Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
TLC372QDR Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMP DUAL 8-SOIC	2459
TLC374CDG4 Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMP QUAD 14-SOIC	0
ALD2332PAL Advanced Linear Devices, Inc.	IC COMP VOLT PUSH-PULL DL 8DIP	0
TLV1702AQDGKRQ1 Texas Instruments	IC COMP DUAL MICROPWR 8VSSOP	3607
AD8612ARU-REEL Analog Devices, Inc.	COMPARATOR	7340
LMV393S-13 Zetex Semiconductors (Diodes Inc.)	IC COMPARATOR TINY LV 8-SO	12500
TLC339MD Texas Instruments	IC MICROPWR COMP QUAD 14-SOIC	319
LM193DT STMicroelectronics	IC COMP DUAL LOW POWER 8-SOIC	21026
LT1018IS8#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR MICRPWR DUAL 8SOIC	0
LM393PSRG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR DUAL DIFF 8SO	0
MCP65R41T-1202E/CHY Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC COMPARATOR 1.2V REF SOT-23-6	8049
LT1716CS5#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP OTT R-R 44V TSOT-23-5	16760
MAX992EUA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R 8-UMAX	0
TLC352IDG4 Texas Instruments	TLC352 DUAL, LOW VOLTAGE, LINCMO	250
TLV3011AIDCKTG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR 1.8V W/REF SC70-6	0
LMC6762AIM/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMP DUAL MICRPWR CMOS 8-SOIC	548
LM2903DT STMicroelectronics	IC COMPARATOR LP DUAL 8-SOIC	13195
TLV3201AIDCKT Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR RRI SGL SC70-5	325
LMC7221AIMX/NOPB Texas Instruments	LMC7221 LOW POWER, HIGH VOLTAGE	19100
MAX9013ESA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP LOW PWR SNGL TTL 8SOIC	1222900

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