Komparatorschaltungen

Komparatorschaltungen, often translated as comparator circuits, are electronic circuits used to compare two input voltages. Their primary function is to output a specific voltage level, typically a high or low state, depending on which of the input voltages is greater. This simple yet fundamental operation makes them crucial building blocks in many electronic systems.

A basic comparator consists of a high-gain differential amplifier. When the voltage at the non-inverting input is higher than the voltage at the inverting input, the output swings to its positive saturation level. Conversely, if the voltage at the inverting input is higher, the output swings to its negative saturation level. The exact output voltage levels are determined by the power supply rails of the amplifier.

Comparators are employed in a wide range of applications. They are essential in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), where they determine which voltage bins an analog signal falls into. They are also used in threshold detectors, zero-crossing detectors, and in control systems to monitor and regulate voltage levels. Specialized comparator circuits, such as window comparators, can detect if an input voltage falls within a specific range. The speed and accuracy of a comparator are critical parameters for its performance in a given application.