The LM358 is a low-power dual operational amplifier integrated circuit, originally introduced by National Semiconductor.[1]
It uses a single power supply from +3 to +30 volts for VCC (though some variants go higher, such as 36 volts for the LM358B).
Input voltage can range from −0.3 volts to VCC. Small negative input voltages below ground (GND) are acceptable because the bipolar junction transistors at the input stage are configured such that their base-emitter junction voltage provides just enough voltage differential between the collector and base for the transistors to function.[2]
After the development of the 741 and its dual and quad derivatives, National Semiconductor's Russell and Frederiksen developed an amplifier design suitable for low-voltage single supply packages,[3] hinging on an input stage gm reduction technique due to James Solomon.[4] This was developed into the LM324, which quickly became the industry standard quad op-amp. The LM358 followed shortly, a similar dual design, joining a group of low cost, decades old industry standards.[5]
The LM358 is now an industry-standard part manufactured by multiple companies, all of which publish datasheets: