SNOAA35D April   2023  – December 2023 LM2901 , LM2901B , LM2901B-Q1 , LM2903 , LM2903-Q1 , LM2903B , LM2903B-Q1 , LM339 , LM339-N , LM393 , LM393-N , LM393B , LM397 , TL331 , TL331-Q1 , TL331B

 

  1.   1
  2.   Application Design Guidelines for LM339, LM393, TL331 Family Comparators Including the New B-versions
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1 Devices Covered in Application Note
    1. 1.1 Base Part Numbers
    2. 1.2 Input Voltage Offset Grades
    3. 1.3 Maximum Supply Voltage
    4. 1.4 High Reliability Options
  5. 2 The New TL331B, TL391B, LM339B, LM393B, LM2901B and LM2903B B Versions
    1. 2.1 PCN to Change Classic Die to a New Die Design
      1. 2.1.1 Determine Die Used for Single TL331 and Dual LM293, LM393, and LM2903
      2. 2.1.2 Determine Die Used for Quad LM139, LM239, LM339, and LM2901
      3. 2.1.3 Device PCN Summary
    2. 2.2 Changes to Package Top Markings
  6. 3 Input Considerations
    1. 3.1  Input Stage Schematic – The Classic LM339 Family
    2. 3.2  Input Stage Schematic - New B Devices
    3. 3.3  Differences Between the Classic and B Die Devices
    4. 3.4  Input Voltage Range
    5. 3.5  Input Voltage Range vs. Common Mode Voltage Range
    6. 3.6  Reason for Input Range Headroom Limitation
    7. 3.7  Input Voltage Range Feature
      1. 3.7.1 Both Inputs Above Input Range Behavior
    8. 3.8  Negative Input Voltages
      1. 3.8.1 Maximum Input Current
      2. 3.8.2 Phase Reversal or Inversion
      3. 3.8.3 Protecting Inputs from Negative Voltages
        1. 3.8.3.1 Simple Resistor and Diode Clamp
        2. 3.8.3.2 Voltage Divider with Clamp
          1. 3.8.3.2.1 Split Voltage Divider with Clamp
    9. 3.9  Power-Up Behavior
    10. 3.10 Capacitors and Hysteresis
    11. 3.11 Output to Input Cross-Talk
  7. 4 Output Stage Considerations
    1. 4.1 Output VOL and IOL
    2. 4.2 Pull-Up Resistor Selection
    3. 4.3 Short Circuit Sinking Current
    4. 4.4 Pulling Output Up Above VCC
    5. 4.5 Negative Voltages Applied to Output
    6. 4.6 Adding Large Filter Capacitors To Output
  8. 5 Power Supply Considerations
    1. 5.1 Supply Bypassing
      1. 5.1.1 Low VCC Guidance
      2. 5.1.2 Split Supply use
  9. 6 General Comparator Usage
    1. 6.1 Unused Comparator Connections
      1. 6.1.1 Do Not Connect Inputs Directly to Ground
      2. 6.1.2 Unused Comparator Input Connections
      3. 6.1.3 Leave Outputs Floating
      4. 6.1.4 Prototyping
  10. 7 PSPICE and TINA TI Models
  11. 8 Conclusion
  12. 9 Related Documentation
    1. 9.1 Related Links
  13. 10Revision History

2 The New TL331B, TL391B, LM339B, LM393B, LM2901B and LM2903B B Versions

In late 2019, TI introduced a new, updated B design based on a new high-voltage junction-isolated process to replace the classic LM339 design that has existed since the early 1970's. This update allowed for improvements in many specifications and smaller package options.

The new B devices were designed to have equal to, or better-than, performance than the classic devices so that they can easily drop-in replace the classic devices. The front page of the B data sheets contains a convenient table showing the differences in specifications between the various classic devices and the new B device. An example a comparison table is shown in Table 2-1.

Comparison Table for the LM393B and LM2903B Dual Family
SpecificationLM393BLM2903BLM393
LM393A		LM2903LM2903V
LM2903AV		LM193LM293
LM293A		Units
Supply Voltage2 to 362 to 362 to 302 to 302 to 322 to 302 to 30V
Total Supply Current
(5 V to 36 V max)		0.6 to 0.80.6 to 0.81 to 2.51 to 2.51 to 2.51 to 2.51 to 2.5mA
Temperature Range−40 to 85−40 to 1250 to 70−40 to 125−40 to 125−55 to 125−25 to 85°C
ESD (HBM)2000200010001000100010001000V
Offset Voltage
(Max over temp)		± 4± 4± 9
± 4		± 15± 15
± 4		± 9± 9
± 4		mV
Input Bias Current (typ / max)3.5 / 253.5 / 2525 / 25025 / 25025 / 25025 / 10025 / 250nA
Response Time (typ)111.31.31.31.31.3µsec

As shown in the Table 2-1 example above, improvements in the B devices can be seen in wider supply voltage range, lower offset voltage, much lower bias current, faster propagation delay and lower supply current. Similar improvements were made to the Single TL331B and Quad LM339B/2901B.