Texas Instruments LM2901M

Overview

LM2901M from Texas Instruments is a quad voltage comparator IC with open-collector outputs, designed for single-supply operation from 2 V to 36 V (or ±1 V to ±18 V). It features ±3 mV maximum input offset voltage, 0.8 mA typical supply current per comparator, 25 nA input bias current, and input common-mode range extending to ground - enabling precise threshold detection in industrial control, power monitoring, and sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM2901M datasheet, LM2901M pinout, LM2901M application, or LM2901M equivalent, key selection considerations include its rail-to-rail input capability down to GND, TTL/CMOS-compatible output drive, low quiescent current for battery-powered systems, and compatibility with wired-OR logic configurations.

Technical Context

The LM2901M implements four independent high-gain comparators using PNP input transistors, enabling input common-mode voltage down to −0.3 V (with GND as functional lower limit) and up to V+ − 1.5 V. Its uncommitted NPN open-collector outputs support flexible pull-up voltages up to 36 V and sink up to 16 mA while maintaining ≤400 mV saturation voltage at 4 mA.

Designed for stability without internal compensation, it requires external hysteresis (e.g., 1–10 mV positive feedback) when used with high-impedance inputs or in noisy environments. The bias network delivers supply-voltage-independent current draw across 2–36 V, ensuring consistent performance in variable-voltage industrial and automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM2901M is supplied in a 14-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) with body dimensions 19.177 mm × 6.35 mm. The package features through-hole mounting and industry-standard pin spacing (0.1 inch).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM339N and LM239N, the LM2901M offers broader industrial temperature coverage (−40°C to +85°C), making it the preferred choice for reliability-critical embedded systems where thermal stress or environmental variability is expected.

Availability

LM2901M is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, power supply supervision, and sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM2901M 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of experience delivering high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and aerospace markets.

The LM2901M belongs to TI's legacy precision comparator product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost, single-supply threshold detection in harsh environments - emphasizing GND-referenced operation, wide voltage tolerance, and logic interoperability.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the LM2901M?

The LM2901M is rated for operation from −40°C to +85°C, meeting industrial-grade environmental requirements. This extended range supports deployment in demanding applications such as factory-floor controllers, outdoor metering systems, and automotive body electronics where thermal cycling occurs regularly. The LM2901M maintains its ±3 mV offset voltage and 0.8 mA supply current specifications across this full range, unlike commercial variants like LM339N (0°C to +70°C).

Does the LM2901M require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

Yes, the LM2901M features open-collector outputs that require external pull-up resistors to define HIGH-level voltage and enable logic-level translation. A typical value is 10 kΩ connected between V+ and each OUTPUT pin. Pull-up to a separate logic rail (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V) is permitted, allowing interface with mixed-voltage systems - a key advantage confirmed in TI's datasheet Section 7.3 and Figure 14 (Driving TTL).

Can the LM2901M operate from a single 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the LM2901M supports single-supply operation down to 2 V, making it fully functional at 3.3 V. At this voltage, it delivers 25 nA input bias current, ≤400 mV output saturation voltage at 4 mA, and retains input common-mode range down to GND - enabling direct interfacing with 3.3 V microcontrollers and low-voltage sensors without level-shifting circuitry.

How does the LM2901M handle input voltages exceeding the supply rail?

The LM2901M allows differential input voltages up to ±36 V and permits individual inputs to exceed V+ (up to 30 V) without damage, provided the other input remains within the common-mode range (0 V to V+ − 1.5 V). However, inputs must not go below −0.3 V relative to GND - external clamping diodes are recommended if negative transients are possible, as stated in Section 6.5 Note (6) of the datasheet.

Is the LM2901M pin-compatible with other members of the LMx39 family?

Yes, the LM2901M shares identical pinout and footprint with LM139N, LM239N, LM339N, and LM3302N in PDIP-14 packaging. All exhibit matching terminal assignments (e.g., Pin 12 = GND, Pins 1/2/13/14 = outputs), enabling drop-in replacement in existing layouts - though designers must verify temperature rating, offset voltage, and supply range compliance for the target application.