Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX931CUA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMP SNGL LOW PWR W/REF 8UMAX	0
MC3302DTBR2G Sanyo Semiconductor/ON Semiconductor	IC OPAMP QUAD SINGLE 14-TSSOP	240617500
LM2901DG4 Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMPARATOR QUAD 14-SOIC	0
TLC393QDRQ1 Texas Instruments	IC VOLT COMP DUAL LINCMOS 8-SOIC	0
ADCMP580BCPZ-R2 Analog Devices, Inc.	COMPARATOR	8199
LT1016IN8#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR 10NS HI-SPEED 8DIP	42
LT6703HVIS5-2#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR 400MV REF TSOT23-5	0
MAX9108ESD+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPAR LP QUAD 14-SOIC	0
MAX971CUA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR OD 8-UMAX	2500
LM3302DR Texas Instruments	LM3302 QUAD, GENERAL PURPOSE DIF	15247
LT6700MPDCB-1#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP DUAL 400MV REF 6-DFN	2550
NJM12901D1 New Japan Radio (NJR)	IC COMP QUAD SNGL-SUPPLY 14-DIP	0
MIC841NYMT-T5 Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC COMPARATOR MICROPWR 6TDFN	197
MAX908CSD+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPAR HS TRPL 14-SOIC	9993200
LM393ADGKRG4 Texas Instruments	IC DUAL DIFF COMPARATOR 8VSSOP	0
MAX969ESE+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R 16-SOIC	30746400
MAX988EUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R SOT23-5	12335000
LMV7219M5X Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR, 1 FUNC, 8000UV OFFSE	109420
PM219Y Analog Devices, Inc.	DUAL COMPARATOR	0
TS882IYST STMicroelectronics	IC COMPARATOR R-R 1.1V 8MSOP	13

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