Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX933ESA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMP DUAL LOW PWR W/REF 8SOIC	0
TLV3404CPWR Texas Instruments	TLV3404 QUAD NANOPOWER HIGH-VOLT	0
TLV6700DSER Texas Instruments	WIDE SUPPLY COMPARATOR	2125
MAX9063EUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMP SINGLE LP SOT23-5	8312
KA393D	COMPARATOR	89100
MAX923CUA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMP DUAL LOW PWR W/REF 8UMAX	0
MAX961ESA+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMP BEYOND-THE-RAILS 8-SOIC	658
LTC1440CS8#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC COMP W/REF LP SINGLE 8-SOIC	2180
TLV7042DDFR Texas Instruments	DUAL NANOPOWER SMALL-SIZE COMPAR	1931
LMV339MTX/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR TINY QUAD 14-TSSOP	5371
MAX972CUA Analog Devices, Inc.	SINGLE/DUAL-SUPPLY COMPARATOR	1143
TSX339IPT STMicroelectronics	MICROPOWER (5UA) 16V CMOS QUAD C	1400
MCP6548T-I/MS Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC COMP OPENDRN 1.6V SNGL 8-MSOP	2447
MAX984CSE Analog Devices, Inc.	SINGLE/DUAL-SUPPLY COMPARATOR	0
MAX968EUA Analog Devices, Inc.	RAIL-TO-RAIL I/O COMPARATOR	8550
MAX995EUD+ Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR R-R 14-TSSOP	22952016
MAX9092AKA+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR GP DUAL SOT23-8	189120000
LMV339M/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMP TINY QUAD LOW V 14-SOIC	525
TLC339CDBR Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR	2000
MAX917EUK+T Maxim Integrated	IC COMPARATOR BTR SOT23-5	799

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