Comparators are essential devices designed to compare two currents or voltages by giving output digital signals to represent the larger outputs. These circuits are particularly made to operate like operational amplifiers and are the essential components in various electronic devices, analogue digital converters (ADCs), and relaxation oscillators. They are also essential to find the input value has reached a predefined value or threshold.
How do comparators work?
Comparators consist of two input pins and work by turning the output on upon detecting a change or similarity. For instance, when the minus voltage on the inverting pin becomes equal to that of the non-inverting plus voltage, the pin turns on. Typically, in an activated comparator, the output pin switches to the ground and is open.
What are the different types of comparators?
There is a wide range of comparator types given below.
- Current Sense
- Ground Sense
- Quad differential
- Differential / Dual Differential
- Dual / Dual CMOS
- High-speed CMOS
- Low current CMOS
- Low power / low voltage / low-power CMOS
- Voltage
- Dual Voltage / General Voltage
- High speed
- Micropower
- Nano-power
- Precision
- Push or pull output
- Window
- General-Purpose
- Rail to rail
Comparators based on mounting types:
Comparators are available in SMD, through-hole, and surface mount mounting configurations, ideal for various applications.
Comparator types based on the power supply:
These essential devices also come in single and dual power supply configurations.
Applications of comparators:
The major function of a comparator is to transform analogue to digital converters and compare the high or low output digital signals. They are also employed in:
- Automatic switching gadgets
- Environment monitoring devices.
