Texas Instruments LM393P

Overview

LM393P from Texas Instruments is a dual voltage comparator IC designed for single-supply operation across 2 V to 30 V, featuring ±9 mV max input offset voltage, 1.3 µs typical response time, and rail-to-rail input capability including ground-commonly used in power supply monitoring, motor control feedback, and battery management circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM393P datasheet, LM393P pinout, LM393P application, or LM393P equivalent, key selection considerations include its open-collector output compatibility with TTL/MOS/CMOS logic, wide common-mode input range (0 V to V_CC − 2 V), low quiescent current (0.8 mA typ), and PDIP-8 package suitability for through-hole prototyping and industrial control boards.

Technical Context

The LM393P implements two independent high-gain comparators with internal ESD protection and dedicated input clamps. Its input stage supports differential voltages up to ±36 V and operates with one input at ground while the other reaches V_CC, enabling direct sensing of low-side current shunts or battery terminals.

Output stages are open-collector NPN transistors capable of sinking up to 20 mA per channel, requiring external pull-up resistors. Propagation delay is optimized for small-signal overdrive (5 mV) and TTL-level transitions, with performance stable across −40°C to +70°C ambient temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM393P is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 9.81 mm × 6.35 mm body size and 0.3 inch lead pitch, suitable for through-hole mounting on breadboards and production PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM393DR and LM2903P, the LM393P offers cost-effective through-hole compatibility and proven reliability in commercial-grade applications, while retaining full functional equivalence for most power management and control tasks.

Availability

LM393P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, appliance mainboards, and embedded power supply designs requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LM393P 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 decades of experience in precision signal conditioning and power management ICs.

The LM393P belongs to TI's industry-standard voltage comparator product line, engineered for robustness, ease of use, and broad interoperability in power supply supervision, motor control, and safety-critical monitoring applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for the LM393P?

The LM393P has an absolute maximum supply voltage of 36 V, but its recommended operating range is 2 V to 30 V. Operating above 30 V may degrade long-term reliability and is not guaranteed by specifications. The device supports rail-to-rail input common-mode range up to V_CC − 2 V, making it suitable for unregulated 24 V industrial rails. Always observe derating guidelines in TI's SLCS005AH datasheet for LM393P.

Does the LM393P require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

Yes, the LM393P features open-collector outputs that require external pull-up resistors to define the logic HIGH state. Typical values range from 1 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on speed and load requirements. Without pull-ups, outputs remain floating and cannot drive logic HIGH. This architecture enables level shifting, wired-OR logic, and interface flexibility with TTL, CMOS, or microcontroller inputs. LM393P datasheet Figure 7-2 shows standard pull-up configurations.

Can the LM393P operate with inputs referenced to ground?

Yes, the LM393P explicitly supports input common-mode voltages down to ground (0 V), a key feature distinguishing it from many comparators. Both inputs can be grounded simultaneously, and either input may sit at ground while the other reaches V_CC − 2 V. This enables direct sensing of current-shunt voltages, battery terminals, and other ground-referenced signals without level-shifting circuitry. Confirmed in Section 5.8 of the LM393P datasheet.

What is the typical propagation delay of the LM393P?

The LM393P exhibits a typical propagation delay of 1.3 µs under standard test conditions (5 V supply, 100 mV input step with 5 mV overdrive, 15 pF load, 5.1 kΩ pull-up). Delay varies with overdrive magnitude, supply voltage, and temperature - dropping to ~0.3 µs for TTL-level transitions and increasing slightly at temperature extremes. These values are measured per Section 5.11 of the official LM393P datasheet (SLCS005AH).

Is the LM393P pin-compatible with other members of the LM393 family?

Yes, the LM393P shares identical pinout and footprint with LM293P, LM393AP, and LM2903P in PDIP-8 packaging. Electrical behavior is functionally equivalent across these variants, though specifications differ - e.g., LM393P has 0°C to +70°C temp range and ±9 mV offset, while LM2903P extends to −40°C to +125°C with ±7 mV offset. No PCB changes are needed for substitution within the same package type.