LM339A-SR 36V Low Power Single Differential Comparators

Overview of LM339A-SR and LM339DRG4

The LM339A-SR from 3peak is a quad comparator designed for high-speed, low-power operation in a wide range of applications, including industrial control, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. It features an open-collector output, allowing for flexible interfacing with other logic families. The LM339DRG4 from Texas Instruments is also a quad comparator, but it has different characteristics in terms of performance, power consumption, and packaging. Below, we compare both products to showcase the advantages of the LM339A-SR.

Power Supply Range and Flexibility

1. Power Supply Range:

   • The LM339A-SR offers a wide supply voltage range of 2V to 36V (single supply) or ±1V to ±18V (dual supply), providing flexibility for use in a variety of voltage conditions. This wide range is particularly advantageous in designs that must operate under varying power supply configurations.

   • In comparison, the LM339DRG4 operates within a narrower supply range of 2V to 36V (single supply) or ±1V to ±18V (dual supply). While this range is similar, the LM339A-SR provides superior performance in terms of lower power consumption and better reliability over a broader range of conditions.

Input Voltage Range and Hysteresis

2. Input Voltage Range and Hysteresis:

   • The LM339A-SR is designed with a wide input voltage range that extends from -0.3V to Vcc-2V (for a 5V supply), which ensures that it can accommodate a wide range of input signals without distortion or loss of performance.

   • The LM339DRG4, while offering a similar input voltage range, typically operates with lower input tolerance, which may result in limitations when interfacing with signals close to the supply voltage, potentially reducing reliability in some high-precision applications.

   • Additionally, the LM339A-SR integrates internal hysteresis to provide improved noise immunity, especially in switching applications. The LM339DRG4, while having some hysteresis, may not offer the same level of internal noise rejection, which can impact performance in noisy environments.

Power Consumption and Efficiency

3. Low Power Consumption:

   • One of the key advantages of the LM339A-SR is its low quiescent current (typically 0.8mA per comparator), which makes it highly efficient in terms of power consumption. This is particularly beneficial for battery-powered systems or applications where minimizing power consumption is critical.

   • The LM339DRG4 has a slightly higher quiescent current (typically 1.3mA per comparator), which may lead to increased overall power consumption in low-power applications. The LM339A-SR stands out in designs where energy efficiency is a top priority.

Temperature Range and Stability

4. Temperature Stability:

   • The LM339A-SR is built to offer excellent temperature stability, operating reliably over a wide temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. This makes it ideal for use in industrial, automotive, and high-performance applications where temperature fluctuations are common.

   • The LM339DRG4 also operates over a similar temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), but the LM339A-SR typically exhibits better temperature drift performance, ensuring more consistent output even in environments with significant temperature changes. This feature is particularly important for precision applications requiring high stability.

Output Characteristics and Speed

5. Output Characteristics and Response Time:

   • The LM339A-SR offers fast switching speeds with a response time of 200ns (typical), which is ideal for high-speed, dynamic applications such as pulse-width modulation (PWM) and motor control systems.

   • While the LM339DRG4 also provides fast switching speeds, it generally operates with a slightly slower response time (typically 300ns), which may not meet the needs of high-frequency applications that demand rapid signal transitions.

Package and Integration

6. Compact Packaging and Integration:

   • The LM339A-SR is offered in a compact SO-8 package, which makes it suitable for space-constrained designs, such as portable or densely packed systems. The small form factor is ideal for applications requiring minimal PCB area without compromising on performance.

   • The LM339DRG4 is available in the SO-8 package as well, but its layout and design generally result in a slightly larger footprint compared to the LM339A-SR, which can make it less suitable for applications where space is at a premium.

Application Flexibility and Versatility

7. Versatility in Applications:

   • The LM339A-SR is a highly versatile component, well-suited for use in a variety of analog signal processing applications such as signal threshold detection, over-voltage protection, and low-voltage detection. Its wide voltage and temperature ranges, combined with its low power consumption, make it highly adaptable across a broad range of industries.

   • The LM339DRG4 is similarly versatile but may face some limitations in applications that demand the extreme precision and low power that the LM339A-SR can offer. While both chips are designed for general-purpose use, the LM339A-SR provides a slight edge in terms of performance consistency and energy efficiency in more challenging environments.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while both the LM339A-SR and LM339DRG4 are reliable quad comparators for a variety of applications, the LM339A-SR offers several distinct advantages, including superior power efficiency, faster switching speeds, better temperature stability, and internal hysteresis for improved noise immunity. These features make the LM339A-SR a more ideal choice for applications that require high precision, low power consumption, and reliable performance in challenging environments. The LM339A-SR stands out as the more versatile and energy-efficient option, ensuring it delivers better performance in both general-purpose and specialized applications.