STMicroelectronics LM293DT

Overview

LM293DT from STMicroelectronics is a dual low-voltage comparator IC designed for single-supply operation from 2 V to 36 V (or ±1 V to ±18 V), featuring ±1 mV typical input offset voltage, 20 nA typical input bias current, and 0.45 mA supply current at 5 V. It supports ground-sensing inputs and TTL/CMOS-compatible open-collector outputs, commonly used in voltage monitoring, zero-crossing detection, and level-shifting circuits in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the LM293DT datasheet, LM293DT pinout, LM293DT application, or LM293DT equivalent, key selection criteria include input common-mode range including ground, low output saturation voltage (80 mV @ 4 mA), differential input voltage tolerance up to ±36 V, and availability in SO8 package with −40 °C to +105 °C operating temperature range.

Technical Context

The LM293DT implements two independent PNP-input comparators with rail-to-rail differential input capability and common-mode range extending to ground on single supply. Its architecture enables direct interfacing with sensors and reference voltages without level-shifting circuitry.

Each comparator delivers open-collector output capable of sinking up to 18 mA, with low saturation voltage (80 mV typ. at 4 mA) ensuring minimal voltage drop during active-low assertion. Input offset voltage remains stable across temperature (±4 mV max over full range), supporting precision threshold detection in battery-powered and automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM293DT is supplied in SO8 package (small outline, 150 mil width), with gull-wing leads and standard 1.27 mm pitch. The exposed pad is not present in SO8; thermal dissipation relies on PCB copper area under pins 4 (VCC−) and 8 (VCC+).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM393DT and TLV3702IDR, LM293DT uniquely balances −40 °C to +105 °C operation, ground-sensing inputs, and 0.45 mA quiescent current - making it optimal for industrial power monitoring where ambient extremes and signal integrity at 0 V are non-negotiable.

Availability

LM293DT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body control modules, and sensor interface circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM293DT 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, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LM293 series belongs to ST's legacy precision analog comparator product line, engineered specifically for robust single-supply operation in harsh environments - emphasizing ground-referenced sensing, wide voltage tolerance, and reliability over decades of field deployment.

FAQ

Can LM293DT operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes. LM293DT supports single-supply operation from 2 V to 36 V, including 3.3 V. At 3.3 V, input common-mode range extends from 0 V to 1.8 V (VCC+ − 1.5 V), and output saturation remains below 400 mV at 4 mA sink - sufficient for driving 3.3 V logic with appropriate pull-up.

Does LM293DT require external hysteresis for noise immunity?

Yes - LM293DT has no internal hysteresis. For noisy input signals (e.g., slow-rising sensor outputs), external positive feedback (e.g., resistor from output to non-inverting input) must be added to prevent multiple transitions near threshold. Typical hysteresis widths range from 10 mV to 50 mV depending on application noise floor.

What is the maximum sink current per output of LM293DT?

LM293DT guarantees minimum sink current of 6 mA and typical of 18 mA at VO = 1.5 V and Vid = 1 V. Absolute maximum continuous sink is limited by power dissipation: at 36 V supply and 18 mA, power per output exceeds 600 mW - derating is required above 10 mA in SO8 package without heatsinking.

Is LM293DT pin-compatible with LM393DT?

Yes - LM293DT and LM393DT share identical SO8 pinout, electrical characteristics, and functional behavior. The only differences are temperature grade (−40 °C to +105 °C vs. 0 °C to +70 °C) and minor parameter limits (e.g., LM293DT specifies ±4 mV max input offset over temperature, LM393DT specifies ±5 mV).