Comparators Examples Sheet – with worked solutions

1. Determine the output level, Vo , specifying either “maximum positive” or “maximum negative”,
for each comparator in the following figure.

+1 V − − +7 V −
Vo Vo Vo
+ +2 V + +

+
− 5V

(a) (b) (c)

[(a) Negative (b) Positive (c) Negative]

Solution:

(a) maximum negative

(b) maximum positive
(c) maximum negative
2. (a) Determine VUTP and VLTP for the following Schmitt trigger circuit.

+10 V

vi −
vo
+
47 kΩ
−10 V

18 kΩ

[±2.77 V]

(b) Determine the hysteresis voltage.

[5.54 V]

1
 Solution:

(a) Using potential division voltage of + input with respect to ground is given by:
18000
V+ = vo
18000 + 47000
18
= vo
65
18
When vo = 10 V, VUTP = 65 × 10 = 2.77 V.
18
When vo = −10 V, VLTP = 65 × −10 = −2.77 V.
(b)

Hysteresis = VUTP − VLTP

= 2.77 V − (−2.77 V)
= 5.54 V.

3. Determine the hysteresis voltage for each Schmitt trigger in the following figure, where the
maximum output voltage levels are ±11 V:

vi − vi −
vo vo
+ +
R1 33 kΩ
R1

150 kΩ
R2 18 kΩ R2 68 kΩ

(d) (e)

[(a) 7.76 V (b) 6.86 V]

Solution:

Note that both amplifiers have the same circuit structure, they have just been drawn differ-
ently!
In both cases,
R2
V+ = vo .
R1 + R2

2
 (a)
18
VUTP = × 11
51
= 3.88 V
18
VLTP = × −11
51
= −3.88 V
Hysteresis = 3.88 V − (−3.88 V)
= 7.76 V.

(b)
68
VUTP = × 11
218
= 3.43 V
68
VLTP = × −11
218
= −3.43 V
Hysteresis = 3.43 V − (−3.43 V)
= 6.86 V.

4. The Schmitt trigger can be designed to switch about non-zero reference voltages by connecting
a dc source to one of the comparator inputs. Refer to the following diagram:

+15 V

vi −
vo
+
R1
−15 V

100 Ω R2

+
− 2V

Suppose ideally in the absence of noise, the comparator output should switch at 2 V. However,
in practice, due to the effects of noise, it is required that the upper trigger point should be
at 2.1 V to avoid multiple switchings of the comparator output around the threshold.
(a) Determine the required value of R1 .
[12.9 kΩ]

3
(b) For this value of R1 determine the lower trigger point and the hysteresis.
[1.87 V; 0.23 V]

Solution:

(a) Upper trigger point when vo = 15 V.

In this case, the current from the comparator output to ground is given by

15 − 2
I=
R1 + R2
13
=
R1 + 100

From the question, for the upper trigger point we require a volage of the + input of
the comparator to be 2.1 V. The + input is connected to the midpoint of the potential
divider. We therefore require the midpoint of the potential divider to be 2.1 V above
ground.
Taking into account the 2 V voltage source, this means that we require the voltage drop
across R2 to be 2.1 V − 2 V = 0.1 V.
From Ohm’s law, using the current, I, through both resistors is,

V =I ×R
13
0.1 = × 100
R1 + 100
0.1(R1 + 100) = 1300
0.1 R1 + 10 = 1300
0.1 R1 = 1290
R1 = 12 900 Ω

(b) When setting the Lower Trigger Point, the output form the comparator is −15 V.
In this case the current from comparator output to ground is given by:
−15 − 2
I=
R1 + R2
17
=−
13000
Hence the voltage drop across the R2 is given by,

VR2 = IR2
17
=− × 100
13000
= −0.13 V.

4
Taking into account the 2 V source, the midpoint of the potential divider is at a voltage
of 2.0 V − 0.13 V = 1.87 V which is VLTP .
Hence, the hysteresis is given by 2.1 V − 1.87 V = 0.23 V.