LM393 4.5-28V Voltage Comparator Module

LM393 4.5-28V Voltage Comparator Module offers a simple, reliable solution for level shifting, signal conditioning, and decision-making in electronic circuits. This module integrates the highly popular LM393 dual voltage comparator IC, providing two independent, high-gain, wide-bandwidth comparators. Its ability to operate across a broad supply voltage range (4.5V to 28V) and its open-collector outputs make it extremely versatile. You can use it directly with 5V microcontrollers like Arduino or 3.3V systems like ESP32. Utilize this module to convert analog signals into clear digital outputs, build zero-crossing detectors, or create simple window comparators for monitoring sensor thresholds with precision and speed.

Key Features:

• Wide Operating Voltage: Accepts a broad supply range from 4.5V up to 28V DC, allowing seamless integration into diverse systems.
• Dual Independent Comparators: The LM393 IC provides two separate comparator circuits, letting you monitor two different voltage thresholds simultaneously.
• Open-Collector Output: Features an open-collector output, simplifying the interface with various logic voltage levels (3.3V, 5V, etc.) using an external pull-up resistor.
• High Sensitivity: Responds quickly to small voltage differences, enabling high-precision threshold detection.
• LED Indicator: Includes an onboard LED that visually indicates when the output of a specific channel is triggered (depending on module design).

Technical Specifications:

• IC Chip: LM393 Dual Differential Comparator
• Operating Voltage (V_CC): 4.5 V to 28 V DC
• Output Type: Open-Collector (Requires pull-up resistor)
• Output Sink Current: Up to 20 mA (per output)
• Input Offset Voltage: Typically 2 mV
• Response Time: ≈ 1.3 μs

Mechanical Specifications:

• Module Type: PCB breakout board with LM393 IC
• Input Connection: Screw terminals or standard 2.54 mm header pins for power and input signals.
• Mounting: Typically includes one or more mounting holes for easy securing to a chassis or prototype board.

Dimensions:

• PCB Size: Varies by manufacturer, typically ≈ 32 mm x 20 mm
• Height: ≈ 15 mm (including components and pins)
• Weight: ≈ 5 g to 10 g

Pinout and Wiring:

• V_CC: Connect the positive power supply (4.5V to 28V).
• GND: Connect the ground/negative power supply.
• IN+ (Non-Inverting Input): Connect the signal or reference voltage you want to monitor.
• IN- (Inverting Input): Connect the threshold or reference voltage.
• OUT (Output Pin): Connect this to the digital input of your microcontroller. Requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ to 10 kΩ) connected to V_CC or the microcontroller’s logic supply.
• Note: The output goes low (to GND) when IN+ voltage is greater than IN- voltage. The output remains high (pulled up) when IN+ is less than IN-.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download LM393 Voltage Comparator IC Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Sensor Interfacing: Creating digital alerts based on analog sensor readings (e.g., light, temperature).
• Power Supply Monitoring: Implementing over-voltage or under-voltage detection circuits.
• Hobby Electronics: Building simple alarm systems and automatic control loops.

Applications:

• Threshold Detection: Triggering an action when an analog input crosses a specific reference voltage.
• Square Wave Generation: Designing astable multivibrators or basic oscillators.
• Zero-Crossing Detectors: Creating precise timing signals relative to an AC waveform (with appropriate external components).
• Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Circuits: Modulating output signals based on input voltage levels.

Equivalent Models:

• LM358 Op-Amp: A general-purpose operational amplifier that can also function as a slower comparator.
• LM339 (Quad Comparator): A single IC offering four independent comparators for denser circuits.
• Dedicated Digital Comparator ICs: Faster or more specialized comparator chips for specific high-speed applications.

Package Includes:

• 1 x LM393 4.5-28V Voltage Comparator Module