Comparator, Schmitt Trigger, and More

Comparator A useful electrical function is an arithmetic comparison of two voltages; the outcome of the comparison in general is an indication of whether one voltage is less than or greater than the other. In general the comparator operation is provided by a high gain amplifier whose design emphasizes speed of switching between saturation limits. The device characteristic is suggested by the figure to the left. A problem which can arise with the comparator occurs when noisy signals are involved. This is illustrated in the figure to the right. The signal fluctuates so that the switching threshold is crossed extraneously several times, causing a number of pulses. A special form of comparator, the Schmitt Trigger is useful in such circumstances. This circuit, which has a number of variations introduces a memory capability which provides different switching thresholds for positiveand negative going signals. Non-Inverting Schmitt Trigger A simplified Schmitt Trigger circuit (different from that described elsewhere for the project) is drawn to the right. Note the use of regenerative (positive) feedback to obtain a rapid switching from one saturated state to the other. Because of the feedback the reference voltage is proportional to the amplifier output, and so will be different depending on which saturated state the amplifier is placed in. Suppose Vin is sufficiently small to assure the amplifier is in positive saturation +Vsat. Then Vref = +Vsat (R1/(R1+R2) and the condition for consistency is that Vin Vsat (R1/(R1+R2). Suppose Vin is increased until it crosses this switching threshold, causing a regenerative switch to the -Vsat state. The reference voltage now becomes Vref = -Vsat (R1/(R1+R2) < +Vsat (R1/(R1+R2), i.e., the reference voltage for switching back to the Vsat state is lowered requiring more than a small fluctuation for the switching to occur. Similarly in switching from the Vsat state the threshold for switching is increased. This hysteresis, i.e., change of switching threshold is illustrated by a PSpice computation for a representative circuit using a LM111 comparator (See Appendix 1 for the pin out). The circuit diagram (Schematics) is drawn below. Vin is a triangular waveform as shown in the Probe plots following. Rather than use the amplifier saturation voltages directly for the feedback the amplifier output voltage is used to operate back-to-back Zener diodes (Zener voltage = 4.7v) through a 1k current-limiting resistance. 1

Note the parallel feedback branches. The parametric resistance RVAL is assigned values of 100 MEG (effectively an open-circuit) and 390k. Consider the case where RVAL = 100MEG,i.e., is electrically inactive (and the diode plays no role). The output voltage consists of the voltage drop across one Zener diode in breakdown, 4.7v, and one forward-biased diode with a junction voltage approximated as 0.7v. The trip voltages then are estimated to be (100/390)(4.7+0.7) = 1.38v. These estimates can be compared to the trip voltages calculated by PSpice and plotted in the figure to the left. Note also the output voltage levels. The hysteresis curve corresponding to the circuit is drawn to the right. The symmetry of the trip voltages is more or less evident.

Setting Different Threshold (trip) Voltages The linear resistive feedback network used in the preceding illustration leads to symmetrical threshold voltages. Asymmetrical threshold voltages may be implemented using circuit elements that are not bilateral, e.g., a junction diode. For this purposes RVAL is assigned (more or less arbitrarily) the value of 390k, comparable to the resistance in the branch shunted. Because of the diode the added branch is active only for negative voltages; the trip voltage for the negative output voltage is (5.4)(100/(390/2) = 2.76v (assuming an idealized diode model for simplicity; for a 0.7v knee voltage approximation this becomes 2.59v.) The switching characteristic is plotted below, followed by the hysteresis characteristic.

Inverting Schmitt Trigger A Schmitt Trigger circuit configuration using an LM111 inverting amplifier orientation is drawn below. Note the regenerative feedback used to provide a reference voltage that is a function of the current saturated amplifier state. The saturation output voltages are 10v (approx.), and the trigger voltages are 2v respectively. The PSpice computation of the hysteresis characteristic is drawn below, with the trigger voltage points determined with the cursor capability noted. The input/output voltage relationships are plotted in the next figures.

Special Case The circuit shown provides a positive trip voltage estimated as 4.55v (assuming an idealized diode model for simplicity), and a lower trip voltage of approximately zero.. Note the change (more or less arbitrary) in supply voltage, and the removal of the Zener diode arrangement.

The PSpice computed results are plotted below; interpretation is left as an exercise.

Appendix 1: LM 111 Pin out The LM111, unlike the ubiquitous 741, is an amplifier specifically designed for fast switching between saturation limits. The pin out diagram for the LM111 is drawn to the right. The device includes an internal transistor to provider some user control over the output. For the illustrative purpose in this note a collector resistor of 1k is connected to pin 8 (V+) and the output ground is connected to pin 4 (V-). Appendix 2 Plotting the hysteresis characteristic. To plot the hysteresis characteristic first plot Vout vs. Time. Then open the PLOT menu, select x variable, and when the dialog box appears select x-axis variable. This opens the list of variables; select Vin, and click OK.