The new cost-effective comparators are perfect for the battery-powered applications that need low power and high-speed operation. The low quiescent current of 100 microamperes (µA) produces less heat, extends the battery life and reduces thermal-related challenges. With their lower operation voltage (down to 1.8V), the new comparators can be powered directly from battery, enabling for full battery utilization. A rail-to-rail input/output structure offers advance dynamic range and better performance across the complete operating voltage range.

The MCP656X family of high-speed comparators leverages Microchip’s leading position in low-power CMOS design, stated Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. The devices complement Microchip’s existing portfolio of low-power, low-speed comparators.

Applications in the industrial: power supplies, motor control; consumer: RF readers, alarm systems and portable electronics; and automotive markets: zero-crossing detectors, high-speed sampling circuits, are suitable for the MCP656X family of comparators.

Development Tool Support:

The designers wanting to get started with the new MCP656X family of comparators can use many Microchip Evaluation Boards, incorporating the Voltage Supervisor SOT-23-5/6 Evaluation Board (Part # VSUPEV2). This board offers a blank PCB for easily assessing the 5-pin SOT-23 packaged MCP656X comparator. For the 8-pin SOIC and MSOP packages, the designers can use the 8-pin SOIC/MSOP/TSSOP/DIP Evaluation board (Part # SOIC8EV). Both boards are available at microchipDIRECT for $10. For evaluating the new comparators in the 14-pin SOIC and TSSOP packages, the 14-pin SOIC/TSSOP/DIP Evaluation Board (Part # SOIC14EV) is available at microchipDIRECT, for $20.

This tool allows the design and analysis of a variety of analog circuits used in power-management and linear applications.

Device Packaging & Pricing:

All the six members of the MCP656X family are available for sampling and volume production. The single channel MCP6561 and MCP6566 comparators are available in 5-pin SOT-23 and SC-70 packages, for $0.37 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The dual channel MCP6562 and MCP6567 comparators are available in 8-pin SOIC and MSOP packages, for $0.51 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The quad channel MCP6564 and MCP6569 comparators are available in 14-pin SOIC and TSSOP packages, for $1.03 each in 10,000-unit quantities.