Comparator

 

1) Amplifies small difference between two signals.

2) Output voltage will "switch" whenever the input voltage (at the inverting input) reaches the reference voltage Vref (at the non-inverting input)

3) Very useful for comparing signals and working with sensors

4) Note that R2 and R1 form a voltage divider. Use a potentiometer in place of R2 for an adjustable reference voltage.

5) Comparator cicuits can be built with opamps, but there are also comparator ICs with large slew rates and short propagation delays - good for high speed switching.

 

 

 

page 5