LM393DRG4 - Dual Open-Collector Comparator | Texas Instruments
MPN: LM393DRG4 ✓ ActiveLM393DRG4 Overview
A comparator is a semiconductor integrated circuit that compares two input voltages and produces a digital-level indication of their relationship. Within the power-management hierarchy, a comparator belongs to the analog signal-conditioning and interface class, where it bridges low-level analog signals and digital control logic. The LM393 combines two independent channels in one package, making it useful where two thresholds, sensor outputs, or protection events must be evaluated.
Key features include dual differential comparison, a differential input range equal to the maximum rated supply voltage of plus or minus 38 V, rail-to-rail input behavior, and open-collector outputs compatible with TTL, MOS, and CMOS systems. The differential range means each channel can accept a wide voltage difference between its inverting and non-inverting inputs. The open-collector output can sink current from the output stage while the external pull-up establishes the logic-high voltage, allowing the interface voltage to be selected independently from the comparator supply.
The LM393B and LM2903B families are identified by Texas Instruments as drop-in replacements for LM293, LM393, and LM2903 devices in A and V grades. This makes the LM393DRG4 useful as a familiar general-purpose comparator where a new design does not require a rail-to-rail output stage or a push-pull output architecture. The two channels are independent, allowing one package to monitor two separate analog conditions.
Typical uses include overvoltage and undervoltage detection, battery monitoring, sensor thresholding, industrial control interfaces, and general digital logic conditioning. The open-collector output also supports wired-AND behavior when multiple comparator outputs share a pull-up. Open-collector comparators are particularly useful when several devices must signal one shared node or when the logic-high voltage must differ from the comparator supply.
Designers should account for the required pull-up resistor, input common-mode limits, output sink-current limits, and propagation-delay behavior when choosing system timing. Keep sensitive input traces short, maintain adequate supply bypassing, and account for the influence of output pull-up resistance on switching speed and rise time. Use the manufacturer datasheet pin-description and electrical-characteristics tables before assigning PCB functions or interpreting logic thresholds.
This page combines the manufacturer product information, distributor identification, package details, and engineering guidance to support product selection. It also organizes drop-in alternatives, application guidance, comparison parameters, and design cautions so engineers can evaluate the LM393DRG4 without confusing package compatibility with full electrical equivalence.
Drop-in alternatives for LM393DRG4 — 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 LM393DRG4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Output Type, Comparator Type, Input Common-Mode Range, Number of Channels, Logic Compatibility.
LM393B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM2903BIDR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →LM393DR2
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →LM293DR2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM393D
✅ Drop-In✗ Out of Stock
$0.11 / Unit
View Datasheet →LM393DRG4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Comparator Type | Dual differential comparator |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Channel Independence | 2 independent comparators |
| Comparator Class | Standard general-purpose comparator |
| Grade | Commercial grade |
| Output Type | Open collector |
| Input Common-Mode Range | Rail-to-rail |
| Differential Input Voltage Range | Plus or minus 38 V |
| Logic Compatibility | TTL, MOS, and CMOS |
| Supply Configuration | Single power supply |
| Package Type | 8-SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
LM393DRG4 8-soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for LM393DRG4 (8-soic package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for LM393DRG4.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
LM393DRG4 is suitable for 6 applications: Battery Voltage Thresholding, Overvoltage and Undervoltage Protection, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Industrial Control Interfaces, Digital Logic Level Conditioning, Wired-AND Fault Detection.
Battery Voltage Thresholding
LM393DRG4 fits battery monitoring because it provides two independent differential comparator channels and accepts a differential input range extending to plus or minus 38 V. Each channel can compare a resistor-divided battery voltage with a reference threshold, while the open-collector output drives a pull-up for a defined logic-high state. The two channels can monitor charge and discharge limits independently. Designers must verify the exact common-mode and supply limits for the operating battery chemistry, keep the divider current appropriate for the cell, and select a pull-up resistor that satisfies both sink-current and rise-time requirements.
Recommended
Overvoltage and Undervoltage Protection
The LM393DRG4 is appropriate for rail protection because two channels can independently detect conditions above and below acceptable limits. A scaled supply voltage is applied to one input of each comparator and compared against a reference network at the other input. The open-collector architecture can pull a shared protection or shutdown node low, which is useful when multiple devices need to participate in a wired fault indication. External pull-up resistors establish the logic-high level, while component tolerances determine threshold accuracy, so reference and divider tolerances should be included in the worst-case design.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
LM393DRG4 can convert a slowly changing sensor voltage into a digital threshold event, making it useful for limit, alarm, or presence detection. The differential inputs support comparison of a sensor-derived voltage against a reference, and rail-to-rail input operation helps simplify signal-level selection in single-supply systems. Open-collector outputs permit a pull-up to the voltage required by the next logic block. The design must check input bias-current error, offset error, and propagation delay; it must also verify that the sensor signal remains within the comparator's valid common-mode range throughout its operating range.
Recommended
Industrial Control Interfaces
The dual open-collector topology of LM393DRG4 is well suited to industrial interfaces requiring a shared fault or acknowledgment line. Two independent channels can monitor different process conditions, and their open-collector outputs can share a pull-up to form a wired-AND indication. This permits several comparators to participate in one system interrupt without pushing conflicting logic levels onto the bus. The external pull-up must be sized for the aggregate leakage and sink-current requirements, while layout should minimize pickup on high-impedance threshold nodes and include normal supply bypassing near the device.
Recommended
Digital Logic Level Conditioning
LM393DRG4 can translate a changing analog or threshold condition into an open-collector logic signal compatible with TTL, MOS, or CMOS systems. The external pull-up allows the logic-high voltage to be selected independently from the comparator supply, which is helpful when interfacing different voltage domains. Because the output is open collector, it actively pulls the node low but does not actively drive it high. The interface designer must check output voltage, sink current, leakage, and propagation delay for the target logic family and select a pull-up that meets rise-time requirements without exceeding the sink-current limit.
Recommended
Wired-AND Fault Detection
LM393DRG4 is useful in wired-AND fault-detection systems because each open-collector output can pull a common node low while releasing it when inactive. A single pull-up supplies the logic-high state, and multiple comparator channels or packages can share that node. The dual-channel architecture lets one device monitor two independent faults, reducing component count compared with separate single comparators. Designers should calculate the worst-case sink current from all simultaneously active outputs, verify leakage from inactive devices, and use a pull-up resistance that balances low-state margin against output rise time.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM393DRG4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM393B | LM2903B | LM293DR2 | LM393D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparator Configuration | Dual differential comparator | Dual differential comparator | Dual differential comparator | Dual differential comparator | Dual differential comparator |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | onsemi | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC |
| Output Type | Open collector | Open collector | Open collector | Open collector | Open collector |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels |
| Supply Configuration | Single power supply | Single power supply | Single power supply | Single power supply | Single power supply |
| External Pull-Up Requirement | Required for open-collector outputs | Required for open-collector outputs | Required for open-collector outputs | Required for open-collector outputs | Required for open-collector outputs |
Key Differentiators
- Two independent channels in one package (vs LM393D)
- Open-collector output supports shared fault wiring (vs LM293DR2)
- Documented upgrade path within the same TI family (vs LM393B)
Design Notes
Do not omit the pull-up resistor on either open-collector output. The output stage can sink current and pull the node low, but it does not actively drive a logic-high level. Select the pull-up voltage for compatibility with the receiving logic, calculate worst-case sink current when both channels or multiple devices assert simultaneously, and check that the resulting rise time meets the system timing requirement.
Place the external pull-up resistors close to the open-collector output pins and use a short, direct connection to reduce propagation delay and susceptibility to trace noise. Keep the non-inverting and inverting comparison inputs away from switching nodes and high-current return paths. Follow the manufacturer grounding and supply-bypass recommendations in the application information, and use a solid ground-plane connection to minimize common-mode errors.
The external pull-up resistor forms an RC network with output and board capacitance, so its resistance directly affects the logic rise time. Use the manufacturer output sink-current and leakage specifications together with the receiving gate's input capacitance to choose the value. Avoid an unnecessarily weak pull-up when edge speed is important, and avoid an excessively strong pull-up that could exceed the output sink-current rating during a low output.
The LM393 family supports single-supply operation, but each comparator still requires its inputs to remain inside the valid common-mode range during startup, normal operation, and fault conditions. When monitoring a supply that can exceed the comparator's powered input limits, add suitable divider or isolation circuitry. Confirm the exact supply and absolute-maximum ratings in the manufacturer datasheet before applying transient or industrial supply conditions.
Compliance Information
The verified product summaries identify a commercial-grade dual comparator but do not state specific RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. AEC-Q100 qualification is not applicable to the stated commercial grade.
