Texas Instruments LM211DRE4

Overview

LM211DRE4 from Texas Instruments is a single high-speed voltage comparator with open-collector output, designed for precision level detection in industrial and embedded systems. It delivers 165 ns response time, supports ±15 V or single 5-V supply operation, and features strobe control and offset balancing-enabling use in zero-crossing detectors, peak detectors, and TTL/MOS interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM211DRE4 datasheet, LM211DRE4 pinout, LM211DRE4 application, or LM211DRE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C operating range, 50 mA output sink capability, ±30 V differential input rating, and compatibility with wire-OR logic configurations in noise-sensitive analog-digital boundary applications.

Technical Context

The LM211DRE4 uses a PNP input stage enabling input common-mode operation down to VCC– – 0.3 V, and integrates a high-gain internal amplifier followed by an isolated-emitter NPN open-collector output stage. Its BAL/STRB pin enables external strobing (–3 mA to –5 mA drive) and offset trimming via the BALANCE pin.

It operates across 3.5 V to 30 V total supply range, supports load referencing to ground, VCC+, or VCC–, and exhibits 70 nA max input offset current and 300 nA max input bias current at 25°C-critical for low-drift threshold sensing in battery-powered or high-impedance sensor interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM211DRE4 is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package measuring 4.90 mm × 3.91 mm, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint and gull-wing leads. The package supports surface-mount reflow assembly and offers thermal resistance RθJA = 114.3°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage comparator applications.

Compared with LM311DR and TLV3011DBVR, the LM211DRE4 uniquely combines industrial temperature range, strobe control, 50 mA sink capability, and open-collector output-making it irreplaceable in ruggedized timing, motor control, and safety-critical threshold detection where reliability under thermal stress and deterministic gating are mandatory.

Availability

LM211DRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, building management systems, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM211DRE4 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 50 years of innovation in precision analog ICs and industrial-grade components.

The LM211 series belongs to TI's legacy high-speed comparator product line, engineered specifically for robust performance in noisy industrial environments, motor control feedback loops, and analog-digital interface applications demanding wide supply tolerance and reliable output drive.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the LM211DRE4?

The LM211DRE4 is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for industrial environments where ambient temperatures exceed commercial-grade limits. This range is confirmed in Section 6.3 of the official TI datasheet SLCS007K, and distinguishes it from the LM311 (0°C to +70°C) and LM111 (–55°C to +125°C). The LM211DRE4 maintains full electrical performance-including 165 ns response time and 300 nA input bias current-across this entire range.

Does the LM211DRE4 support single-supply operation?

Yes, the LM211DRE4 supports true single-supply operation with VCC– grounded and VCC+ supplied from 3.5 V to 30 V. Its PNP input stage allows the IN+ and IN− pins to operate down to within 0.5 V of VCC–, enabling valid comparisons even with ground-referenced inputs. The datasheet confirms functionality at 5-V single supply (Section 1, Features), and typical applications like zero-crossing detectors (Figure 13) and TTL interfaces (Figure 19) explicitly use this configuration.

How does the BAL/STRB pin function in the LM211DRE4?

The BAL/STRB pin on the LM211DRE4 serves dual roles: as a strobe input (active-low enable) and as a secondary balance connection. When driven with –3 mA to –5 mA current, it forces the output into high-impedance state regardless of input differential-providing hardware-level gating. When left open or tied to VCC+, it functions as part of the offset nulling network with the BALANCE pin. TI's datasheet (Section 5, Pin Functions) explicitly states that "if the strobe is low, the output is in the off state, regardless of the differential input."

Can multiple LM211DRE4 outputs be connected together?

Yes, LM211DRE4 outputs support wire-OR connection due to their open-collector architecture. Multiple COL OUT pins can share a single pullup resistor to any voltage rail (e.g., 3.3 V, 5 V, or 12 V), allowing logical OR of comparator decisions without external gates. This is documented in the Description section ("outputs can be wire-OR connected") and leveraged in system examples like alarm consolidation and priority encoders. Ensure total sink current remains within 50 mA per device and derate for thermal effects in parallel configurations.

What is the maximum output sink current for the LM211DRE4?

The LM211DRE4 guarantees 50 mA output sink current at VOL ≤ 1.5 V when VCC+ = ±15 V and TA = 25°C, per Section 6.6 Electrical Characteristics (VOL parameter). At elevated temperatures or reduced supply voltages (e.g., 5 V single supply), the guaranteed sink drops to 8 mA with VOL ≤ 0.4 V. This capability enables direct driving of electromechanical relays, indicator LEDs, and TTL logic inputs-eliminating external driver transistors in many industrial control designs.