Dare to compare with on-chip reference
-- EDN, January 20, 2000
The comparator function seems so mundane, yet it is often critical. With the MIC834 comparator IC from Micrel Semiconductor, you get a 1-µA comparator IC that includes a 1.24V, 1% reference in an SOT-23-5 package (Picture). The IC, which operates from a 2.5 to 5.5V supply, also incorporates 23-mV hysteresis to minimize chatter. You can adjust the trip threshold via two external resistors; additionally, you can pull up the inputs and outputs to 6V, regardless of your supply rail's value. The MIC834 costs $1.02 (1000).
Micrel Inc, www.micrel.com.
-by Bill Schweber
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