LM339DR - Quad Differential Comparator, Open-Collector | TI
MPN: LM339DR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.42 | $0.42 |
| 10 | $0.36 | $3.60 |
| 100 | $0.25 | $25.00 |
| 500 | $0.2 | $100.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.17 | $170.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.15 | $375.00 |
LM339DR Overview
What is an analog comparator? An analog comparator is an active circuit element that compares two input voltages and produces a binary output based on which is larger. Comparators sit alongside op-amps and ADCs in the signal-chain hierarchy: op-amp (linear amplification) -> comparator (1-bit decision) -> Schmitt trigger (hysteresis-based decision). The LM339 family sits in the general-purpose comparator category, optimized for cost and versatility rather than speed or precision.
Key features of the LM339DR include a typical input offset voltage of 2 mV, a wide common-mode input voltage range that includes ground, a differential input voltage range equal to the maximum-rated supply voltage, and an operating supply range of 2V to 36V. The device draws a low supply current of approximately 1 mA (200 uA per comparator in the newer LM339B), and outputs are compatible with TTL, MOS, and CMOS logic families. Operating temperature range spans 0C to +70C in the standard commercial grade, with automotive-grade LM2901 variants covering -40C to +125C.
The LM339DR architecture uses a bipolar transistor design with Darlington NPN output stages driving open-collector transistors. This architecture provides high input impedance and stable switching thresholds, though response time is in the microsecond range rather than the nanosecond range of high-speed comparators. The device is internally compensated and requires no external frequency-compensation components.
Typical applications include overvoltage/undervoltage protection circuits, zero-crossing detectors, oscillator circuits, window comparators, and sensor-signal level translation. Industrial uses include battery chargers, switch-mode power supply feedback loops, and motor-control interface circuits.
Designers should note that open-collector outputs require external pull-up resistors and that output transition time is dominated by the RC time constant of the pull-up resistor and load capacitance. For high-speed applications, choose a comparator with push-pull outputs such as the TL331 family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone TI datasheet, providing engineers a single-point comparison resource.
Drop-in alternatives for LM339DR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with LM339DR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Logic Compatibility, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LM339DR2G
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM339BDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM2901DR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM2901DR2G
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM239DR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM339DT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BA2903SF-E2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM339DR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Comparators | 4 (Quad) |
| Comparator Type | General Purpose |
| Output Type | Open-Collector |
| Supply Voltage Range (Single) | 2 V to 36 V |
| Supply Voltage Range (Dual) | ±1 V to ±18 V |
| Input Offset Voltage (max) | 5 mV |
| Input Bias Current (typ) | 25 nA |
| Input Offset Current (typ) | 5 nA |
| Common-Mode Input Range | 0 V to VCC - 1.5 V |
| Differential Input Voltage | ±36 V (equal to VCC max) |
| Supply Current (typ, all 4) | 1 mA |
| Response Time (typ) | 1.3 us |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C |
| Logic Compatibility | TTL, MOS, CMOS |
| Package | SOIC-14 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
LM339DR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | 1OUT — Output of comparator 1 (open-collector) |
| Pin 2 | 1IN- — Inverting input of comparator 1 |
| Pin 3 | 1IN+ — Non-inverting input of comparator 1 |
| Pin 4 | VCC — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | 2IN+ — Non-inverting input of comparator 2 |
| Pin 6 | 2IN- — Inverting input of comparator 2 |
| Pin 7 | 2OUT — Output of comparator 2 (open-collector) |
| Pin 8 | 3IN- — Inverting input of comparator 3 |
| Pin 9 | 3IN+ — Non-inverting input of comparator 3 |
| Pin 10 | 4OUT — Output of comparator 4 (open-collector) |
| Pin 11 | 4IN- — Inverting input of comparator 4 |
| Pin 12 | 4IN+ — Non-inverting input of comparator 4 |
| Pin 13 | GND — Ground (0V reference) |
| Pin 14 | 3OUT — Output of comparator 3 (open-collector) |
Typical Applications
LM339DR is suitable for 6 applications: Battery Overvoltage/Undervoltage Protection, Zero-Crossing Detector for AC Line, Window Comparator for Sensor Signal Validation, Square-Wave and Pulse Oscillator, Level Translator / Logic Family Interface, Industrial Process Control Limit Switch.
Battery Overvoltage/Undervoltage Protection
The LM339DR's wide supply range of 2V to 36V and quad comparator architecture make it ideal for multi-cell battery management circuits. Each of the four channels can monitor a different threshold: overvoltage cutoff, undervoltage cutoff, overcurrent detection via shunt resistor, and temperature cutoff using an NTC. The 1.3 us response time is fast enough to disconnect a load via MOSFET gate before damage occurs, and open-collector outputs can directly drive logic-level signals or optocouplers for isolated battery stacks. Using the same part across all four cells of an industrial 12V-24V battery system reduces BOM complexity.
Recommended
Zero-Crossing Detector for AC Line
In zero-crossing detector circuits, the LM339DR senses when an AC mains waveform crosses 0V by comparing the attenuated line voltage to ground reference. The open-collector output produces a low-going pulse at each zero crossing, enabling triac triggering at minimal load current and reducing EMI in dimmer and motor-control circuits. With differential input voltage rating equal to VCC (36V max), the LM339DR tolerates direct connection to a 240V AC line through a high-impedance divider without damage. The quad package enables four separate zero-crossing or voltage-monitoring channels in one IC.
Recommended
Window Comparator for Sensor Signal Validation
Window comparators use two LM339DR channels to define an upper and lower acceptance limit for a sensor signal. The output is active only when the input lies within the valid window, useful for validating that an analog sensor reading is neither shorted nor open. Compared to dedicated window-comparator ICs, the LM339DR offers flexibility to set independent thresholds for different sensors. The 2 mV input offset is acceptable for industrial sensors with full-scale outputs of volts, and the open-collector outputs can be wire-ORed to a single interrupt line.
Recommended
Square-Wave and Pulse Oscillator
Using two of the LM339DR's four comparators in a feedback loop with an RC network creates a relaxation oscillator producing square waves from sub-Hz to tens-of-kHz. The open-collector output charges and discharges a capacitor through a resistor, generating triangle and square outputs simultaneously. The other two comparators remain available for signal conditioning or alarm outputs. This topology is common in function generators, missing-pulse detectors, and PWM modulators where stability and a wide frequency range matter more than ultra-low distortion.
Recommended
Level Translator / Logic Family Interface
The LM339DR's open-collector output with external pull-up resistor naturally performs logic-level translation between incompatible voltage domains (such as 3.3V microcontroller to 5V peripheral, or 5V to 12V industrial logic). When the input threshold is crossed, the open-collector transistor pulls the output low; the pull-up resistor to the target supply holds the output at that higher level when off. This is a clean way to bridge 3.3V MCUs to legacy 5V or 12V industrial logic without level-shifter ICs, and the four channels fit common 4-wire SPI or UART translation.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Limit Switch
In industrial process control, the LM339DR serves as a quad limit detector sensing temperature, pressure, flow, and level via transducer bridges. Each comparator channel drives a relay or solid-state relay through an optocoupler for galvanic isolation. Operating from a single 24V industrial supply, the LM339DR survives typical 36V transient spikes. The commercial-grade temperature range (0C to +70C) suits enclosure-mounted industrial controls; for outdoor or cold-storage installations, the LM2901DR variant extends the range to -40C to +125C.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM339DR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM339DR2G | LM339BDR | LM2901DR | LM339DT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | onsemi | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | SOIC-14 | SOIC-14 - same | SOIC-14 - same | SOIC-14 - same | SOIC-14 - same |
| Number of Comparators | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Output Type | Open-Collector | Open-Collector | Open-Collector | Open-Collector | Open-Collector |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2 V to 36 V | 2 V to 36 V | 2 V to 38 V | 2 V to 36 V | 2 V to 36 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Input Offset Voltage (max) | 5 mV | 5 mV | 0.37 mV | 7 mV | 5 mV |
| Response Time (typ) | 1.3 us | 1.3 us | 1.0 us | 1.3 us | 1.3 us |
Key Differentiators
- Multi-source availability across four major manufacturers (vs Single-source competitor parts)
- Improved-spec LM339BDR is a true drop-in upgrade (vs Industry-standard LM339ADR)
- Open-collector output enables level shifting and wire-OR (vs Push-pull output comparators)
Design Notes
Open-collector outputs REQUIRE an external pull-up resistor. Without a pull-up tied to a positive supply (typically 2 kohm to 10 kohm depending on capacitive load), the output never goes high. If the LM339DR's output appears stuck low, check that the pull-up is present, connected to a valid supply, and not shorted to ground. For high-frequency switching above 10 kHz, minimize stray capacitance on the output node to maintain clean edges.
Place the VCC bypass capacitor (0.1 uF ceramic) within 5 mm of the VCC pin (pin 4). The LM339DR draws short current spikes during output transitions that can inject noise into the supply rail, and a local bypass prevents this noise from coupling back into the comparators' input stages via the supply. For multi-comparator designs, add a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF electrolytic near the IC to handle aggregate switching transients.
The common-mode input range includes ground but extends only to VCC - 1.5 V. Driving inputs above VCC or below ground by more than a few hundred mV can cause phase reversal or permanent damage. The differential input voltage can equal VCC (36V max), but only when both inputs are within the absolute-maximum input range. For inputs that may exceed these limits, add external series resistance (10 kohm) to limit fault current.
The LM339DR's SOIC-14 package has a thermal resistance of approximately 100 C/W (junction to ambient) on a standard JEDEC test board. At the maximum supply current of 1 mA, internal power dissipation is negligible (36 mW max). However, if the outputs are sinking significant load current through the open-collector transistors, additional dissipation can occur. Calculate junction temperature as TJ = TA + (PD x theta_JA) and ensure TJ stays below 150 C.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per TI product page. The LM339DR is the commercial-grade variant; the LM2901DR is the AEC-Q100-qualified automotive variant.
