Texas Instruments LM319N

Overview

LM319N from Texas Instruments is a high-speed dual comparator IC designed for precision threshold detection in industrial control, relay driving, and window comparator circuits. It operates from single 5-V or dual ±15-V supplies, delivers 80-ns typical response time at ±15 V, supports up to 25 mA output sink per channel, and features uncommitted open-collector outputs compatible with TTL/DTL/RTL logic families.

For engineers reviewing the LM319N datasheet, LM319N pinout, LM319N application, or LM319N equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, validated PDIP-14 package mapping, confirmed dual-comparator functional architecture, and real-world implementation guidance for relay drivers and voltage window detection.

Technical Context

The LM319N implements two independent high-gain comparators on a monolithic bipolar process, each with differential inputs, rail-to-rail common-mode input range (±13 V at ±15 V supply), and open-collector NPN output stages. Its architecture enables direct interface with logic families and discrete loads like relays without level-shifting circuitry.

It achieves 80 ns propagation delay under ±15 V supply with 100 mV input step and 5 mV overdrive, while maintaining ≤8 mV max input offset voltage and ≤200 nA max input offset current across 0°C to +70°C operating temperature range - parameters explicitly specified for the LM319N variant in TI's SNOSBJ2B datasheet.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM319N is housed in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 19.56 mm × 6.67 mm body size, with 2.54 mm lead pitch and standard DIP footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are tin-plated (NIPDAU), RoHS-compliant, and rated MSL Level-1 (unlimited floor life).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual high-speed comparator applications.

Compared with LM319N, LM393DR offers wider supply range but slower response and no independent ground pins, while TL331IDBVR reduces footprint at the cost of doubling part count and losing true dual-channel integration - making LM319N optimal for legacy PDIP-based relay driver and window detector designs requiring speed, isolation, and compact dual-function integration.

Availability

LM319N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, relay-based automation hardware, and analog signal conditioning modules requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM319N 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision analog ICs since the 1960s.

The LM319N belongs to TI's legacy high-speed comparator product line, engineered specifically for robust industrial threshold detection where speed, output drive strength, and dual-channel independence outweigh ultra-low power or modern packaging requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage for LM319N?

The LM319N supports total supply voltage up to 36 V, with absolute maximum ratings specifying ±15 V dual supply or single 5 V to 36 V operation. However, TI explicitly cautions against exceeding 16 V between ground and either supply rail - meaning V+ must not exceed +16 V when V− = 0 V, or V− must not drop below −16 V when V+ = 0 V. This limitation ensures reliable operation within the device's internal transistor breakdown margins.

Does LM319N support single-supply operation?

Yes, LM319N fully supports single-supply operation from 5 V, as confirmed in Section 5.5 of the SNOSBJ2B datasheet. At V+ = 5 V and V− = 0 V, it maintains valid input voltage range (1 V to 3 V), 4.3 mA positive supply current, and 0.23–0.4 V saturation voltage with 3.2 mA sink load - enabling direct use in 5-V logic systems without negative rail generation.

What is the purpose of separate ground pins for each comparator in LM319N?

LM319N provides dedicated ground pins (pin 2 for comparator 1, pin 7 for comparator 2) to minimize inter-channel crosstalk and enable independent grounding strategies. This design allows one comparator to reference a noisy power ground while the other references a clean signal ground - essential in mixed-signal systems such as motor drives where current-sense and voltage-sense paths require isolation.

Can LM319N drive a 12-V relay coil directly?

Yes, LM319N can directly drive a 12-V relay coil rated ≤25 mA, as its output stage sinks up to 25 mA at ≤1.5 V saturation voltage under ±15 V supply. For 12-V operation, connect the relay coil between +12 V and pin 1 (COMP1 OUT) or pin 6 (COMP2 OUT), using the LM319N's open-collector output as the low-side switch - no external transistor required if coil current stays within spec.

How does LM319N differ from LM319A?

The LM319A offers tighter DC specifications than LM319N: max input offset voltage is 2 mV (vs. 8 mV), max input offset current is 80 nA (vs. 200 nA), and voltage gain is 20–40 V/mV (vs. 8–40 V/mV). Both share identical 80 ns response time, package options, and pinout - so LM319A is selected only when higher precision threshold detection is required, not speed or drive capability.