STMicroelectronics has unveiled its latest TS3121 and TS3121A comparators, designed with a novel failsafe architecture and guaranteed start-up time, promising enhanced reliability and power savings for a wide range of applications.
The innovative design of these rail-to-rail, open-drain, single-channel comparators allows analog sensor voltages to remain active at the inputs even when the supply voltage is cut. This ensures robust performance and simplifies application firmware, making these comparators ideal for low-power environments where frequent power cycling is essential.
Boosting Efficiency in Automation and Automotive Applications
Drawing inspiration from industrial robots that rely on sensors powered by backup batteries to maintain positional awareness during system shutdowns, the TS3121 and TS3121A address diverse automation challenges. Their independent supply, input/output (I/O), and output voltage domains enable flexible level shifting, making them a versatile choice for industrial controls, building automation, power tools, and smart metering.
For the automotive sector, these devices are also available as automotive-qualified components, suitable for powertrain and body-control modules.
Performance Specifications
The TS3121 and TS3121A operate over a wide supply-voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V and feature a precision input stage for accurate threshold detection. With a typical propagation delay of just 60ns, they deliver fast and reliable performance.
The devices exhibit minimal input-offset voltage, with a typical value of 0.5mV and a maximum offset of 2mV for the TS3121A and 6mV for the TS3121. They are built to withstand electrostatic discharge (ESD) up to 4kV (HBM) and can operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 125°C.
For space-conscious designs, the comparators are available in compact SC70-5 and SOT23-5 packages.
Long-Term Availability and Pricing
The TS3121 and TS3121A are currently available, with pricing starting at $0.60 for orders of 1,000 units. Free samples can be obtained through the ST eStore, and the devices are covered under ST’s 10-year longevity program, ensuring long-term availability for customers.
For more details, visit STMicroelectronics’ website.
