Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
TLV3401CD Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR SGL OD OUT 8-SOIC	319
TLV3011AIDBVTG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATR 1.8V W/REF SOT23-6	0
LMV339MT Texas Instruments	IC COMP TINY QUAD LOW V 14-TSSOP	508
LMV339IPWR Texas Instruments	IC QUAD LV COMPARATOR 14-TSSOP	8508
TLC374IDR Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMP QUAD 14-SOIC	146
TLC339CPW Texas Instruments	IC MICROPWR COMP QUAD 14-TSSOP	3539990
LM311PWR Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMP W/STROBE 8-TSSOP	5409
LMV7235M5/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR R-R INPUT SOT23-5	942010000
TLV3402CDR Texas Instruments	TLV3402 DUAL NANO POWER HIGH-VOL	150000
LM2901DRG4 Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMPARATOR QUAD 14-SOIC	0
TLV3494AIDR Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR	2906
TLV3201AIDCKR Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR RRI SGL SC70-5	2750
TLV1805DBVR Texas Instruments	40V, RAIL-TO-RAIL INPUT, PUSH-PU	13776
LM139DR Texas Instruments	IC QUAD DIFF COMPARATOR 14-SOIC	3996
TLV3401IDBVTG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR SGL OD OUT SOT23-5	0
LM2903DE4 Texas Instruments	IC DUAL GP DIFF COMPARATR 8-SOIC	2654
LMV761MF Texas Instruments	IC COMP PREC W/P-POP LV SOT23-6	3325
LM293DRG4 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR DIFF DUAL 8SOIC	489
LMV331IDBVR Texas Instruments	IC GP LV COMPARATOR SOT-23-5	11577
TLV3501AIDBVR Texas Instruments	IC COMP 4.5NS R-R HS SOT23-6	14545

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