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What is mean by comparator in electronics?
Glossary Term: comparator Definition. A comparator compares two input voltages and outputs a binary signal indicating which is larger. If the non-inverting (+) input is greater than the inverting (-) input, the output goes high. If the inverting input is greater than the non-inverting, the output goes low.
How can you use an op amp as a comparator?
A comparator is designed to be used with large differential input voltages, whereas op amps typically operate closed loop with their input voltages minimized by negative feedback. When an op amp is overdriven, sometimes by only a few millivolts, some of its stages may saturate.
What does a comparator do in a circuit?
A comparator is a circuit that compares two input voltages or currents and gives output High or Low as per input signal. The Output is a digital form according to the input signal compared with the reference.
Can a comparator be used as a reference voltage?
When used as a comparator, one of the pins out of the two is applied with a fixed reference voltage while the other pin is fed with the voltage whose level needs to be monitored, as shown below. The monitoring of the above voltage is done with reference to the fixed voltage that’s been applied to the other complementary pin.
How many resistors are needed for the comparator circuit?
As above, the voltage divider network provides a set of reference voltages for the individual op-amp comparator circuits. To produce the four reference voltages will require five resistors. The junction at the bottom pair of resistors will produce a reference voltage that is one-fifth the supply voltage, 1/5Vcc using equal value resistors.
When to use a comparator chip in an op amp circuit?
Where comparator function is required, it is best to use comparator chip: Where a comparator function is required, it is always preferable to use a comparator chip if at all possible. If one of these electronic components is not available and an op amp needs to be used, then be careful not to overload the input so that latch up occurs.