Introduction to the Comparator and Working

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Comparator

A circuit that makes a comparison between two input signals or voltage levels is known as a comparator. In other words, if an operational amplifier is operated in an open looped mode (i.e. from output to input without any feedback), such a circuit is known as a voltage comparator. In figure 8.58, a comparator has been displayed. As there is no need to connect any additional external components along with a comparator, therefore its circuit is extremely simple. Basically, a comparator’s output reveals which of its two inputs is a high potential.

Figure 8.58

Suppose that two inputs (inverting and non- inverting) have been supplied on an operational amplifier’s circuit, while its output is the same, zero output is received in case both inputs are mutually equal. Now, if non- inverting input exceeds inverting input, comparator provides high output voltages. On the contrary, when non- inverting input is less compared to inverting input, comparator provides low output. In order to ascertain how does a comparator compare the two inputs signals and then provide output on this base, it is necessary to study the basic circuit of a comparator.

Working

We know that an operational amplifier is usually used in closed-loop mode (i.e. along with feedback), so that its voltage gain could be controlled accurately with the coordination of exterior components. It is never being used in open loop mode; because it’s extremely high open loop voltage saturates its output via any reasonable input signal. In order to understand how a comparator does compare two input signals and provides out on this base, the study of circuit shown in figure 8.59 is essential.

Figure 8.59 – Basic Op-Amp comparator circuit

When operational circuit is applied without any feedback, it works as a comparator as is vivid from figure 8.59. In situation of amplifiers’ inverting input being grounded, minimum input voltages are required for its saturation. Thus, if differential gain of an operational amplifier is A_VOL, minimum differential voltages (V_d) required for the purpose of its saturation can be determined via the following formula:

V_d = V_sat/ A_VOL

Suppose if power supply is , the output swings between +13.5 to -13.5 (that’s output fluctuates between )If the open loop gain of an operational amplifier is 10^5,in such a situation, the minimum input voltage, on which saturation starts, will be as follows:

V_d = V₁-V₂ = 13.5/10₅= 13.5 … µV

That is, for saturating an operational amplifier (741C) +135µV in positive while -135µV in negative direction would be required. When the value of V1 exceeds V2 (135µV or greater) output saturates in positive direction on +13.5V. On the contrary, when the value of V2 exceeds V1 (135µV or more) output saturates on -13.5V in negative direction, as has been displayed vide figure 8.60. Thus, remember that comparator’s output consists of just two stable states i.e. negative saturation and positive saturation.

Figure 8.60 – V_out versus V_d graph shows output saturation limits.

There are several applications or uses of a comparator, out of which two of the uses have been illustrated in figure 8.61. The circuit shown in figure (A) is called zero crossing detectors, because when e_scross waveform ₀V, e_out swing from one saturation level to another. When e_sare positive, the value of e_out tends to be +13.5V. When the value of e_s is lower than zero volts (₀V), the value of eout becomes -13.5V. When e_svalues rise above ₀V, e_out value gets back to +13.5V.

The circuit shown in figure (B) is called a level detector. When input signal (e_in) is lower than a DC reference level (E_REF), this level detector immediately identifies the situation (i.e. level detector identifies or recognizes two different levels). DC reference (E_REF) has been connected with positive input whereas e_in has been supplied with negative input. As long as value of e_in is high as compared to E_REF, up to that point operational amplifier’s output keeps saturated on -13.5V. However, when e_in value is lower than E_REF, amplifiers’ output keeps saturated on +13.5V. The output of a level detector can also be used to operate an alarm or its output can be transferred to a computer as well, so that alarm could be turned on as level changes or the operation could be stopped through a computer.

Figure 8.61- comparator applications