Texas Instruments LM2901N/NOPB

Overview

LM2901N/NOPB 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 delivers ±3 mV max 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 LM2901N/NOPB datasheet, LM2901N/NOPB pinout, LM2901N/NOPB application, or LM2901N/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its rail-to-rail input capability down to GND, TTL/CMOS-compatible output sinking up to 16 mA, low-power operation suitable for battery-backed systems, and compatibility with wired-OR logic configurations.

Technical Context

The LM2901N/NOPB implements four independent high-gain comparators using PNP input transistors, enabling input common-mode voltage down to GND even under single-supply conditions. Its uncommitted NPN open-collector outputs support flexible pull-up voltages up to 36 V and allow wired-OR logic without level-shifting.

Each comparator features internal biasing independent of supply voltage magnitude (2–36 V), low input offset drift over temperature (−40°C to +85°C), and differential input voltage tolerance exceeding V₊ - permitting inputs above the positive rail without damage, provided the lower input stays ≥ −0.3 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM2901N/NOPB is supplied in a 14-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) with body size 19.177 mm × 6.35 mm, rated for −40°C to +85°C operating temperature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM339DR and LM239DT, the LM2901N/NOPB offers superior temperature range coverage and tighter offset voltage specification - making it the preferred choice for industrial automation, automotive subsystems, and ruggedized embedded designs requiring guaranteed performance across full industrial extremes.

Availability

LM2901N/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, power supply supervision, and sensor interface circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM2901N/NOPB 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets since 1930.

The LM2901N/NOPB belongs to TI's legacy precision comparator product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost, wide-supply-voltage analog decision-making in harsh environments - emphasizing reliability, GND-sensing capability, and logic interoperability.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the LM2901N/NOPB?

The LM2901N/NOPB is specified for operation from −40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This extended industrial range makes it suitable for deployment in factory automation, outdoor equipment, and automotive under-hood applications where thermal stability is critical. The device maintains its ±3 mV input offset voltage and 0.8 mA supply current performance across this full range, as confirmed in TI's SNOSBJ3E datasheet Section 6.3.

Does the LM2901N/NOPB support single-supply operation with inputs referenced to ground?

Yes, the LM2901N/NOPB explicitly supports single-supply operation with input common-mode voltage range including GND - a defining feature enabled by its PNP input stage. This allows direct connection of sensors or reference dividers to ground without level-shifting circuitry. The datasheet confirms this behavior in Section 1 (Features) and Section 3 (Description), noting "input common-mode voltage range includes GND" even when powered from a single rail.

What is the maximum output sink current for the LM2901N/NOPB?

The LM2901N/NOPB can sink up to 16 mA per output transistor while maintaining saturation voltage ≤400 mV (typical 250 mV at 4 mA). This is validated in Section 6.6 Electrical Characteristics under "Output Sink Current" and "Saturation Voltage" test conditions. Exceeding 16 mA causes the output to exit saturation, raising V_CE; therefore, 16 mA represents the practical design limit for reliable logic-low assertion.

Can multiple LM2901N/NOPB outputs be connected together?

Yes - the LM2901N/NOPB features open-collector outputs that are explicitly designed for wired-OR configurations. TI's datasheet Section 7.1 states: "Many collectors can be tied together to provide an output OR'ing function." This enables building window comparators, alarm aggregation, or priority encoders without additional logic gates. Ensure a single shared pull-up resistor is used, sized to limit total current within 16 mA per active output.

Is the LM2901N/NOPB pin-compatible with other LMx39-N series comparators?

Yes - the LM2901N/NOPB shares identical 14-pin PDIP pinout and functional mapping with LM139-N, LM239-N, and LM339-N, as confirmed in Section 5 (Pin Configuration and Functions) of the SNOSBJ3E datasheet. All variants use the same pin numbering and terminal roles (e.g., Pin 12 = GND, Pins 1/2/13/14 = outputs). However, note differences in temperature rating and offset voltage spec - LM2901N/NOPB is the only variant rated for −40°C to +85°C with ±3 mV max offset.