Texas Instruments LM2901PW

Overview

LM2901PW 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, 1 µs propagation delay, 2 kV HBM ESD rating, and rail-to-rail input common-mode range extending to ground-used in motor drive fault detection, server PSU overvoltage monitoring, and industrial sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the LM2901PW datasheet, LM2901PW pinout, LM2901PW application, or LM2901PW equivalent, key selection criteria include its extended –40°C to +125°C operating temperature range, open-collector output compatibility with TTL/MOS/CMOS logic, low 1 mA max quiescent current per device (4 comparators), and drop-in replacement capability for legacy LM2901 variants without layout changes.

Technical Context

The LM2901PW implements four independent high-gain comparators with internal ESD clamps enabling robust input ruggedness. Its input stage supports common-mode voltages down to ground and up to VCC – 2 V, while differential inputs tolerate ±38 V, allowing direct interface with high-side sensing nodes.

Output stages are open-collector NPN transistors capable of sinking up to 21 mA, requiring external pull-up resistors. Propagation delay is specified at 1 µs under TTL-level transitions with 5.1 kΩ load and 15 pF capacitance, and supply current remains stable across 2–36 V operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-14 package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm body size) with exposed pad connected to GND for thermal management and noise immunity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM2901DT and LM339BDR, the LM2901PW offers identical performance in a TSSOP-14 package with full industrial temperature support, making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally demanding applications where drop-in compatibility and reliability are critical.

Availability

LM2901PW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive protection, server power supply monitoring, and industrial building automation requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM2901PW 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.

The LM2901PW belongs to TI's industry-standard quad comparator family, engineered for robust single-supply operation in harsh environments - emphasizing ESD resilience, wide temperature range, and seamless legacy replacement.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for the LM2901PW?

The LM2901PW has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of 38 V between VCC and GND, with recommended operating range from 2 V to 36 V. This allows safe operation in 24 V industrial systems and tolerance of transient spikes up to 38 V without damage, as confirmed in Section 6.1 of the official TI datasheet SLCS006Z.

Does the LM2901PW require dual supplies or can it operate from a single rail?

The LM2901PW is designed exclusively for single-supply operation from 2 V to 36 V, with input common-mode range including ground. It does not require a negative rail - its inputs function correctly down to 0 V, and outputs swing to GND when active, making it ideal for battery-powered and 3.3 V/5 V microcontroller interfacing. This is explicitly stated in the "Description" section and Table 6-4 of the LM2901B datasheet.

What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad on the LM2901PW TSSOP-14 package?

The exposed thermal pad on the LM2901PW must be soldered directly to the PCB's GND plane to provide thermal dissipation and reduce junction temperature rise during sustained output sinking. TI specifies this connection in Figure 5-1 and Table 5-1, noting that omitting it degrades thermal resistance by >50% and risks exceeding 150°C junction limit under 21 mA load conditions.

Can the LM2901PW replace older LM2901 variants without circuit modifications?

Yes, the LM2901PW is a documented drop-in replacement for LM2901, LM2901A, and LM2901V in TSSOP-14 packages, with identical pinout, electrical behavior, and improved specs (lower offset, faster response, higher ESD). TI confirms this in Section 1 ("Features") and Section 3 ("Description") of SLCS006Z, stating B-versions maintain full functional and mechanical compatibility.

What logic families are compatible with the open-collector outputs of the LM2901PW?

The LM2901PW open-collector outputs are explicitly rated for compatibility with TTL, MOS, and CMOS logic families, as stated in Section 1 ("Features"). When pulled up to 3.3 V, 5 V, or 12 V, they interface directly with microcontroller GPIOs, FPGA inputs, or logic gates - no level-shifting required. Output leakage remains below 50 nA at 5 V, ensuring clean HIGH-state recognition.