Texas Instruments LM2901N

Overview

LM2901N from STMicroelectronics is a low-power quad voltage comparator IC designed for single-supply operation from +2 V to +36 V (or ±1 V to ±18 V dual supply), featuring 1.1 mA total supply current, 25 nA typical input bias current, and rail-to-rail input common-mode range including the negative rail - used in industrial voltage monitoring, battery management, and analog threshold detection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM2901N datasheet, LM2901N pinout, LM2901N application, or LM2901N equivalent, key selection considerations include its TTL/CMOS-compatible open-collector outputs, low 250 mV output saturation voltage at 4 mA sink, wide temperature range (–40 °C to +125 °C), and compatibility with legacy DIP-14 packaging for through-hole prototyping and industrial control systems.

Technical Context

The LM2901N implements four independent PNP-input comparators with internal level-shifting circuitry enabling full-rail input operation down to the negative supply - critical for ground-referenced sensing without level-shifting components. Its open-collector outputs support wired-OR logic and flexible pull-up configurations across TTL, CMOS, and ECL families.

Designed for robustness in noisy environments, it specifies ±36 V differential input voltage tolerance, 500 V HBM ESD rating, and thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (DIP-14), allowing reliable operation in motor control feedback loops and power supply supervision where fast response (1.3 µs small-signal) and stable offset (7 mV typ.) are required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DIP-14 package (0.3-inch width, through-hole mounting) with standard 14-pin dual in-line footprint compatible with legacy PCB layouts and breadboard prototyping.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM339N and discrete TL331 solutions, LM2901N delivers optimal balance of ultra-low power, proven DIP-14 reliability, and integrated quad functionality - making it the preferred choice for retrofitting legacy systems and industrial supervisory circuits demanding long-term stability.

Availability

LM2901N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial voltage monitoring, motor protection systems, and AC line sensing applications requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for LM2901N 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, delivering innovative silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power management markets.

The LM2901N belongs to ST's precision analog comparator product line, engineered specifically for robust single-supply operation in harsh industrial environments with emphasis on rail-to-rail input, low power, and long-term parametric stability.

FAQ

Can LM2901N operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes - the LM2901N supports single-supply operation from +2 V to +36 V, including 3.3 V. At 3.3 V, its input common-mode range extends from 0 V to 1.8 V, and output saturation remains below 400 mV at 4 mA sink, enabling direct interface with 3.3 V logic when using appropriate pull-up resistors.

Does LM2901N require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

Yes - all four outputs are open-collector and must be pulled up to a valid logic-high voltage (e.g., VCC or another rail) via external resistors. Typical values range from 1 kΩ (for fast switching into heavy loads) to 10 kΩ (for low-power applications); the datasheet confirms compatibility with TTL, CMOS, and ECL families using standard pull-up configurations.

What is the maximum sink current per output of LM2901N?

The LM2901N guarantees 6 mA minimum sink current per output at VO = 1.5 V (Vid = –1 V), with typical performance reaching 16 mA. Absolute maximum ratings caution against simultaneous short-circuits on all outputs, and thermal limits (80 °C/W junction-to-ambient) constrain sustained high-current operation without heatsinking or derating.

Is LM2901N pin-compatible with LM339N?

Yes - LM2901N and LM339N share identical DIP-14 pinouts and functional block diagrams. Both feature four independent open-collector comparators with matching pin assignments for inputs, outputs, and supplies. However, LM2901N offers lower supply current (1.1 mA vs. 2.0 mA) and tighter input offset voltage (7 mV vs. 2 mV min / 30 mV max), making it a drop-in upgrade where power or precision matters.