Comparators

Comparator is a device which compares two voltages or currents, and switches its output to indicate which is larger.
A standard op-amp can be used as a comparator as indicated in the following diagram.

comparator.png

VOUT = VDD when V1 > V2
VOUT = VSS when V1 < V2

When the non-inverting input (V1) is at a higher voltage than the inverting input (V2), the high gain of the op-amp causes it to output the most positive voltage it can. When the non-inverting input (V1) drops below the inverting input (V2), the op-amp outputs the most negative voltage it can be.

Example:
Op-amp comparator can be used as voltage level detector. Figure below shows a level detector that compares a DC reference voltage (VREF) of 3V to VIN with VDD = 10V and VSS = -10V

comparator-example.png

When Vin exceeds 3V, Vout goes to the 10V positive rail due to its high gain, open-loop configurations. When it falls below 3V, Vout flips to the -10V rail.

comparator_example_waveform.jpg

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