Texas Instruments LM393PE3

Overview

LM393PE3 from Texas Instruments is a dual voltage comparator IC designed for single-supply operation across 2 V to 36 V, featuring ±0.37 mV typical input offset voltage, 200 µA per comparator quiescent current, and 1 µs propagation delay. It serves as a precision threshold detector in power supply monitoring, motor control feedback, and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the LM393PE3 datasheet, LM393PE3 pinout, LM393PE3 application, or LM393PE3 equivalent, key selection considerations include its rail-to-rail input common-mode range (down to GND), open-collector outputs compatible with TTL/MOS/CMOS, and robust 38 V absolute maximum supply rating - critical for high-voltage industrial and automotive subsystems.

Technical Context

The LM393PE3 implements two independent comparators with internal ESD clamps enabling 2 kV HBM protection. Its input stage supports common-mode voltages from ground up to VCC – 2 V, and differential inputs tolerate ±38 V - exceeding legacy LM393 versions.

Output stages are open-collector NPN transistors capable of sinking up to 25 mA, requiring external pull-up resistors. Propagation delay is specified at 1 µs under TTL-level transitions with 5.1 kΩ pull-up and 15 pF load, scaling with overdrive and supply voltage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM393PE3 is packaged in an 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 9.81 mm × 6.35 mm body size and through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM393DR and LM2903P, the LM393PE3 offers the lowest-cost through-hole solution for ambient-temperature-stable designs, balancing manufacturability, thermal margin, and legacy compatibility without sacrificing core performance.

Availability

LM393PE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply monitoring, motor control feedback, and industrial sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for LM393PE3 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 50 years of innovation in precision analog ICs.

The LM393 family was engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability dual-comparator functions in industrial, appliance, and power management systems - prioritizing robustness, wide supply range, and ease of use over ultra-low power or high-speed specialization.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for LM393PE3?

The LM393PE3 has an absolute maximum supply voltage of 38 V, with recommended operating range from 2 V to 36 V. This exceeds legacy LM393 versions (30 V max) and supports direct connection to unregulated 24 V or 36 V industrial rails without external regulation - a key advantage in PLC I/O modules and UPS systems where LM393PE3 is commonly deployed.

Does LM393PE3 support rail-to-rail input operation?

Yes, the LM393PE3 supports a common-mode input voltage range that includes ground (GND) and extends up to VCC − 2 V. This allows direct interfacing with sensors referenced to ground or mid-rail without level-shifting circuitry. The LM393PE3 datasheet confirms this behavior across its full −40°C to +85°C operating range, making it suitable for battery-monitoring and low-side current-sense applications where LM393PE3 inputs connect directly to shunt resistors.

Can LM393PE3 outputs drive a 5 V logic input directly?

No - LM393PE3 outputs are open-collector and require an external pull-up resistor to establish a defined HIGH voltage level. To interface with 5 V TTL or CMOS logic, a pull-up to 5 V is required. The LM393PE3 can sink up to 25 mA, so a 1 kΩ pull-up yields ~5 V HIGH and ~0.4 V LOW at 4 mA load - fully compatible with standard logic families when LM393PE3 is configured with appropriate external components.

What is the typical input offset voltage of LM393PE3 and how does it affect precision sensing?

The LM393PE3 has a typical input offset voltage of ±0.37 mV, with a maximum of ±4 mV over temperature. This enables accurate discrimination of small differential signals - for example, resolving <5 mV changes in thermistor divider outputs or detecting 10 mV overcurrent thresholds in shunt-based monitoring. In applications like LM393PE3-based battery cell voltage supervision, this offset directly defines the minimum detectable voltage delta between cells.

Is LM393PE3 pin-compatible with older LM393 variants?

Yes, LM393PE3 is pin-compatible with all standard LM393 variants in PDIP-8 packaging, including LM393N and LM393AN. The pinout (1OUT, 1IN−, 1IN+, GND, 2IN+, 2IN−, 2OUT, VCC) matches industry-standard dual comparator layouts. However, LM393PE3 incorporates B-version enhancements - including lower offset, higher supply rating, and improved ESD - so it can serve as a drop-in replacement while delivering measurable performance gains in new or refreshed LM393PE3 designs.