Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
TLV7211ID Texas Instruments	IC SNGL CMOS COMP R-R/P-P 8-SOIC	717
TLC393IP Texas Instruments	IC VOLT COMPARATOR DUAL 8-DIP	42010000
LMV331M5/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR TINY LV SOT23-5	15527
TLC374CPW Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMP QUAD 14-TSSOP	363
TLV3691IDPFR Texas Instruments	TLV3691 LOWEST POWER, 0.9V TO 6.	3373
TLV3704IDG4 Texas Instruments	IC QUAD COMP P-P NANOPWR 14-SOIC	0
LM311H/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC VOLTAGE COMPARATOR TO-99-8	0
LM293MDREP Texas Instruments	IC DUAL DIFF COMPARATOR 8-SOIC	615
TLV2352IP Texas Instruments	TLV2352 DUAL LOW VOLTAGE LINCMOS	25844
TLV7011DCKT Texas Instruments	SMALL SIZE, MICRO POWER, LOW VOL	5381
TLV3701IP Texas Instruments	IC OUT COMPARATOR NANOPWR 8-DIP	510
TLC339CN Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR QUAD MCPWR 14-DIP	299
TLC3704CPWRG4 Texas Instruments	IC MICROPWR COMP QUAD 14-TSSOP	0
TLV2352IPWG4 Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMPARATOR DUAL 8-TSSOP	0
TLC374IN Texas Instruments	TLC374 QUAD GENERAL PURPOSE LINC	30302
TL3116ID Texas Instruments	IC ULTRA-FAST COMPARATOR 8-SOIC	1201
TLC3704CDR Texas Instruments	IC MICROPWR COMP QUAD 14-SOIC	1442
LP311PE4 Texas Instruments	LP311 SINGLE, LOW-POWER, STROBED	350
TLV4021R1YKAR Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR WITH FIXED REFERENCE	2547
TLC3702CD Texas Instruments	IC DUAL V COMP 8-SOIC	1284

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