightly higher. | Its input offset voltage is lower. |
| Its voltage supply range is narrower. | This ICs voltage supply range is wider. |
| It has a higher slew rate. | It has a lower slew rate. |
| Its input offset voltage drift is lower drift above temperature. | Its input offset voltage drift is higher. |
| This IC has low total harmonic distortion. | It has a higher THD. |
| NE5532 IC is designed especially for low-noise performance. So used in high-fidelity audio-based applications. | This IC provides wide versatility through a higher slew rate. So, it is applicable in fast signal response applications. |
| NE5532 IC has bipolar transistor inputs that draw input current. | The TL072 IC utilizes JFET inputs with slight input current. |
| It has a higher CMRR. | This IC has good CMRR. |
| These are used in high-quality audio applications. | These are used in a variety of analog circuits. |
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages of NE5532 IC include the following.
- NE5532 IC has low noise, which helps in maintaining signal integrity.
- It has a higher output drive, so it can handle a wide range of o/p levels.
- It has less distortion, which helps in ensuring clarity & fidelity within audio and communication systems.
- This IC has high integrity
- It has a high slew rate, which helps in ensuring robust functionality.
- This IC has protection diodes, which help ensure reliability.
- It has output short-circuit protection to ensure reliability
- Its unity gain operation ensures reliable amplification across various input levels
- This IC has wide o/p swing bandwidth, so it supports a wide range of frequencies exclusive of signal degradation.
The disadvantages of NE5532 IC include the following.
- This IC has limited bandwidth.
- Its power consumption is high.
- It draws high current supply
- This IC’s plastic package can get warm at 34 V voltage supply.
- It is susceptible to AC power supply decoupling.
- Breakdown to decouple leads to higher-frequency oscillations, which causes distortion.
- Operating at the maximum temperature can affect its reliability
Applications
The applications of NE5532 IC include the following.
- Engineers widely use the NE5532 IC in audio applications.
- Manufacturers incorporate this IC into commercial tools, equipment, and appliances due to its excellent audio pre-amplification capabilities.
- Designers utilize it in mic preamplifiers, audio preamplifiers, a wide range of audio applications, medical equipment, and communication circuits.
- Audio preamplifiers and headphone amplifiers use it to enhance sound quality.
- Equalizers and tone controls employ it to adjust the tone of audio signals. Additionally, mixers, audio consoles, effects pedals, and synthesizer circuits rely on this IC.
Please refer to this link for the NE5532 IC Datasheet.
Thus, this overviews NE5532 IC, pin-out, features, specifications, differences, pros, cons & uses. This operational amplifier is well known for its high performance and low noise within audio applications. So it is suitable in audio circuits that need high-fidelity sound. Its features mainly include low noise, wide bandwidth, input protection, high slew rate, input protection, and unity-gain operation. Here is a question for you: What is LM747 IC?