Texas Instruments LMV7231SQ/NOPB

Overview

LMV7231SQ/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a hex window comparator IC designed for precision power rail and battery voltage supervision. It integrates six independent window comparators, each with ±1.5% threshold accuracy referenced to an internal 400-mV bandgap reference, operates from 2.2 V to 5.5 V, delivers 2.6–5.6 µs propagation delay, and supports input/output voltages exceeding V+ - enabling direct monitoring of unregulated or higher-voltage rails in industrial and automotive power systems.

For engineers reviewing the LMV7231SQ/NOPB datasheet, LMV7231SQ/NOPB pinout, LMV7231SQ/NOPB application, or LMV7231SQ/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its 24-pin WQFN package, open-drain COx/AO outputs with configurable polarity (COPOL/AOSEL), internal hysteresis (6 mV typ), ultra-low supply current (46–84 µA total), and ability to monitor up to six voltage domains simultaneously without external references.

Technical Context

The LMV7231SQ/NOPB implements six identical window comparators, each comparing +INx and –INx against a shared 400-mV internal reference to detect overvoltage (OV) and undervoltage (UV) conditions. Thresholds are set externally via resistor dividers, with trip-point optimization supported for rising/falling edges using three-resistor networks.

Its functional architecture includes dual-polarity control: COPOL selects whether CO1–CO6 assert active-low on out-of-window (LOW) or in-window (HIGH) events, while AOSEL configures the combined AO output to signal either OV-only or UV-only faults. All inputs and outputs tolerate voltages up to 6 V independent of V+, eliminating crowbar diode limitations found in microcontroller-based supervision.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LMV7231SQ/NOPB is housed in a 24-pin WQFN package (4.00 mm × 4.00 mm) with exposed thermal pad (DAP) requiring connection to GND for optimal thermal performance and EMI suppression.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage supervision applications.

Compared with TPS3808G33 and MAX6816, the LMV7231SQ/NOPB uniquely integrates six window comparators with internal 400-mV reference, configurable polarity, and combined fault output - reducing BOM count and PCB area while enabling true multi-rail, self-contained voltage supervision without external support components.

Availability

LMV7231SQ/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply voltage monitoring, battery monitoring, and industrial control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LMV7231SQ/NOPB 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 expertise in precision analog ICs and power management solutions.

The LMV7231SQ/NOPB belongs to TI's high-accuracy voltage supervisor product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-power, multi-rail power integrity monitoring in automotive, industrial, and medical equipment where reliability and deterministic timing are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LMV7231SQ/NOPB in a power management system?

The LMV7231SQ/NOPB functions as a hex window comparator that independently monitors up to six voltage rails for overvoltage and undervoltage conditions using an internal 400-mV reference. It generates per-rail fault signals (CO1–CO6) and a combined alert (AO), enabling hardware-level power integrity supervision without software intervention. Its design ensures deterministic response for safety-critical sequencing and fault containment in the LMV7231SQ/NOPB.

How does the LMV7231SQ/NOPB handle input voltages exceeding its supply voltage V+?

The LMV7231SQ/NOPB supports input voltages up to 6 V regardless of V+ level - a feature enabled by supply-independent input stages. This allows direct connection to batteries or unregulated rails without clamping diodes or level shifters. In shelf-storage scenarios with V+ grounded, the LMV7231SQ/NOPB draws only nanoampere-level bias current, preserving battery charge - a key advantage over conventional comparators with crowbar diodes.

What role do the COPOL and AOSEL pins play in configuring the LMV7231SQ/NOPB?

COPOL sets the logic polarity of CO1–CO6 outputs: LOW configures them to go low on out-of-window events, while HIGH makes them low on in-window conditions. AOSEL determines whether the combined AO output triggers on overvoltage (LOW) or undervoltage (HIGH) faults. These pins enable flexible system-level fault signaling strategies - such as active-low "power-good" or "error" assertions - without requiring external logic, making the LMV7231SQ/NOPB adaptable to diverse safety architectures.

Can the LMV7231SQ/NOPB replace a microcontroller-based voltage monitoring solution?

Yes - the LMV7231SQ/NOPB provides faster, more reliable supervision than MCU-based alternatives. It eliminates boot-time delays, sampling latency, and firmware dependencies, delivering sub-6-µs propagation delay and guaranteed operation across –40°C to +125°C. Its hardware autonomy ensures continuous monitoring even if the host processor fails, making the LMV7231SQ/NOPB ideal for fail-safe systems where deterministic timing and independence from software are mandatory.

What is the significance of the 24-pin WQFN package for the LMV7231SQ/NOPB in thermal and layout design?

The 24-pin WQFN package (4.00 mm × 4.00 mm) features an exposed thermal pad (DAP) that must be soldered to a GND plane for effective heat dissipation and EMI reduction. With RθJB = 16.1°C/W, this package enables stable operation at full spec under high ambient temperatures. Its compact size supports dense power management layouts, while the pin arrangement separates analog inputs, digital controls, and power/ground to minimize coupling - critical for maintaining the ±1.5% threshold accuracy of the LMV7231SQ/NOPB.