Product Overview
National Semiconductor LM741CH Operational Amplifier - TO-99 Hermetic Metal Can, Date Code 1988, Unused NOS
Condition
Unused NOS. Sourced from an electronics distributor consolidating inventory. Photos show the specific unit you will receive: TO-99 metal can with stamped markings LM741CH and date/lot code SH8806 (week 6, 1988), eight leads straight and undamaged, aged gold-tone finish with light surface patina, no corrosion. Evaluation: Visual inspection only. Function testing not performed.
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Product Overview
National Semiconductor LM741CH in the TO-99 hermetically sealed 8-lead metal can package. The 741 is one of the most widely used operational amplifier architectures in electronics history. The CH suffix identifies the commercial temperature range variant (0°C to 70°C) in the TO-99 metal can - a configuration that commands genuine collector and restoration interest precisely because the hermetic package offers RF and EMI shielding that plastic DIP versions do not. National Semiconductor's wavy-line logo is visible on the can, confirming manufacturer. Date code SH8806 places manufacture in the 6th week of 1988.
Key Features
- Part number: LM741CH - commercial grade (0°C to 70°C), TO-99 metal can package
- Package: TO-99 hermetically sealed metal can, 8 leads
- Manufacturer: National Semiconductor - wavy-line logo stamped on can, confirmed from photo
- Date/lot code: SH8806 - manufactured week 6, 1988
- Leads: eight, straight and undamaged per photo inspection
- Can finish: aged gold-tone with light surface patina, no corrosion, no visible defects
- Hermetic sealing provides superior RF/EMI shielding versus plastic DIP variants
Applications
- Restoring vintage console mixers, studio preamps, and synthesizers from the 1970s and 1980s that originally used TO-99 metal can op-amps and require a physically compatible swap
- Repairing vintage defense, aviation, and test bench equipment where the metal can form factor is required for thermal dissipation and structural compliance
- Replacing multiple op-amps in a signal chain when servicing multi-channel audio gear - picking up a handful covers adjacent channels and keeps a bench spare on hand
- Breadboard and electronics lab experimentation where the TO-99 pinout and hermetic package offer a tactile, historically authentic working component
- Vintage synth builders and hardware hackers sourcing period-correct parts for clones or repairs that call for the specific metal can variant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the 8-pin DIP version or the metal can version?
This is the TO-99 hermetically sealed metal can with 8 leads - not a plastic DIP. The H suffix in LM741CH designates the TO-99 package specifically. Photos confirm the round metal can form factor.
What temperature range does this part cover?
The C suffix designates the commercial temperature range: 0°C to 70°C.
Is a datasheet or documentation included?
Not included. This is the component only.
Can I use this as a direct drop-in for a plastic 741 DIP in a through-hole PCB?
The LM741CH uses the TO-99 pin layout, which differs physically from an 8-pin DIP footprint. A socket adapter for TO-99 to DIP is required if the board was designed for a DIP package. In boards or equipment originally fitted with a TO-99 metal can 741, this is a direct replacement.
There are plenty of 741s out there, but the one stamped with the National Semi wavy line, sealed in a metal can, and carrying a 1988 date code is the one that belongs in the gear it was built for. Put it back where it came from.
