LM741: Problem using LM741 as a comparator for low voltages

John,

0.8V compared to VCC- is outside the input common mode range. 10V supply is lower than the recommended supply. 

There are many other part options. Do you need PDIP or would other package types be acceptable?

Ronald

Thanks for the very rapid response.  I need an 8 pin DIL package.  Unfortunately, the 10V supply is a fixed parameter.  Any suggestions on a suitable device would be most welcome.

Regards,

John

Hi John,

FYI..

The only true comparator we have that is in DIP-8, with a push-pull output (like an op-amp) and 10V supply operation is the TLV3701.

But the TLV3701 is a nanopower comparator, which is slow (40us) and has a very limited output drive (less than 1mA).

If you can move to a SMT device (SOIC, TSSOP, SOT-23), with an adapter board if you are breadboarding), then there are many more options.

All the rest of the suitable comparators in DIP-8 have a open collector output, that will require a pull-up resistor.

If you can use a dual, then there are many more DIP push-pull options.

I don't think a pull-up resistor would be a problem and I may be able to accommodate a dual.  If you could suggest a few options it would probably solve the problem.  Many thanks.

John,

LM358 is good for low cost. However, make sure the feedback and output load sink current is low (several micro-amperes) if you need the output low voltage to be low (<100mV).