Texas Instruments NE529A
- Part No.:
- NE529A
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
NE529A.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 2 DIFF 14DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
NE529A from Texas Instruments is a high-speed differential comparator with complementary TTL outputs, ±15V dual-supply operation, 20 ns maximum propagation delay, and tight output skew (≤5 ns). It serves as a pin-for-pin replacement for the SE529/NE529 in zero-crossing detection and high-speed analog-to-digital converter front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the NE529A datasheet, NE529A pinout, NE529A application, or NE529A equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 20 ns speed across temperature, independent strobe control, low input offset voltage (≤5 mV), and compatibility with op-amp supply rails - critical for precision timing and signal conditioning in disk drive and test instrumentation systems.
Technical Context
The NE529A implements a fully differential input stage with independent strobe-enabled output gating, allowing synchronous sampling of fast analog transitions without race conditions. Its complementary TTL outputs are internally matched to minimize skew under varying overdrive conditions (5 mV–500 mV).
It operates from standard op-amp supplies (±15 V) and includes a dedicated +5 V logic supply (VCC) for clean TTL-level switching. Input common-mode range extends to ±6 V, supporting direct interfacing with bipolar signal sources without level-shifting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Propagation Delay | 20 ns max at 25°C; ensures sub-50 MHz sampling decision timing in ADC interfaces. |
| Output Skew | ≤5 ns between complementary outputs; enables precise edge-aligned clock/data recovery. |
| Input Offset Voltage | ≤5 mV; supports accurate zero-crossing detection down to small-signal amplitudes. |
| Supply Range (V+/V−) | ±6 V to ±15 V; allows direct integration into legacy op-amp-based analog signal chains. |
| VCC Supply | 4.75 V to 5.25 V; powers TTL output stage independently for noise-isolated logic interfacing. |
| Strobe Enable Current | 200 μA at 2.4 V; permits low-power microcontroller-driven gating without external buffers. |
| Operating Temperature | −55°C to +125°C (LM161 grade); qualified for military and industrial embedded environments. |
Pinout & Package
NE529A is available in TO-100 metal-can package (10-pin, LME0010C outline), optimized for high-frequency stability and thermal robustness in demanding analog environments.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 | Differential Inputs (IN+, IN−) | High-impedance, matched inputs accepting ±5 V differential swing; common-mode range ±6 V. |
| 3 | Strobe Input | Active-high enable: pulls output low when current drawn; enables synchronous sampling control. |
| 4 | V− (Negative Supply) | Connects to −15 V rail; establishes reference for internal biasing and output swing. |
| 5 | V+ (Positive Supply) | Connects to +15 V rail; powers input stage and output drivers; defines full-scale input range. |
| 6, 7 | Complementary TTL Outputs (OUT, OUT̅) | Matched rise/fall times; logic "0" ≤0.4 V at 6.4 mA sink; logic "1" ≥2.4 V at 0.5 mA source. |
| 8 | VCC (Logic Supply) | +5 V dedicated supply for TTL output stage; decoupling required for noise immunity. |
| 9, 10 | Case / Heat Sink | Internally connected to V−; provides mechanical mounting and thermal path to PCB ground plane. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Independent strobe control | Enables external synchronization of comparator decisions without affecting input bias or response time. |
| Tight delay matching | ≤5 ns skew between complementary outputs ensures deterministic timing in latch and encoder circuits. |
| Low speed variation vs. overdrive | Only 3 ns delay change from 5 mV to 500 mV overdrive - critical for consistent timing in variable-amplitude signals. |
| Low input offset voltage | ≤5 mV typical; reduces decision error in precision threshold detection applications like servo position feedback. |
| Wide supply flexibility | Operates from ±15 V analog rails and separate +5 V logic rail - eliminates need for level translators in mixed-signal systems. |
Applications
| Hard Disk Drive Read Channel | High-Speed Data Acquisition System |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Detecting zero-crossings of read-head analog waveforms during magnetic flux transitions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed differential comparator generating synchronized digital edges from analog servo bursts. Use Value: 20 ns delay and ≤5 ns output skew ensure accurate bit-cell timing alignment for PRML decoding. |
Use Scenario: Front-end thresholding in 10+ MSPS sampling systems before flash ADC digitization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast analog comparator providing early decision signals to reduce pipeline latency. Use Value: Independent strobe allows triggering only on valid sample windows, suppressing noise-induced false triggers. |
| Industrial Motor Phase Detection | Test Equipment Pulse Discriminator |
|
Use Scenario: Monitoring back-EMF zero crossings in brushless DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision zero-crossing detector feeding timing logic for six-step commutation control. Use Value: Low 5 mV input offset minimizes phase error across temperature, improving torque ripple performance. |
Use Scenario: Identifying valid pulse edges in automated test equipment while rejecting jitter and noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Strobe-gated comparator isolating pulses within programmable time windows. Use Value: Matched complementary outputs feed flip-flops directly, eliminating external inverters and reducing setup uncertainty. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed differential comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM161H | Same pinout, identical electrical specs, but rated for −55°C to +125°C (military grade); TO-100 package. | Required for extended-temperature industrial or aerospace deployments where NE529A's commercial-grade spec is insufficient. | Select LM161H when full military temperature qualification and traceable lot documentation are mandatory. |
| LM361N/NOPB | Same function and pinout, but in 14-pin PDIP package; rated 0°C to +70°C; slightly higher ICC (20 mA vs. 18 mA). | Suitable for cost-sensitive lab equipment or prototyping where through-hole assembly and commercial temp range are acceptable. | Choose LM361N/NOPB for breadboard evaluation or low-volume production where SOIC/TO-100 reflow is impractical. |
Compared with NE529A, LM161H offers extended temperature reliability without design changes, while LM361N/NOPB trades packaging and temp range for easier manual assembly - both retain identical timing behavior and strobe functionality.
Availability
NE529A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, disk drive servo control, and industrial motor commutation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for NE529A 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, embedded processing, and high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications.
NE529A belongs to TI's legacy high-speed comparator family designed specifically for precision timing-critical systems where sub-25 ns decision latency and matched complementary outputs are essential - notably in storage subsystems and real-time control loops.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the NE529A?
The NE529A is specified for operation from −55°C to +125°C, matching the LM161H military-grade temperature range. This makes NE529A suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as avionics, downhole tools, and industrial motor drives where thermal stability is critical. The device maintains its 20 ns propagation delay and ≤5 ns output skew across this full range.
Does the NE529A require external pull-up resistors on its TTL outputs?
No, the NE529A integrates active TTL output drivers powered by the VCC pin (4.75 V to 5.25 V), delivering logic "1" ≥2.4 V at 0.5 mA source current and logic "0" ≤0.4 V at 6.4 mA sink current. External pull-ups are unnecessary and would degrade switching speed and increase power consumption. Proper VCC decoupling (0.1 µF ceramic near pin 8) is required instead.
Is the NE529A pin-compatible with the original SE529/NE529?
Yes, the NE529A is explicitly documented as a pin-for-pin replacement for the SE529 and NE529, sharing identical TO-100 (LME0010C) pinout, terminal functions, and supply requirements. No PCB layout changes are needed when upgrading, and all existing schematics and footprints remain fully compatible.
How does the strobe input function in the NE529A?
The strobe input (pin 3) enables synchronous gating: when pulled to logic high (≥2 V), the NE529A outputs reflect the differential input state; when pulled low (≤0.8 V), both outputs force low regardless of input. This allows external controllers to freeze comparator decisions during invalid signal periods - essential for noise rejection in burst-mode systems using NE529A.
What is the maximum differential input voltage the NE529A can tolerate?
The NE529A has an absolute maximum differential input voltage rating of ±5 V. Exceeding this risks permanent damage to the input stage. For applications with larger signal swings, external attenuation or clamping networks must be used before the signal reaches pins 1 and 2. The input common-mode voltage range remains ±6 V, independent of differential limit.
NE529A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Differential
- Number of Elements:
- 2
- Output Type:
- Complementary, TTL
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- ±5V ~ 15V
- :
- 5mV @ 5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- 10µA @ 5V
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 5mA, 10mA, 20mA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- -
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- 20ns
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- -
- Hysteresis:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Through Hole
- :
- 14-PDIP
NE529A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for NE529A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for NE529A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for NE529A reliable?
The price and inventory of NE529A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for NE529A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for NE529A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for NE529A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for NE529A?
NE529A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your NE529A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for NE529A?
For technical support, including NE529A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your NE529A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that NE529A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All NE529A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that NE529A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of NE529A?
All NE529A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with NE529A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The NE529A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for NE529A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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