Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LT1016IS8#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR 10NS HI-SPD 8-SOIC	916
MAX9050AEUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR SNGL SOT23-5	1612
LT6700MPDCB-2#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP DUAL 400MV REF 6-DFN	17
MAX40004ANS02+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR VR OPEN DRAIN 4WLP	0
LM2901AQT14-13 Zetex Semiconductors (Diodes Inc.)	IC COMP DUAL DIFF 14TSSOP	10000
ADCMP564BRQZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMPARATOR ECL DUAL HS 20QSOP	96
ADCMP371AKS-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	COMPARATOR	16421
AS339GTR-G1 Zetex Semiconductors (Diodes Inc.)	IC COMP LOW PWR/OFFSET V 14TSSOP	0
NCX2202GW,125 NXP Semiconductors	IC COMPARATOR LOW VOLTAGE 5TSSOP	2800
LT6700HVIS6-2#TRMPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP DUAL 400MV REF TSOT23-6	431
LM393PE3 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR DIFF DUAL 8DIP	1912
LMV7271MFX/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMP SGL 1.8V R-R IN SOT23-5	2691
HMC974LC3CTR-R5 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC WINDOW COMP 10GHZ 16SMT	0
TLC3702MFKB Texas Instruments	TLC3702M LOW-POWER LINCMOS DUAL	75
MAX9144ESD+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR QUAD R-R HS 14SOIC	6542250
DS56U+ Analog Devices, Inc.	DS56 DUAL TEMPERATURE COMPARATOR	2225
5962R9452603VGA	COMPARATOR, 2 FUNC, 4000UV OFFSE	171
TLV7042DSGR Texas Instruments	DUAL NANOPOWER SMALL-SIZE COMPAR	3000
MAX966ESA Analog Devices, Inc.	RAIL-TO-RAIL I/O COMPARATOR	80
MAX9692EUB+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP SNGL ECL W/LE 10UMAX	100750

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