LM339A-TR 36 V Low Power Comparators

Overview of LM339A-TR and LM339PW

The LM339A-TR from 3peak is a quad comparator designed for precision signal processing and high-speed applications. It is optimized for low power consumption, high performance, and versatility in a wide range of applications, including industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics. The LM339PW from Texas Instruments is another quad comparator, but with some differences in terms of performance, power efficiency, and packaging. Below, we compare these two products to emphasize the strengths of the LM339A-TR.

Power Supply Range and Flexibility

1. Power Supply Range:

   • The LM339A-TR offers a wide supply voltage range of 2V to 36V (single supply) or ±1V to ±18V (dual supply). This broad voltage compatibility provides more flexibility for various system requirements, making it an excellent choice for designs that need to support different power configurations.

   • The LM339PW operates with a similar supply voltage range of 2V to 36V (single supply) or ±1V to ±18V (dual supply). While it matches the LM339A-TR in terms of voltage flexibility, the LM339A-TR delivers better power performance with lower quiescent current consumption, which can be crucial in battery-operated systems.

Power Consumption and Efficiency

2. Low Power Consumption:

   • The LM339A-TR is specifically designed for low quiescent current operation, with a typical value of around 0.8mA per comparator. This low power draw allows it to be efficiently used in low-power systems, making it ideal for battery-powered devices or energy-sensitive applications.

   • The LM339PW, while also low power, typically has a higher quiescent current (around 1.3mA per comparator) compared to the LM339A-TR. This results in slightly higher power consumption in designs where power efficiency is critical.

Temperature Range and Stability

3. Temperature Stability:

   • The LM339A-TR offers excellent temperature stability, operating effectively within a broad temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. This makes it highly reliable in harsh environments, such as industrial control systems and automotive applications, where temperature fluctuations are common.

   • The LM339PW also operates across a similar temperature range (-40°C to +125°C). However, the LM339A-TR generally provides better temperature drift performance, ensuring more stable and accurate operation in temperature-sensitive applications.

Switching Speed and Response Time

4. Switching Speed:

   • The LM339A-TR offers faster switching speeds, with a typical response time of 200ns. This makes it suitable for high-speed applications where quick signal response and fast transitions are essential, such as motor control or high-frequency signal processing.

   • The LM339PW has a slightly slower response time (typically around 300ns). While it is still adequate for many applications, the LM339A-TR provides a distinct advantage in high-speed systems where timing and response are crucial.

Output Characteristics and Noise Immunity

5. Output Characteristics and Noise Immunity:

   • The LM339A-TR features improved noise immunity thanks to its built-in internal hysteresis, which helps reduce the effects of noise and ensures reliable switching even in electrically noisy environments. This feature is essential in industrial and automotive systems where electrical interference is common.

   • The LM339PW includes some hysteresis, but the LM339A-TR typically offers better overall noise rejection and more robust performance in systems that experience high electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Packaging and Integration

6. Packaging and Form Factor:

   • The LM339A-TR comes in a compact surface-mount package (such as SOT-23-5), which makes it ideal for space-constrained designs. Its small form factor enables integration into high-density systems where minimizing PCB area is essential without sacrificing performance.

   • The LM339PW is typically offered in a DIP package or surface-mount options (SOIC), but the LM339A-TR provides a more compact and modern packaging choice, offering better efficiency in terms of space utilization and ease of integration into modern electronic designs.

Versatility and Application Range

7. Application Versatility:

   • The LM339A-TR is highly versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications, from signal processing and comparator circuits to voltage threshold detection and overvoltage protection systems. Its broad voltage range, low power consumption, and fast switching make it ideal for various uses across automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

   • The LM339PW is also suitable for many of these applications, but its relatively higher power consumption and slower switching speed might limit its application in energy-sensitive or high-speed systems. In contrast, the LM339A-TR offers superior flexibility and performance, making it a better choice for demanding applications.

Conclusion:

In summary, while both the LM339A-TR and the LM339PW are reliable quad comparators, the LM339A-TR from 3peak stands out due to its lower power consumption, faster switching speeds, better temperature stability, and superior noise immunity. These features make the LM339A-TR a more efficient and reliable solution for modern electronic systems that require high performance in both low-power and high-speed applications. Its compact packaging further enhances its appeal in space-constrained designs, offering a more flexible and adaptable option compared to the LM339PW.