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

3.3 Differences Between the Classic and B Die Devices

While effort was made to make the new B devices drop-in compatible with the classic devices, there can be differences when operated outside of the data sheet specifications.

One major difference is the Section 3.7.1 behavior is inverted. The B version output can go high when both inputs are above VCM.

Because the new B design is slightly faster with lower typical offset voltages, it tends to be more sensitive to noise spikes, ringing and glitches that the older, slower classic design may have ignored. Marginal system designs with excessive ground noise, very noisy input signals, noisy supplies or poor supply bypassing may now show false or multiple triggers. TI recommends proper supply bypassing (100nF minimum) directly between the supply pins. Input signals should be filtered to minimize high frequency noise and transients.

Due to the internal smaller device geometry and tighter junction spacing, the newer B devices tend to be slightly more sensitive to negative input voltages (voltages below the GND pin) and negative supply transients. Please see Section 3.8 for more information to protect against negative inputs.