Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LM2901N STMicroelectronics	IC COMPARATOR LP QUAD 14-DIP	0
TL3016CPWR Texas Instruments	IC PREC COMP ULTRA-FAST 8-TSSOP	0
TLV3491AIDBVRG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATR P-P NANOPWR SOT23-5	0
TLV3492AIDCNT Texas Instruments	IC COMPARTOR P-P NANOPWR SOT23-8	2215
MAX9092AUA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR GP DUAL 8UMAX	9887650
TL712CD Texas Instruments	TL712 SINGLE DIFFERENTIAL COMPAR	0
MAX921CSA-T Analog Devices, Inc.	DUAL-SUPPLY COMPARATOR	5000
LTC1441CS8#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP W/REF LP DUAL 8-SOIC	0
LMV393DMR2G Sanyo Semiconductor/ON Semiconductor	IC COMPARATOR GP LV DUAL MICRO8	0
ADCMP581BCP-WP Analog Devices, Inc.	COMPARATOR	8850
MAX9050BEUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR SNGL SOT23-5	24425000
MAX944ESD+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R 14-SOIC	0
LT1720CS8#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP R-RINOUT DUAL 8-SOIC	3858
KA393DTF	COMPARATOR, 2 FUNC, 9000UV OFFSE	5154
MAX964EEE+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP BEYOND-RAILS QUAD 16QSOP	6501800
MAX921ESA Analog Devices, Inc.	DUAL-SUPPLY COMPARATOR	2430
TLC354CD Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMPARATOR QUAD 14-SOIC	793800
LM2901VQPWRQ1 Texas Instruments	IC QUAD DIFF COMPARATOR 14-TSSOP	453
TLC393QDR Texas Instruments	IC DUAL LINCMOS VOLT COMP 8-SOIC	2026
LTC1442CS8#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP W/REF LP DUAL 8-SOIC	1087

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