LM339N Alternatives, Specifications, Purpose and LM339 vs LM339N

12 March 2024


Ⅰ. Overview of LM339N

Ⅱ. Specifications of LM339N

Ⅲ. Advantages and disadvantages of LM339N

Ⅳ. Typical performance characteristics of LM339N

Ⅴ. Purpose of LM339N

Ⅵ. Precautions for using LM339N

Ⅶ. The difference between LM339 and LM339N



LM339N is a four-way voltage comparator produced by onsemi. It has many advantages such as low power consumption, high precision and high stability, and therefore plays a vital role in various electrical and electronic equipment. This comparator is widely used in instrumentation and communications, automation systems and industrial control. This article will introduce the LM339N in detail in terms of specifications, advantages and disadvantages, main uses, and usage precautions.



Ⅰ. Overview of LM339N


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The LM339N is a highly versatile integrated circuit featuring four individual voltage comparators within its compact dual in-line 14-pin package. With its 4 channels and open-collector output type, it offers robust performance for various applications. Notably, its impressive response time of 1.3 microseconds ensures swift and precise comparisons. Moreover, the LM339N boasts a minimal offset voltage, typically measuring just 2 millivolts, ensuring accurate operation even in demanding conditions. Furthermore, its operational temperature range of 0°C to 70°C underscores its reliability across a wide spectrum of environments. Overall, the LM339N stands as an exemplary solution for tasks requiring precise voltage comparison within electronic systems.


Alternatives and equivalents:

LM339NG

LM2901NG

LP339N

LM339N/NOPB



Ⅱ. Specifications of LM339N


• It has 4 channels.

• Its input bias current is 50nA.

• Its power supply voltage is 18V to 36V.

• Its operating temperature is 0°C to 70°C.

•The power consumption of LM339N is 570 mW.

• The manufacturer of LM339N is onsemi.

• The installation method of LM339N is through-hole installation.

• LM339N is available in DIP-14 package and tube packaging.

• LM339N belongs to the category of Analog comparators.



Ⅲ. Advantages and disadvantages of LM339N


1. Advantages of LM339N


(1) Temperature stability: LM339N has good temperature stability, even at different temperatures can maintain consistent performance.

(2) High-speed response: LM339N has a very fast response speed of 1.3μs, which is suitable for application in high-speed control circuits.

(3) Wide voltage range: The LM339N has a wide range of input and output voltages, which can accommodate different supply voltages and maintain reliable performance.

(4) Low power consumption: The LM339N has a low-power design that can maintain low current consumption during operation, saving energy and extending battery life.

(5) Multi-channel: With four independent comparator channels, the LM339N can process multiple sets of signals at the same time, improving system flexibility and expandability.

(6) High accuracy: The LM339N provides stable and accurate comparison results for applications requiring high signal quality. This stability stems from the LM339N's internal high-precision circuit design and excellent manufacturing process. It is able to withstand a variety of external interference and noise, and maintains excellent performance even in complex electromagnetic environments.


2. Disadvantages of LM339N


(1) Higher output impedance: The relatively high output impedance of LM339N may cause some impact in some cases where heavier loads need to be driven.

(2) Non-zero drift: Although the LM339N provides excellent performance in most situations, however, over a long period of time it may experience non-zero drift due to aging of the device and other potential factors. This non-zero drift may have some effect on the accuracy of the circuit.

(3) Noise and interference: Like all electronic components, the LM339N may be affected by noise and interference. We need to take appropriate measures to improve the stability and reliability of the circuit, such as the use of filters, shielding and grounding.



Ⅳ. Typical performance characteristics of LM339N


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Ⅴ. Purpose of LM339N


LM339N can be used in many different application scenarios, including but not limited to the following:


1. Voltage comparison: LM339N can compare the input voltage with the reference voltage and output the corresponding logic level, which is commonly used in voltage detection and determination circuits. In voltage detection, the LM339N can accurately recognize whether the input voltage reaches or exceeds a specific threshold. Once the input voltage meets the preset conditions, LM339N will quickly output the corresponding logic level signal, thus realizing the real-time monitoring and judgment of the voltage state. Meanwhile, in the judgment circuit, it can judge the working state of the circuit according to the result of comparing the input voltage with the reference voltage, and output the corresponding control signal.


2. Switching control: By combining with other logic components, LM339N can realize switching control function. For example, in the application of current switch, LM339N can be combined with relays, transistors and other components to control the on or off state of the circuit by comparing the magnitude of the input voltage with the reference voltage. When the input voltage meets certain conditions, the LM339N will output the corresponding logic level signal, which in turn drives the relay or transistor to act and realize the switching control of current. Similarly, the LM339N can also be used to realize the temperature switching function. By using it in combination with a temperature sensor, the LM339N is able to monitor changes in temperature in real time and make comparisons and judgments based on a preset temperature threshold. Once the temperature reaches or exceeds the set value, LM339N will output a control signal to trigger the corresponding switch action.


3. Analog signal processing: As LM339N has multiple input channels, it can be used for analog signal selection, analysis and processing. In terms of analog signal selection, LM339N can selectively receive and process specific signals through its multiple input channels according to different needs. In terms of analog signal analysis, the LM339N can accurately compare and analyze input analog signals. Its output logic level signals can be used as control signals to drive other circuit components for signal processing. In terms of analog signal processing, LM339N can trigger specific components to filter, amplify or convert the signal according to the comparison results.


4. Trigger and timer: LM339N can be used as a key component of trigger and timer for generating pulse signals and timing control. For example, in digital circuits, the LM339N can be used as the core of a flip-flop to generate precise pulse outputs based on changes in the input signal for driving counters, registers or other digital logic circuits. Also, the LM339N can be used as a key component of a timer. By combining external circuit components such as capacitors or resistors, it is possible to build LM339N-based timing circuits. When the input signal reaches or exceeds a preset threshold, the LM339N triggers the timer to start timing and outputs the corresponding signal when the set time is reached.



Ⅵ. Precautions for using LM339N


When using LM339N, we need to pay attention to the following aspects:


• Supply voltage range: the supply voltage range of LM339N is usually 3V to 36V. Therefore, when designing the circuit, we should make sure that the supply voltage is within this range.


• Input protection: Although the LM339N has an internal voltage protection circuit, we should still avoid applying voltages exceeding the supply voltage range on its input pins to prevent damage to the device.


• ESD protection: When handling the LM339N, we should take anti-static measures to avoid damage to the device by electrostatic discharge. We can use electrostatic discharge devices or create a suitable working environment to minimize the effect of static electricity on the device.


• Output load capability: The output pins of the LM339N do provide a certain output current, but this current is limited. When connecting the load, we must make sure that we do not exceed its rated output current, otherwise it may lead to unstable output level or even damage the device.


• Resistance and temperature range: The LM339N generally has a wide operating temperature range, but extreme conditions may affect its performance. In the design, we should consider the temperature range of the working environment and select the LM339N model that meets the requirements.


• Input bias current: The input bias current of LM339N is small but still exists. When making precision voltage comparisons, we must consider the effect that the input bias current may have on the circuit. To minimize this effect, we can offset the bias current with an external resistor network.


• Layout and heat dissipation: In PCB layout, we should take care to keep the LM339N away from high power components and sources of interference to minimize the effects of interference and stray signals. For high power applications or high temperature environments, we may need to provide appropriate heat dissipation measures to ensure the proper operation and reliability of the LM339N.



Ⅶ. The difference between LM339 and LM339N


The LM339N is a quad voltage comparator in a dual in-line 14-pin package. The device can operate at a maximum voltage of ±18V and its power consumption is kept at 265mW. Due to its excellent performance and stability, the LM339N is often used in electronic products such as induction cookers. In addition, the LM339 voltage comparator chip has four independent voltage comparators integrated inside, which is a very common IC. Using the LM339, we can conveniently form various voltage comparator circuits and oscillator circuits to meet different circuit requirements. However, it is worth noting that the LM339 has a very wide common-mode range of 0V to 1.5V, while the LM339N has a relatively wide supply voltage range of 2V to 36V for single-supply power supply and ±1V to ±18V for dual-supply power supply.




Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the operating temperature range of LM339N?


The operating temperature of LM339N ranges from 0°C to 70°C.


2. What is the replacement and equivalent of LM339N?


You can replace the LM339N with LM2901NG, LM339NG, LP339N or LM339N/NOPB.


3. What is the use of LM339N? 


LM339N Circuit is used in applications where a comparison between two voltage signals is required. In addition with four of those comparators on board the device can compare four pairs of voltage signals at a time which comes in handy in some applications.