STMicroelectronics LM2903N

Overview

LM2903N from STMicroelectronics is a low-power dual voltage comparator operating from single supplies (2–36 V) or split supplies (±1 V to ±18 V), featuring rail-to-rail input common-mode range including the negative rail, 0.4 mA supply current per comparator at 5 V, and TTL/CMOS-compatible open-collector outputs. It is widely used in overvoltage detection, zero-crossing sensing, and level-shifting circuits in industrial power supplies and automotive body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the LM2903N datasheet, LM2903N pinout, LM2903N application, or LM2903N equivalent, key selection criteria include input offset voltage (1–15 mV), output sink current (6–16 mA), response time (1.3 µs small-signal), and compatibility with wide-supply industrial systems requiring robust input stage behavior and rail-inclusive common-mode operation.

Technical Context

The LM2903N integrates two independent PNP-input comparators with internal biasing that enables input voltages down to the negative rail - even under single-supply operation - eliminating need for level-shifting circuitry in ground-referenced sensor interfaces. Its open-collector outputs support wired-OR logic and direct interfacing with TTL, CMOS, ECL, and MOS logic families.

It delivers stable performance across -40 °C to +125 °C, supports differential input voltage up to ±36 V, and maintains low input bias current (25 nA typ.) and low input offset current (±5 nA typ.), enabling high-impedance reference and transducer applications without significant loading error.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM2903N is supplied in the standard 8-pin SOIC (SO8) plastic micropackage (ECOPACK® compliant), with exposed pad optional for thermal enhancement. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MS-012AC standard (top view, notch left).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual low-power comparator applications.

Compared with LM393DR, LM2903N offers tighter input offset and better rail-inclusive input performance; versus TLV3702IDR, it supports wider supply voltage and true ground-sensing but consumes more current - making LM2903N optimal for robust industrial and automotive voltage monitoring where supply headroom and input flexibility are critical.

Availability

LM2903N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for overvoltage protection, zero-crossing detection, and transducer signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM2903N 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, designing and manufacturing analog, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LM2903N belongs to ST's precision analog comparator product line, engineered specifically for reliable voltage comparison in harsh environments - emphasizing rail-to-rail input operation, wide supply tolerance, and automotive-grade reliability.

FAQ

Can LM2903N operate from a single 3.3 V supply?

Yes, LM2903N supports single-supply operation from +2 V to +36 V, including 3.3 V. However, its input common-mode range extends only to VCC−1.5 V - so at 3.3 V supply, valid input range is 0 V to 1.8 V. For full 0–3.3 V input coverage, a rail-to-rail input comparator like TS882 is required.

Does LM2903N require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

Yes, both outputs are open-collector NPN structures and must be pulled up to a defined voltage (e.g., VCC or another logic rail) via external resistors. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on speed and load current requirements; no internal pull-ups are present.

What is the maximum output sink current for LM2903N?

The LM2903N guarantees a minimum output sink current of 6 mA at VO = 1.5 V and Tamb = 25 °C, with typical performance reaching 16 mA. Absolute maximum rating limits continuous output current to ~20 mA to prevent junction overheating - sustained loads above 10 mA should include thermal evaluation.

Is LM2903N pin-compatible with LM393?

Yes, LM2903N and LM393 share identical SO8 pinout (OUT1, IN1−, IN1+, GND, IN2+, IN2−, OUT2, VCC), enabling direct replacement in most PCB layouts. Key differences - such as input offset voltage, supply current, and ESD robustness - must be verified for functional equivalence in the target application.