LM393 – Dual Comparator IC (Low Power, Wide Voltage Range, Open Collector Output)

The LM393 is a dual voltage comparator IC that consists of two independent precision comparators designed to operate from a single or dual power supply. Unlike operational amplifiers, the LM393 is optimized for comparator applications, where it compares two input voltages and outputs a digital signal. Its open-collector outputs make it easy to interface with different voltage levels, making it ideal for sensor circuits, zero-cross detectors, oscillators, and inverter protection circuits.

Key Features:

• Dual independent voltage comparators in one package

• Wide supply voltage range: 2V to 36V (single supply) or ±1V to ±18V (dual supply)

• Low supply current: 0.4 mA per comparator (typical)

• Open-collector output for easy interfacing

• Input common-mode voltage range includes ground

• Low offset voltage: 2 mV (typical)

• Response time: 1.3 µs (typical)

• Available in DIP-8, SOIC-8, and other packages

Applications:

• Voltage level detection

• Zero-crossing detectors

• Oscillator and waveform generation

• Analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuits

• Sensor signal processing

• Over-voltage/under-voltage protection

• Inverter and UPS safety circuits