SNOAA35F April 2019 – December 2024 LM2901 , LM2901B , LM2901B-Q1 , LM2903 , LM2903-Q1 , LM2903B , LM2903B-Q1 , LM339 , LM339-N , LM393 , LM393-N , LM393B , LM397 , TL331 , TL331-Q1 , TL331B
A critical graph for the output is the Output voltage vs Output Current graph, shown in Figure 7-1. From this graph, the output Low voltage can be determined from the expected sinking load current.
Figure 7-1 Typical Output Low (Saturation) Voltage vs Output Sinking CurrentThe graph also shows the current limit, where the output voltage sharply inflects upwards in the 10-20mA region. This region must be avoided as the specified minimum short circuit current is only 6mA (typically 12-16mA) and can vary across devices, lots and temperature. TI recommends sinking currents of less than 5mA.
This graph must also be used to determine the pull-up resistor value needed for a desired output low voltage.
For example, if a 3.3kΩ resistor is used on a 3.3V pull-up voltage, the resulting current is 1mA when sinking. From the graph, 1mA results in a worst-case (125°C) VOL voltage of 90mV. However, if a 330Ω pull-up resistor is used, the output low voltage is now 350mV, and is also uncomfortably close to the current limit.