Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LM339NG	COMPARATOR	452105
NCX2200GF3,132 NXP Semiconductors	IC COMPARATOR LOW VOLTAGE 6XSON	0
LT1720CDD#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP R-R IN/OUT DUAL 8DFN	232
MAX983CSA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR OD 8-SOIC	0
LT6700CDCB-2#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP DUAL 400MV REF 6-DFN	0
ADCMP396ARZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR QUAD RRO 16SOIC	0
MAX989ESA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R 8-SOIC	1475100
LM339AMX Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR QUAD LO PWR 14SOIC	2870
LMH7324SQX/NOPB Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR	0
ALD2321APCL Advanced Linear Devices, Inc.	IC COMP VOLT CMOS OUT DL 16DIP	0
BU7253SF-E2 ROHM Semiconductor	IC COMPARATOR OPEN DRAIN 8SOP	2500
LMC7211AIM5 Texas Instruments	IC COMPAR TINY R-R CMOS SOT23-5	3140
LM239AQDRQ1 Texas Instruments	LM239A-Q1 AUTOMOTIVE PRECISION Q	2500
TLV3491AIDG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR P-P NANOPWR 8-SOIC	0
TLV3702CD Texas Instruments	IC COMP DUAL P-P NANOPWR 8SOIC	225
TLC374CDR Texas Instruments	IC QUAD DIFF COMP 14-SOIC	4941
MAX9691ESA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMP SNGL ECL 8SOIC	0
MAX9052BEUA Analog Devices, Inc.	SINGLE-SUPPLY, COMPARATOR	3964
MAX934ESE+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP QUAD W/REF 16SOIC	650
LMV331M5 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR TINY LV SOT23-5	706

Linear - Comparators

1. Overview

Linear comparators are analog integrated circuits designed to compare two voltage signals and output a digital signal indicating which voltage is higher. They serve as fundamental components in electronic systems, enabling decision-making processes in applications ranging from voltage level detection to waveform shaping. Their importance spans industries such as industrial automation, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices, where precise signal comparison is critical.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
General-Purpose Comparators	Basic voltage comparison with moderate speed and accuracy	Simple threshold detection in appliances
Precision Comparators	Low offset voltage and high accuracy	Instrumentation and measurement equipment
High-Speed Comparators	Sub-nanosecond response times	RF signal processing and oscilloscopes
Low-Power Comparators	Ultra-low quiescent current	Battery-powered IoT devices
Window Comparators	Detect if input voltage falls within a defined range	Power supply monitoring systems

3. Structure and Composition

A linear comparator typically consists of:

Differential Amplifier Stage: Amplifies the voltage difference between inputs
Reference Voltage Circuit: Provides stable threshold voltages
Output Stage: Generates rail-to-rail digital output (e.g., CMOS, TTL-compatible)
Protection Circuits: ESD protection and overvoltage tolerance

Common package types include SOIC, SOT-23, and TSSOP. Advanced designs integrate hysteresis circuits or voltage references.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Input Offset Voltage	Maximum voltage difference required to switch output	Determines comparison accuracy
Propagation Delay	Time between input change and output response	Critical for high-speed applications
Supply Voltage Range	Operating voltage range (e.g., 2.7V-36V)	Dictates system power design
Power Consumption	Quiescent current under active/idle conditions	Battery life optimization
Hysteresis	Voltage margin to prevent oscillation near thresholds	Improves noise immunity

5. Application Areas

Industrial: PLC input modules, motor control systems
Consumer: Smartphone battery level indicators
Automotive: Battery management in EVs, sensor signal conditioning
Medical: ECG signal analysis equipment
Telecommunications: Optical receiver signal detection

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
TI (Texas Instruments)	LM393	Dual comparator, 2.0V-36V supply, 1.3 A quiescent current
STMicroelectronics	TLV3201	1.8V supply, 40ns propagation delay
Analog Devices	AD8561	Single-supply, 7ns response time
ON Semiconductor	NCS2250	Zero-drift architecture, 10 V offset

7. Selection Guidelines

Speed Requirements: Match propagation delay to system clock rates
Accuracy Needs: Select offset voltage <1mV for precision sensing
Power Constraints: Choose nano-power variants for portable devices
Environmental Factors: Consider temperature-rated parts (-40 C to +125 C)
Integration Level: Opt for devices with built-in references/hysteresis

8. Industry Trends

Miniaturization: WLCSP packages enabling wearable device integration
Energy Efficiency: Sub-1 A quiescent current devices for always-on systems
Higher Integration: Comparators with ADC interfaces and digital calibration
Broadband Operation: GHz-range comparators for 5G infrastructure
Smart Sensing: Embedded AI for adaptive threshold control