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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Linear > Comparators

STMicroelectronics LM293N

Name: LM293N
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: LM293N
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: LM293N

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Comparators

Package:: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Datasheet:: LM293N.pdf

Description:: IC COMPARATOR 2 GEN PUR 8DIP

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:3,656

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Product details

Overview

LM293N from STMicroelectronics is a dual low-power voltage comparator IC designed for single-supply operation from +2V to +36V (or ±1V to ±18V), featuring rail-to-rail input common-mode range including ground, ±1 mV typical input offset voltage, 25 nA typical input bias current, and TTL/CMOS-compatible open-collector outputs-used in level detection, zero-crossing circuits, and transducer signal conditioning in industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the LM293N datasheet, LM293N pinout, LM293N application, or LM293N equivalent, key selection considerations include input offset voltage stability over temperature, output sink capability (6–16 mA), supply current independence from V_CC, and compatibility with legacy DIP-8 PCB footprints in cost-sensitive analog monitoring systems.

Technical Context

The LM293N implements two independent PNP-input comparators with differential input voltage range equal to the full supply rail (±36 V max), enabling robust operation under mismatched input conditions. Its input stage allows common-mode voltages down to ground on single supply-critical for ground-referenced sensor signals.

Output stage uses open-collector NPN transistors capable of sinking up to 16 mA while maintaining ≤700 mV saturation voltage at 4 mA load. Response time is 1.3 µs (100 mV overdrive) and improves to 300 ns with larger overdrive, supporting basic timing and pulse-width discrimination tasks.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Supply Voltage Range	+2V to +36V single or ±1V to ±18V dual-supports wide industrial input rails without external regulation.
Input Offset Voltage	±1 mV typ. at +25°C-enables accurate threshold detection within 1 mV error margin at room temperature.
Input Bias Current	25 nA typ.-minimizes loading on high-impedance sources like thermistors or photodiodes.
Output Sink Current	6 mA min., 16 mA max.-drives LEDs, relays, or logic inputs directly without external buffer stages.
Response Time	1.3 µs typ. (100 mV overdrive)-sufficient for sub-kHz signal edge detection and slow-control loop feedback.
Quiescent Supply Current	0.4 mA typ. per comparator-enables battery-operated or energy-constrained monitoring nodes.
Input Common-Mode Range	0 V to V_CC−1.5 V-accepts ground-referenced inputs on single supply, eliminating level-shifting circuitry.

Pinout & Package

DIP-8 plastic package (0.300" wide body, 2.54 mm lead pitch), through-hole mountable with industry-standard footprint; RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Output 1	Open-collector NPN output-requires external pull-up to define logic HIGH level and sink current to GND.
2	Inverting Input 1	Comparator 1 inverting input-accepts reference or feedback signal; common-mode range includes ground.
3	Non-inverting Input 1	Comparator 1 non-inverting input-connects to sensed signal; matched bias current minimizes offset error.
4	V_CC− / GND	Negative supply or ground reference-serves as return path for both comparators and output sinks.
5	Non-inverting Input 2	Comparator 2 non-inverting input-electrically isolated from Channel 1; supports independent thresholds.
6	Inverting Input 2	Comparator 2 inverting input-identical electrical characteristics to Pin 2; enables dual-threshold designs.
7	Output 2	Open-collector NPN output-independent of Output 1; allows separate pull-up voltages or loads.
8	V_CC+	Positive supply terminal-powers both comparators and output stages; tolerant of up to +36 V DC.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Single-supply ground-sensing input	Input common-mode range includes 0 V-eliminates need for negative rail or level shifters in sensor front-ends.
Low quiescent power	0.4 mA total supply current at +5 V-reduces thermal load and extends battery life in portable instrumentation.
Wide supply flexibility	Operates from +2 V to +36 V-compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers, 5 V logic, and 24 V industrial buses.
Robust output drive	Sinks ≥6 mA at <700 mV saturation-directly drives LEDs, small relays, or standard TTL/CMOS inputs.
Stable over temperature	Specified performance across −40°C to +105°C-suitable for automotive cabin and industrial control environments.

Applications

Industrial Threshold Detection

Zero-Crossing Detector

Use Scenario: Monitoring AC line voltage or motor phase current to trigger overvoltage/undervoltage shutdown.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual comparator compares sensed waveform against fixed reference and ground, generating clean digital edges at crossing points.

Use Value: Enables precise timing of triac firing or relay deactivation without external op-amps or precision references.

Use Scenario: Converting sinusoidal AC signals into square waves for microcontroller input capture or frequency measurement.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One channel detects positive zero crossing; second channel detects negative crossing using inverted input polarity.

Use Value: Delivers consistent 1.3 µs propagation delay with minimal jitter-critical for synchronous rectification and phase-locked loops.

Transducer Signal Conditioning

LED Status Indicator Driver

Use Scenario: Amplifying and thresholding low-level outputs from RTDs, strain gauges, or magnetic pickups.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First comparator amplifies weak signal via hysteresis network; second compares against programmable trip point.

Use Value: 25 nA input bias current prevents loading of high-Z transducer bridges; ±1 mV offset ensures <0.1% reading error.

Use Scenario: Driving indicator LEDs based on sensor state (e.g., door open/closed, tank level high/low).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Open-collector output pulls LED cathode to ground; pull-up resistor sets brightness and logic compatibility.

Use Value: 16 mA sink capability supports bright LEDs without external transistor; 0.4 mA quiescent draw minimizes standby power.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
LM393N	Wider temperature range (0°C to +70°C vs. −40°C to +105°C); identical pinout and electrical specs except higher input offset (±2 mV max).	Not qualified for extended industrial or automotive ambient temperatures; suitable only for commercial-grade equipment.	Select LM393N only when operating environment stays within 0–70°C and tighter offset tolerance is not required.
TLV3702IP	Rail-to-rail input/output; lower supply current (35 µA); but requires minimum 2.7 V supply and lacks ground-sensing input on single supply.	Cannot replace LM293N in ground-referenced sensor circuits without redesign; better for ultra-low-power 3.3 V systems.	Choose TLV3702IP only when migrating to modern low-voltage designs where ground-sensing is handled externally.

Compared with LM393N and TLV3702IP, the LM293N uniquely combines extended temperature rating, true ground-sensing capability on single supply, and proven DIP-8 reliability-making it the preferred choice for legacy industrial controls and retrofit sensor modules requiring drop-in compatibility and field-proven robustness.

Availability

LM293N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial threshold detection, zero-crossing sensing, transducer signal conditioning, and LED status indicator driving requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for LM293N 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, specializing in analog, power, microcontroller, and sensor technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LM293N belongs to ST's legacy precision analog comparator family-designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial monitoring and control applications where ground-referenced sensing and wide supply tolerance are essential.

FAQ

Can LM293N operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, LM293N operates from +2 V to +36 V single supply. At 3.3 V, it maintains full functionality-including ground-sensing input range and TTL-compatible output levels-but output saturation voltage rises slightly (≤400 mV at 4 mA), and response time increases to ~2.1 µs due to reduced internal drive strength.

Does LM293N require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

Yes-both outputs are open-collector NPN transistors and must be pulled up to a defined logic HIGH voltage (e.g., V_CC, 3.3 V, or 5 V) via external resistors. Typical values range from 1 kΩ (for fast switching) to 10 kΩ (for low power); resistor value affects rise time and power dissipation.

What is the maximum sink current per output of LM293N?

The LM293N output can safely sink up to 16 mA continuously per channel at +25°C, with output saturation voltage ≤700 mV. Derating applies above +70°C; at +105°C, maximum recommended sink current drops to ~10 mA to maintain <1 V saturation and avoid thermal runaway.

Is LM293N pin-compatible with LM393N and LM193N?

Yes-LM293N, LM393N, and LM193N share identical DIP-8 pinout and functional block diagram. Differences lie in temperature grade (−40°C to +105°C, 0°C to +70°C, and −55°C to +125°C respectively) and guaranteed offset voltage limits, making them direct PCB replacements in most designs.

LM293N Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Package/Case:: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Series:: -

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: General Purpose

Number of Elements:: 2

Output Type:: Open-Collector, Open-Drain, Rail-to-Rail

Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):: 2V ~ 36V, ±1V ~ 18V

:: 5mV @ 30V

Voltage - Input Offset (Max):: 0.25µA @ 5V

Current - Input Bias (Max):: 18mA @ 5V

Current - Output (Typ):: 2.5mA

Current - Quiescent (Max):: -

CMRR, PSRR (Typ):: -

Propagation Delay (Max):: -

Hysteresis:: -40°C ~ 105°C

Operating Temperature:: -

Grade:: -

Qualification:: Through Hole

:: 8-DIP

LM293N FAQ

1.How can I place an order for LM293N through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM293N on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for LM293N reliable?

The price and inventory of LM293N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM293N is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for LM293N?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM293N transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for LM293N?

LM293N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your LM293N order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM293N?

For technical support, including LM293N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM293N requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that LM293N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All LM293N products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM293N meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM293N?

All LM293N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM293N, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The LM293N part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for LM293N:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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