Texas Instruments LM2901D

Overview

LM2901D from Texas Instruments is a quad differential comparator IC designed for single-supply operation across 2 V to 36 V, featuring ±0.37 mV typical input offset voltage, 3.5 nA typical input bias current, 1 µs propagation delay, and rail-to-rail common-mode input range down to ground-used in motor drive protection circuits, server PSU monitoring, and industrial control feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the LM2901D datasheet, LM2901D pinout, LM2901D application, or LM2901D equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to SOIC-14, temperature-rated performance (–40°C to +125°C), output compatibility with TTL/MOS/CMOS loads, and validated drop-in alternatives for legacy LM2901 designs.

Technical Context

The LM2901D implements four independent open-collector comparators with internal ESD clamps enabling 2 kV HBM robustness. Its input stage supports common-mode voltages from ground to VCC – 2 V, and differential inputs tolerate up to ±38 V without damage.

Each comparator delivers low quiescent current (0.8–1.2 mA total at 5 V), fast response (1 µs typ), and output sink capability of 21 mA per channel-enabling direct interface to logic families and discrete pull-up networks without level-shifting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM2901D is packaged in a 14-pin SOIC (D package) with nominal body size 8.70 mm × 3.90 mm and standard JEDEC MS-012 footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM2901D, LM2901DR offers identical performance in tape-and-reel form factor, while LM2901BQDR adds automotive-grade temperature and ESD robustness-both retain full drop-in compatibility without layout or firmware changes.

Availability

LM2901D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive protection, server PSU monitoring, and industrial temperature control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LM2901D 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 for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The LM2901D belongs to TI's industry-standard quad comparator product line, engineered for high-voltage single-supply operation, robust input tolerance, and drop-in replacement of legacy comparators in cost-sensitive, high-reliability systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for LM2901D?

The LM2901D has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of 38 V, with recommended continuous operation from 2 V to 36 V. This allows direct use in 24 V industrial systems and 32 V automotive battery-sensed applications without external regulators or clamps. The device maintains specified performance-including input offset and propagation delay-across this full range. Exceeding 36 V continuously may impact long-term reliability, though transient spikes up to 38 V are tolerated per absolute maximum ratings.

Does LM2901D support rail-to-rail input operation?

Yes, the LM2901D supports rail-to-rail common-mode input operation down to ground (V–), with an upper limit of VCC – 2 V at temperature extremes. Either input can exceed VCC without damage, and proper output state is maintained as long as at least one input remains within the valid common-mode range. This enables direct interfacing with sensors referenced to ground or VCC, such as thermistor dividers or DAC outputs, without level-shifting circuitry. The LM2901D datasheet confirms this behavior in Section 6.4 and Figure 6-16.

Is LM2901D pin-compatible with older LM2901 variants?

Yes, the LM2901D is fully pin-compatible and functionally equivalent to the original LM2901 in SOIC-14 packaging. It retains identical pin numbering, electrical interface, and timing characteristics while improving key parameters: lower input offset (±5.5 mV vs. ±15 mV), faster response (1 µs vs. 1.3 µs), and higher ESD rating (2 kV HBM). No PCB redesign or firmware update is needed-engineers can substitute LM2901D directly into existing LM2901 layouts for immediate performance and reliability gains.

What load types can LM2901D outputs drive directly?

The LM2901D features open-collector outputs capable of sinking up to 21 mA per channel at VCC = 5 V, making it compatible with TTL, MOS, and CMOS logic families when used with appropriate pull-up resistors. It can directly drive LEDs (with series resistor), small relays (via transistor buffer), and microcontroller interrupt pins. Output saturation voltage remains ≤400 mV at 4 mA sink current, ensuring clean logic-low levels. For capacitive loads >50 pF, slew rate limiting or series resistance is recommended to avoid ringing-verified in TI's Application Report SLVA722.

How does LM2901D handle input overvoltage conditions?

The LM2901D incorporates dedicated ESD clamps on all input pins, enabling survival of ±38 V differential input voltage and ±38 V input-to-ground voltage without damage. Input current is limited to ±50 mA per pin under overstress, and the device continues functional operation after transients subside. Unlike non-B versions, the LM2901D maintains correct output states even when one input exceeds VCC-provided the other stays within the common-mode range (V– to VCC – 2 V). This ruggedness is validated per JEDEC JS-001 and documented in Sections 6.1 and 7.3 of the datasheet.