Texas Instruments TLV3401CD

Overview

TLV3401CD from Texas Instruments is a single-channel nanopower comparator with open-drain CMOS output, designed for ultra-low-power sensing and threshold detection in battery-operated systems. It draws only 470 nA supply current per channel, supports 2.5 V to 16 V supply voltage, features rail-to-rail input common-mode range (–0.1 V to VCC + 5 V), and operates across –40°C to +125°C industrial temperature range - enabling use in portable medical devices and wireless security sensors.

For engineers reviewing the TLV3401CD datasheet, TLV3401CD pinout, TLV3401CD application, or TLV3401CD equivalent, key selection criteria include its 470 nA quiescent current, open-drain output requiring external pull-up, reverse-battery protection up to 18 V, and compatibility with low-power references like REF3312 in 1.25-V threshold detection circuits.

Technical Context

The TLV3401CD implements a precision comparator core with input offset voltage of 250 µV (typ), 55–88 dB CMRR across supply voltages, and 1000 V/mV large-signal gain. Its input stage tolerates overvoltage up to VCC + 5 V without damage, and reverse-battery protection prevents latch-up during incorrect battery insertion.

As an open-drain device, it requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 1 MΩ) to define logic-high level and control rise time; propagation delays range from 30 µs (high overdrive) to 300 µs (low overdrive), with 5 µs fall time at 5 V supply - making it suitable for slow-to-moderate-speed monitoring rather than high-frequency signal comparison.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TLV3401CD is packaged in an 8-pin SOIC (D package) with body size 4.90 mm × 3.91 mm and thermal resistance RθJA = 201.9°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV3401CD, TLV3401IDR offers identical performance in a miniature SOT-23 package but demands tighter thermal management, while TLV3701CD trades open-drain versatility and fault resilience for simplified output drive - neither is pin-compatible, and both require schematic and layout revision.

Availability

TLV3401CD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical equipment, wireless security systems, and remote control systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and industrial-grade temperature support.

Supply support for TLV3401CD 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TLV340x product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power threshold detection in battery-constrained applications, emphasizing nanopower consumption, input overvoltage robustness, and wide supply voltage flexibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage allowed on the IN+ or IN− pins of the TLV3401CD?

The TLV3401CD allows input voltages from –0.1 V to VCC + 5 V on either input pin, with absolute maximum rating of VCC + 5 V or 20 V - whichever is smaller. This enables direct high-side sensing without external level-shifting components. The device remains undamaged even when inputs exceed VCC by up to 5 V, a key feature confirmed in Section 7.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings and Section 8.3.2 of the datasheet.

Does the TLV3401CD have rail-to-rail input capability?

Yes, the TLV3401CD features true rail-to-rail input operation with a common-mode range extending from –0.1 V below ground to VCC + 5 V. This is explicitly specified in Section 7.3 Recommended Operating Conditions and validated across temperature in Figure 1 and Table 1. The extended range supports accurate sensing of signals near or beyond supply rails - critical for battery voltage monitoring and sensor interfaces.

What pull-up resistor value is recommended for the open-drain output of the TLV3401CD?

A 1-MΩ pull-up resistor is the standard value used in all TLV3401CD electrical characterization, including propagation delay, VOL, and switching tests. As stated in Section 9.2.2 and Figure 16, this value balances output swing, power efficiency, and speed. Lower values increase current draw and heat; higher values degrade rise time and noise immunity. TI confirms 1 MΩ ensures full compliance with published specifications.

Is the TLV3401CD suitable for automotive under-hood applications?

Yes - the TLV3401CD (I-suffix variant) is rated for –40°C to +125°C operation and includes reverse-battery protection up to –18 V, meeting key requirements for under-hood automotive subsystems. Its 470 nA supply current and 2.5 V minimum operating voltage also support start-stop battery monitoring. These capabilities are documented in Sections 1 (Features), 7.3 (Operating Conditions), and 8.3.1 (Operating Voltage).

How does the TLV3401CD handle ESD events during PCB assembly?

The TLV3401CD is rated for ±2000 V HBM and ±1500 V CDM per JEDEC standards, as verified in Section 7.2 ESD Ratings. This level of protection exceeds typical manufacturing ESD control limits and ensures robust handling during manual soldering, pick-and-place, and board testing - eliminating need for additional external protection in most industrial assembly environments.