JRC4558 vs TL072: What are Differences and How to Choose

When it comes to audio amplification and signal processing, the choice of operational amplifier (op-amp) can significantly impact the quality and performance of electronic circuits. Two widely used op-amps in audio applications, the JRC4558 and the TL072, each bring their unique characteristics to the table.

 

Understanding the differences and nuances between these op-amps is crucial for engineers, audiophiles, and enthusiasts seeking to achieve optimal sound quality and performance in their circuits. In this article, we will compare and contrast the JRC4558 and TL072 op-amps, exploring their features, specifications, and applications to guide your selection process for various audio-related projects.

What is JRC4558 

The JRC4558 is a dual operational amplifier integrated circuit (IC) manufactured by Japan Radio Corporation (JRC), now part of New Japan Radio (NJR). It's a versatile component used in various electronic applications, particularly popular in guitar pedals and audio circuits.

Known for its robust performance, it offers strong input impedance, substantial voltage amplification (with a gain of up to 100dB), and operates within a wide power supply range (from ±4V to 18V). This IC contains two separate op-amps within its 8-pin package and is available in different formats such as DIP (Dual Inline Package) and SOP (Small Outline Package). Its flexibility and reliability have made it a favorite among engineers, hobbyists, and musicians for decades.

1. Where to Use JRC4558 

The JRC4558 op-amp is versatile, useful in general applications like comparisons, amplification, and math operations. It's designed for transducer amplification and simplifying DC blocks in single-supply voltage systems. Operating directly from a 5V source, it's popular for its dual-op-amp setup, offering cost-effectiveness and strong performance, appealing to hobbyists and engineers.

2. JRC4558 Pinout

Pin configuration

Pin No.	Pin Name	Pin Description
1	Output 1	Output terminal for Operational Amplifier 1
2	Inverting (-) 1	Inverting input terminal for Operational Amplifier 1
3	Non-Inverting (+) 1	Non-inverting input terminal for Operational Amplifier 1
4	Negative Power Supply (-Vcc)	Negative power supply terminal
5	Non-Inverting (+) 2	Non-inverting input terminal for Operational Amplifier 2
6	Inverting (-) 2	Inverting input terminal for Operational Amplifier 2
7	Output 2	Output terminal for Operational Amplifier 2
8	Positive Power Supply (+Vcc)	Positive power supply terminal

3. JRC4558 Specifications and Features

• No frequency compensation required
• No latch – up
• Large common mode and differential voltage range
• Parameter tracking over temperature range
• Gain and phase match between amplifiers
• Internally frequency compensated
• Low noise input transistors
• Pin to pin compatible with MC1458/LM358

4. How to Use JRC4558 Op-Amp?

The JRC4558 op-amp is widely applied in general operations like amplification, differentiation, and various mathematical and comparator circuits. Specifically designed for single-voltage systems, transducers, DC amplification blocks, and diverse analog circuits.

In this circuit using the JRC4558 as a differential amplifier, the goal is to convert a single-ended input voltage ranging from 2V to 10V into a ±8V differential output voltage, operating with a 15V supply voltage and a 12V reference voltage. The design intentionally limits the output to maximize linearity.

This configuration comprises two amplifiers: the first acts as a buffer amplifier (Vout+), while the second inverts the input voltage and combines it with the 12V reference to produce the Vout- signal. Both Vout+ and Vout- output voltages range between 2V to 10V. The difference between Vout+ and Vout- results in the differential output voltage, Vdiff.

5. JRC4558 Applications

It is commonly used in,

• Audio Equipment: Guitar pedals, amplifiers, equalizers.
• Filters: Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass filters.
• Signal Processing: Instrumentation, sensors.
• Comparators: Voltage level detection.
• Voltage Followers: Impedance isolation.
• Voltage Regulators: Stable power supplies.
• Oscillator Circuits: Signal generation.
• Precision Instruments: High-impedance, accurate amplification.

Typical Application

6. JRC4558 Package outline

DIP-8

SOP-8

7. JRC4558 Equivalent ICs

The equivalent chip of JRC4558 are, NE5532, LM158, LM158A, LM358, LM4558, LM358A, LM747.

Here's a comparison table among JRC4558 and some equivalents: NE5532, LM158, LM158A, and LM358:

Parameter	JRC4558	NE5532	LM158	LM158A	LM358
Manufacturer	Japan Radio Corporation (JRC)	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments
Characteristics	Dual Operational Amplifier	Dual High-Performance Operational Amp	Dual Operational Amplifier	Dual Operational Amplifier	Dual Operational Amplifier
Voltage Range	±4V to ±18V	±5V to ±22V	±4V to ±18V	±4V to ±18V	Single Supply: 3V to 32V
Gain Bandwidth	100dB	10MHz	0.7MHz	0.7MHz	Single Supply: 1.1MHz
Slew Rate	1.7V/µs	9V/µs	0.3V/µs	0.3V/µs	Single Supply: 0.3V/µs
Input Bias Current	200nA	8nA	200nA	200nA	Single Supply: 45nA
Input Offset Voltage	1mV	1mV	5mV	5mV	Single Supply: 2mV
Features	High gain, wide voltage range	High bandwidth, low noise	Low power consumption	Low power consumption	Low power consumption
Differences	Voltage range, gain bandwidth	Higher bandwidth, lower noise	Power consumption	Improved input offset voltage	Single supply capability
Advantages	Versatile, robust performance	High performance in audio applications	Low power consumption, cost-effective	Improved input offset voltage	Single supply operation
Disadvantages	Limited bandwidth compared to some	Higher noise compared to some	Limited performance in high-frequency	Higher input offset voltage	Limited bandwidth in single supply

What is TL072

The TL072 is a popular dual low-noise JFET-input operational amplifier (op-amp) manufactured by Texas Instruments. It's part of the TL07x series known for its high input impedance, low noise, and wide bandwidth.

1. Where to Use TL072

The TL072 finds primary application in scenarios requiring high precision, especially in minimizing harmonic distortion and noise, making it well-suited for audio pre-amplification. This pre-amplification process aims to achieve output audio with minimal interference, distortion, and facilitates control over volume, bass, and treble levels. Additionally, it functions similarly to other op-amp ICs by comparing voltages, rendering it suitable for use as a voltage comparator IC.

2. TL072 Pinout

Pin configuration

Pin No.	Name	Description
1	1OUT	Output of the first op-amp
2	1IN-	Inverting input for the first op-amp
3	1IN+	Non-inverting input for the first op-amp
4	Vcc-	Ground
5	2IN+	Non-inverting input for the second op-amp
6	2IN-	Inverting input for the second op-amp
7	2OUT	Output of the second op-amp
8	Vcc+	Supply voltage

3. TL072 Specifications and Features

Specifications

• High slew rate: 20 V/μs (TL07xH, typ)

• Low offset voltage: 1 mV (TL07xH, typ)

• Low offset voltage drift: 2 μV/°C

• Low power consumption: 940 μA/ch (TL07xH, typ)

• Wide common-mode and differential

voltage ranges

– Common-mode input voltage range

includes VCC+

• Low input bias and offset currents

• Low noise:

Vn = 18 nV/√Hz (typ) at f = 1 kHz

• Output short-circuit protection

• Low total harmonic distortion: 0.003% (typ)

• Wide supply voltage:

±2.25 V to ±20 V, 4.5 V to 40 V

Features

• Low power consumption, low input-bias currents, and offset currents.
• Equipped with short-circuit protection.
• Latch-up free operation of the IC.
• Contains two op-amps within, referred to as a dual op-amp IC.
• High input impedance.
• Internally frequency compensated.
• Wide common-mode (up to VCC+) and differential voltage range.

4. TL072 Application

• Solar energy: string and central inverter

• Motor drives: AC and servo drive control and power stage modules

• Single phase online UPS

• Three phase UPS

• Pro audio mixers

• Battery test equipment

5. TL072 Equivalent Ics

TL072 Equivalent ICs include LM358, NE5532, OPA827, LT1972, and ADA4610-2.

JRC4558 vs TL072:What are Difference

Here are common differences between JRC4558 and TL072,

Parameter	JRC4558	TL072
Technology	Bipolar	JFET
Input Impedance	Around 5MΩ	Higher due to JFET input
Noise Performance	Moderate	Low (suitable for audio)
Voltage Noise	Moderate, around 18nV/√Hz	Low, around 18nV/√Hz
Bandwidth	Moderate, around 3MHz	Wide, around 4MHz
Slew Rate	Around 1V/µs	Around 13V/µs
Input Bias Current	Around 200nA	Very low, typically under 10pA
Input Offset Voltage	Around 1mV	Very low, typically under 3mV
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)	Moderate	Typically higher
Power Consumption	Generally lower	Can vary
Voltage Range	±4V to ±18V	±3V to ±18V
Applications	Guitar pedals, audio circuits	Audio equipment, precision circuits
Characteristics	Known for specific tonal qualities	Low noise, high input impedance
Common Use Cases	Musical equipment, audio projects	Audio equipment, precision circuits
Advantages	Specific tonal characteristics	Low noise, high input impedance
Disadvantages	Moderate noise, input impedance	Moderate input impedance, noise

JRC4558 vs TL072:Which is better

JRC4558:

• Tonal Characteristics: The JRC4558 is often chosen for its specific tonal qualities, especially in the realm of musical equipment like guitar pedals. Musicians may prefer its sound in certain audio applications.
• Moderate Noise Performance: While it may have moderate noise performance, it might be acceptable in applications where tonal characteristics are prioritized over extremely low noise.

TL072:

• Low Noise: The TL072 is known for its low noise characteristics, making it suitable for applications where minimizing unwanted noise is crucial, such as in audio circuits and precision instrumentation.
• High Input Impedance: With its JFET input, the TL072 offers high input impedance, making it suitable for high-impedance circuits.

Download JRC4558 and TL072 Datasheet PDF

Check and Download JRC4558 Datasheet PDF here>>

Check and Download TL072 Datasheet PDF here>>

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the JRC4558 and TL072 op-amps have earned their places in the realm of audio electronics, offering distinct attributes that cater to specific preferences and applications. Whether it's the JRC4558's warm, classic sound favored by many guitar pedal enthusiasts or the TL072's low noise and high-speed operation suited for precision audio applications, understanding their individual characteristics is paramount in achieving the desired audio performance.

When selecting between these op-amps, considering the specific requirements of your project, the sonic signature you aim to achieve, and the operational conditions will guide you toward the ideal choice. Ultimately, both the JRC4558 and TL072 stand as stalwarts in the world of audio electronics, offering versatile solutions for crafting rich and high-quality sound experiences.

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