Texas Instruments LP2901N

Overview

LP2901N from Texas Instruments is a low-power quadruple voltage comparator IC designed for single-supply operation across 3 V to 30 V, featuring ±2 mV input offset voltage (typ), 60 µA supply current (typ), and −40°C to 85°C operating temperature range. It delivers 30 mA output sink current at VO = 2 V and supports CMOS/TTL logic interfacing in battery-powered sensing and threshold-detection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LP2901N datasheet, LP2901N pinout, LP2901N application, or LP2901N equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-validated pin functions, real-world use cases in industrial monitoring and power management, and two confirmed alternative comparators with documented functional and thermal differences.

Technical Context

The LP2901N integrates four independent comparators with p-n-p input stages enabling ground-sensing capability and common-mode input range extending to 0 V. Its bimodal Darlington/ground-emitter output stage delivers high sink current (>30 mA) above 1.5 V and maintains ~700 µA drive down to 0.4 V.

Input bias current is −2.5 nA (typ) at 25°C, and input offset current is ±0.5 nA (typ), ensuring minimal loading on high-impedance reference sources. Absolute maximum ratings include 36 V supply voltage and ±36 V differential input voltage, with reverse-voltage protection on VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP2901N is supplied in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 0.300-inch body width, with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC MS-001 compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM2901N, LP2901N adds −40°C operation and documented RoHS compliance; versus TLV331IPW, it offers quad integration, 30 V tolerance, and open-collector flexibility at the cost of higher minimum supply voltage.

Availability

LP2901N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial monitoring, battery management, and programmable logic interface applications requiring stable component supply over extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LP2901N 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and broad application support.

The LP2901N belongs to TI's legacy precision comparator product line, engineered for robust, low-power, single-supply operation in industrial control, power management, and sensor interface systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for LP2901N?

The LP2901N has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of 36 V. It operates continuously across a recommended range of 3 V to 30 V. Exceeding 36 V may cause permanent damage. The device includes reverse-voltage protection on VCC, tolerating up to −0.3 V without latch-up or degradation. This makes LP2901N suitable for 24 V industrial systems with transient overvoltage risks.

Does LP2901N support ground-referenced input signals?

Yes, LP2901N supports ground-referenced input signals. Its common-mode input voltage range includes 0 V (ground) across the full supply range - specified as 0 V to VCC − 2 V at temperature extremes. This allows direct connection of sensors like current-shunt amplifiers or thermistors without level-shifting circuitry, a key advantage over many rail-to-rail comparators that cannot sense at true ground.

What is the output configuration of LP2901N and how should it be used?

LP2901N features open-collector outputs. Each of its four comparators has an uncommitted collector output requiring an external pull-up resistor to a defined voltage (≤30 V). This allows flexible logic-level translation - e.g., pulling up to 3.3 V while powering VCC from 12 V. Multiple outputs can be wire-OR'd for dot-logic functions. Do not leave outputs floating; always connect pull-ups to avoid undefined states.

How does the bimodal output stage of LP2901N improve system design?

The bimodal output stage of LP2901N provides two distinct sink-current modes: ~30 mA above 1.5 V (Darlington mode) and ~700 µA below 0.4 V (ground-emitter mode). This enables reliable driving of diverse loads - high-current LEDs or relays at logic-high levels, and precise low-voltage logic thresholds at logic-low levels - all while maintaining just 60 µA total supply current. It eliminates need for external driver stages in many applications.

Is LP2901N pin-compatible with other industry-standard comparators?

Yes, LP2901N is pin-for-pin compatible with LM239, LM339, and LM2901 in the same PDIP-14 package. Electrical specifications match closely, including supply current, offset voltage, and output drive. However, LP2901N extends the operating temperature range to −40°C to 85°C and carries documented RoHS compliance, making it a direct drop-in upgrade for legacy designs requiring wider thermal margin or environmental certification.