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TLC3704-Q1: Protecting comparator input for when Vdd is 0

Part Number: TLC3704-Q1
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LM339, LM393, LM2901, TLV7011

Hello,

Background

I have a "digital" signal that I need to monitor on a 5V microcontroller input pin. The signal has a value of ~12V for OFF and ~60V for ON, so I'm dividing this signal down such that 60V == 5V.

However, since the OFF state is at 12V, this results in a value of 1V after the divider, which is above the ON threshold for my microcontroller input.

So, my plan is to use a comparator with a threshold of 2.5V to handle this.

Issue

It is possible for this input to be powered while my microcontroller board is not. I see a lot of comparators and microcontroller inputs that specify the maximum input voltage in terms of X+Vcc, but in this case, Vcc would be 0.

I know that if I limit the current, I can probably get away with allowing it to just conduct through the intrinsic body diodes, but I feel uneasy about this approach since it has the potential of actually powering up the board though the input or maybe causing latchup!

I was thinking about using one of those analog switches with "powered off protection", but it would be better if I could just find a comparator that can handle this natively.

A bonus would be if the comparator could tolerate some over/under voltage on the input so that it can be used as a clamp. Right now, I have a small cap and a zener after my resistor divider so try and clamp any voltage spikes, but it would still be nice to have a little tolerance on the comparator.

- Are there any comparators that can tolerate overvoltage on the input by means other than conducting it to Vcc though the body diode?

- Should I just use an analog switch in front of the comparator?


Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

  • Hello Jacob,

    The LM339, LM393, LM2901/3 family can have up to 36V on the inputs regardless of the supply voltage - even zero, without damage or leakage to VCC.

    The TLV7011 family also has inputs that can go up to 6V, even when VCC=0V, and do not have clamps to VCC.

    We still recommend adding series resistance to the inputs to limit any current - and that resistance can be part of the divider.

    So LM393/339 family if VCC>5V, and TLV70xx if VCC<5V.