# Comparator

Model a comparator behaviorally

## Library

Integrated Circuits

## Description

The Comparator block is an abstracted behavioral model of a comparator integrated circuit. It does not model an internal transistor-level implementation. Therefore, the block runs quickly during simulation but retains the correct I/O behavior. The block models differential inputs electrically as having infinite resistance and a finite or zero capacitance.

The block models the gate output as a voltage source driving a series resistor and a capacitor that connects to ground. The output pin connects to the resistor-capacitor connection node. If the difference in the inputs is greater than the input threshold voltage, then the output is equal to the High level output voltage (${V}_{OL}$). Otherwise, the output is equal to the Low level output voltage (${V}_{OH}$).

The output model is shown in the following illustration.

## Basic Assumptions and Limitations

Modeling of the output as a controlled voltage source is representative of a totem-pole or push-pull output stage. To model a device with an open-collector:

1. Connect the output pin to the base of an NPN Bipolar Transistor or PNP Bipolar Transistor block.

2. Set the Output resistance parameter to a suitable value.

## Dialog Box and Parameters

### Inputs Tab

Input offset voltage

The voltage which the difference in the input voltages must be greater than so that the comparator gives a logic output 1. The default value is `5` mV.

Average input capacitance

You can usually find this capacitance value on a manufacturer datasheet. The default value is `0` pF. Setting this value to zero can result in faster simulation times.

### Outputs Tab

Low level output voltage

The steady-state output voltage, ${V}_{OL}$, when the voltage difference across the inputs is less than or equal to the threshold voltage, and the output current is zero. The default value is `0` V.

High level output voltage

The steady-state output voltage, ${V}_{OH}$, when the voltage difference across the inputs is greater than the threshold voltage, and the output current is zero. The default value is `5` V.

Output resistance

This parameter is the ratio of output voltage drop to output current. Set this parameter to $\left({V}_{OH}-{V}_{OH}{}_{1}\right)/{I}_{OH}{}_{1}$, where ${V}_{OH}{}_{1}$ is the reduced output high voltage when the output current is ${I}_{OH}{}_{1}$. The default value is `50` Ω.

Propagation delay

Set this value based on the high-to-low and low-to-high propagation delays. The default value is `0` s.

## Ports

This block has the following ports:

`+`

Positive electrical input port

`-`

Negative electrical input port

`OUT`

Electrical output port