Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX9094ASD+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR GP DUAL 14SOIC	33645950
AD8611ARMZ-R2 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP SNGL 4NS ULTRFAST 8-MSOP	27
LT6700IS6-1#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP DUAL 400MV REF TSOT23-6	8617
LM393DE4 Texas Instruments	IC DUAL DIFF COMPARATOR 8-SOIC	34799975
MAX921CPA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP SNGL LOW PWR W/REF 8DIP	5391850
LM2903QS-13 Zetex Semiconductors (Diodes Inc.)	IC COMPARATOR DUAL DIFF SO-8	291927500
MCP6542-E/SN Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC COMP 1.6V DUAL P-P 8SOIC	1045
MAX971CUA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR OD 8-UMAX	371200
ADCMP354YKS-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	COMPARATOR	36945
MAX9031AUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR VOLT SGL SOT23-5	20742
LM339ADT STMicroelectronics	IC COMPARATOR LP QUAD 14-SOIC	0
LT1011IS8#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC VOLTAGE COMPARATOR 5V 8-SOIC	387
MAX9693ESE+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP DUAL ECL W/LE 16SOIC	5910250
ADCMP582BCPZ-WP Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR PECL UFAST 16LFCSP	20
LM360M/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR HS DIFF 8-SOIC	333
MAX932ESA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP DUAL LOW PWR W/REF 8SOIC	1333100
LT1712IGN#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP R-R I/O DUAL LP 16SSOP	276
LT6700IS6-3#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP DUAL 400MV REF TSOT23-6	7609
LMV393IDGKR Texas Instruments	IC DUAL GP LV COMPARATOR 8VSSOP	4742
LM2901VQPWRG4 Texas Instruments	LM2901V QUAD DIFFERENTIAL COMPAR	15560

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