Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LTC6702CTS8#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP LOW VOLT TSOT23-8	0
JM38510/10304BPA Analog Devices, Inc.	MIL GRADE PM111	1413
LM293DRE4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR DIFF DUAL 8SOIC	0
LT1720CS8#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP R-RINOUT DUAL 8-SOIC	0
LM2903AVQDR Texas Instruments	IC DUAL GP DIFF COMPARATR 8SOIC	2
TLV7031DCKR Texas Instruments	VOLTAGE COMPARATOR	0
LM2903PT STMicroelectronics	IC COMPARATOR DUAL LP 8-TSSOP	8559
LM239PW Texas Instruments	IC QUAD DIFF COMPARATOR 14-TSSOP	2466
BU5255SHFV-TR ROHM Semiconductor	IC COMPARATOR P-P HVSOF5	2980
MAX9065EUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMP WINDOW LOW PWR SOT23-5	5727
LM393FVJ-E2 ROHM Semiconductor	LM393FVJ IS TWO-CHANNEL GROUND S	2968
NCV331SN3T1G Sanyo Semiconductor/ON Semiconductor	IC COMPARATOR DUAL LV 5TSOP	3179
MAX942AUA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R 8-UMAX	15000
ISL28196FRUZ-T7 Intersil (Renesas Electronics America)	COMPARATOR	9000
MAX9011EUT+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR TTL SOT23-6	26935000
MCP6548-I/MS Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC COMP OPENDRN 1.6V SNGL 8-MSOP	33
TLV3011AIDBVR Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATR 1.8V W/REF SOT23-6	922
LTC1440IS8#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP W/REF LP SINGLE 8-SOIC	6637
MAX923ESA Analog Devices, Inc.	SINGLE-SUPPLY COMPARATOR	10455
LMC7215QIM5X/NOPB Texas Instruments	LMC7215-Q1 AUTOMOTIVE U-POWER, R	33000

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