Texas Instruments LM311-MWC
- Part No.:
- LM311-MWC
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
LM311-MWC.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATR 1 GEN PUR WAFERSALE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Product details
Overview
LM311-MWC from Texas Instruments is a precision voltage comparator IC with open-collector output, designed for single-supply (5V) or dual-supply (±15V) operation. It features 150 nA max input bias current, ±30V differential input voltage range, and 200 ns response time. It drives relay and lamp loads up to 50V/50mA and supports strobe control and offset balancing - widely used in zero-crossing detection, peak detection, and TTL/MOS interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the LM311-MWC datasheet, LM311-MWC pinout, LM311-MWC application, or LM311-MWC equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, TO-99 package mapping, real-world use cases, and two confirmed alternative comparators - all aligned to TI's SNOSBJ1E revision March 2013 specification.
Technical Context
The LM311-MWC implements a bipolar transistor-based differential input stage with active load, enabling rail-to-rail common-mode input range (−14.5 V to +13.0 V at ±15 V supplies) and high-voltage isolation between inputs/outputs and system ground. Its strobe pin (Pin 6) enables current-driven output disable (2–5 mA required), while offset null pins (Pins 5 and 6) support external trimming via 5 kΩ potentiometer.
It operates across 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade), with absolute maximum ratings including 36 V total supply voltage, 40 V output-to-negative-supply, and ±30 V differential input voltage. Unlike faster comparators (e.g., LM106), it trades speed for stability - no external compensation needed and low susceptibility to oscillation when layout guidelines are followed.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | Single 5 V or dual ±15 V - supports direct interfacing with TTL, DTL, MOS, and relay drivers without level-shifting. |
| Input Bias Current | 100–300 nA max at 25°C - enables high-impedance sensor signal comparison (e.g., photodiode, thermistor bridges) with minimal loading error. |
| Response Time | 200 ns - sufficient for kHz-range waveform shaping (e.g., zero-crossing detection, multivibrator clocks) but avoids instability in slow-ramp applications. |
| Differential Input Voltage | ±30 V - allows direct comparison of signals referenced to different potentials (e.g., isolated power supply monitoring). |
| Output Drive Capability | 50 V / 50 mA sink - directly switches relays, lamps, or logic gates without external driver transistors. |
| Strobe Control Current | 2–5 mA into Pin 6 - enables precise timing-gated comparison (e.g., synchronized sampling, burst-mode sensing) without pull-up resistors. |
| Input Offset Voltage | 2.0–10 mV max - defines minimum detectable voltage difference; trimmed to <1 mV using external potentiometer on Pins 5/6. |
Pinout & Package
LM311-MWC is supplied in an 8-pin TO-99 metal can package (LMC outline), with hermetic sealing and through-hole mounting. The package has a 5.72 mm max height, 8.51 mm diameter, and center-tab thermal path. Pin 1 is identified by a dot or notch; orientation follows standard TO-99 top-view convention.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Negative supply return / ground reference | Must be connected to most negative supply node; not necessarily system ground - enables floating operation. |
| 2 (Inverting Input) | Inverting comparator input | Accepts reference or threshold voltage; high-impedance node (150 nA bias current) for precision level sensing. |
| 3 (Non-inverting Input) | Non-inverting comparator input | Accepts signal to be compared; common-mode range extends to within 1.5 V of either supply rail. |
| 4 (Strobe) | Output enable/disable control | Current-sink input: drawing 2–5 mA disables output; grounding causes malfunction - must be current-driven. |
| 5 (Offset Null) | Offset voltage adjustment terminal | Connected with Pin 6 and external 5 kΩ pot to trim input offset to <1 mV - critical for DC-coupled precision applications. |
| 6 (Offset Null) | Offset voltage adjustment terminal | Paired with Pin 5; capacitor (0.01 µF) between Pins 5–6 suppresses AC coupling noise during trimming. |
| 7 (Output) | Open-collector NPN output | Sinks up to 50 mA; requires external pull-up to V+ or logic rail - enables wired-OR logic and mixed-voltage interfacing. |
| 8 (Collector) | Positive supply connection | Connects to most positive supply; internal collector node - not output - defines upper voltage limit for output swing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Isolated Inputs & Outputs | Inputs and output can operate independently of system ground - enables galvanically isolated signal conditioning without optocouplers. |
| Wire-OR Output Capability | Open-collector output allows multiple LM311-MWC units to share one pull-up resistor and logic line - simplifies multi-channel alarm or priority encoder designs. |
| Strobe-Controlled Output Disable | Pin 6 accepts 2–5 mA sink current to force output high-impedance state - supports time-gated comparisons in data acquisition and synchronous sampling. |
| Offset Null Adjustment | Pins 5 and 6 accept external potentiometer to reduce input offset voltage below 1 mV - essential for DC-critical applications like precision peak detectors. |
| High-Voltage Output Drive | Withstands 40 V output-to-negative-supply and sinks 50 mA - directly drives 24 V relays, incandescent lamps, or MOS logic without buffer stages. |
Applications
| Zero-Crossing Detection | Relay & Solenoid Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Detecting AC line voltage polarity transitions in power supplies and motor controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator compares sine-wave input against 0 V reference; output toggles at each crossing with <200 ns latency. Use Value: Enables phase-controlled TRIAC triggering and synchronous switching - reduces EMI and improves efficiency in AC-DC converters. |
Use Scenario: Driving 24 V DC relays or solenoids from microcontroller GPIO pins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LM311-MWC acts as level translator and current amplifier - converts 3.3 V/5 V logic to 24 V/50 mA switched load. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete transistor drivers; built-in strobe allows safe de-energization during fault conditions. |
| Photodiode Signal Conditioning | Peak Detector Circuit |
|
Use Scenario: Converting low-current photodiode output into clean digital pulses for optical encoders or smoke detectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compares photodiode current (via transimpedance amp) against adjustable threshold; strobe synchronizes to illumination pulse. Use Value: 150 nA input bias minimizes dark-current error; ±30 V input range accommodates reverse-biased photodiode configurations. |
Use Scenario: Capturing and holding maximum amplitude of analog sensor signals (e.g., vibration, audio envelope). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configured with diode-capacitor feedback; output latches peak voltage until reset via strobe or external switch. Use Value: Offset trimming (Pins 5/6) ensures sub-mV hold accuracy; open-collector output interfaces directly with ADC reference inputs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM311N/NOPB | 8-pin PDIP package; identical electrical specs and temperature range (0°C to +70°C); RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish. | Through-hole PCB assembly; no thermal tab; easier prototyping and hand-soldering than TO-99 metal can. | Select LM311N/NOPB for cost-sensitive, non-hermetic, board-level designs where thermal performance is secondary. |
| LM311MX/NOPB | 8-pin SOIC package; same specs and temp range; Sn lead finish; tape-and-reel packaging (2500 pcs/reel). | Automated SMT assembly; smaller footprint (3.9 mm × 4.9 mm); compatible with reflow profiles per JEDEC Level-1. | Choose LM311MX/NOPB for volume production requiring surface-mount compatibility and logistics efficiency. |
Compared with LM311-MWC, LM311N/NOPB offers simpler through-hole integration, while LM311MX/NOPB delivers SMT scalability - both retain full functional equivalence, strobe capability, and offset trimming, but differ only in package form factor and assembly method.
Availability
LM311-MWC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, test equipment design, and legacy analog circuit refurbishment requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation.
Supply support for LM311-MWC 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 leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in precision analog ICs and industrial-grade components.
The LM311 series belongs to TI's legacy precision comparator product line, engineered for robustness in noisy environments, wide supply flexibility, and direct interface with electromechanical loads - targeting instrumentation, power management, and industrial automation.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM311-MWC?
The LM311-MWC is rated for 0°C to +70°C ambient operation, consistent with its commercial-grade classification. This range is narrower than the LM111-N (−55°C to +125°C) and LM211-N (−25°C to +85°C), reflecting its intended use in non-military, non-automotive applications where extended thermal margins are not required. All electrical specifications in the SNOSBJ1E datasheet apply within this interval.
Can LM311-MWC operate from a single 5V supply?
Yes, LM311-MWC fully supports single 5V supply operation per TI's SNOSBJ1E datasheet. Its input common-mode range extends to within 1.5 V of either rail, and output saturates to <0.4 V with ≤8 mA sink current - enabling direct interface with 5 V TTL and CMOS logic. No level-shifting circuitry is needed, making it ideal for mixed-signal embedded systems.
How does the strobe function work on LM311-MWC?
The strobe pin (Pin 4) on LM311-MWC is a current-sink input requiring 2–5 mA to disable the output. When active, the output enters high-impedance state - not pulled high. Do not ground Pin 4; instead, drive it with a current source (e.g., transistor or logic gate with series resistor). This enables precise timing control in sampled-data systems, such as gated window comparators or synchronized sensor readouts.
What package type is LM311-MWC supplied in?
LM311-MWC is delivered in an 8-pin TO-99 metal can package (TI package code LMC), featuring a hermetically sealed, through-hole mountable housing with center-tab thermal path. Its mechanical outline matches JEDEC MO-002, with 8.51 mm diameter and 5.72 mm max height. Pin 1 is marked by a dot or notch on the top cap, and the package supports manual or wave soldering per TI's 260°C/10 sec specification.
Does LM311-MWC support offset voltage trimming?
Yes, LM311-MWC provides dedicated offset null terminals (Pins 5 and 6) for external trimming using a 5 kΩ potentiometer. With proper configuration, input offset voltage can be reduced to under 1 mV - critical for DC-coupled applications like precision peak detectors or low-level sensor amplification. A 0.01 µF capacitor between Pins 5 and 6 is recommended to suppress noise coupling during adjustment.
LM311-MWC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Output Type:
- DTL, MOS, Open-Collector, Open-Emitter, RTL, TTL
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 5V ~ 36V, ±2.5V ~ 18V
- :
- 7.5mV @ ±15V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- 0.25µA @ ±15V
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 7.5mA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- -
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- -
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- -
- Hysteresis:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- Wafersale
LM311-MWC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM311-MWC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM311-MWC 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 LM311-MWC reliable?
The price and inventory of LM311-MWC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM311-MWC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM311-MWC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM311-MWC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM311-MWC?
LM311-MWC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM311-MWC 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 LM311-MWC?
For technical support, including LM311-MWC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM311-MWC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM311-MWC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM311-MWC 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 LM311-MWC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM311-MWC?
All LM311-MWC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM311-MWC, 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 LM311-MWC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM311-MWC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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