National Semiconductor Unveils the Industry's Lowest Power, High-Speed Comparator Family With Sub-Nanosecond Propagation Delay

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corporation , a leading supplier of high-performance analog signal-path products, today introduced the LMH7322, a dual comparator that provides the industry's lowest power (21 mA typical) with sub-nanosecond (700 ps) propagation delay. The LMH7322 joins the LMH7220 single comparator as part of a new family of single, dual and quad high-speed comparators that feature low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) and reduced-swing positive emitter-coupled logic (RSPECL) outputs. National will begin sampling a quad comparator with similar specifications to the LMH7322 in fall 2007.

National's comparators offer industry-leading power and performance specifications for a wide range of industrial, medical, and test and measurement applications, including oscilloscopes, automated test equipment (ATE) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. The LMH7322 features ultra-fast 700 ps propagation delay and dispersion of 5 ps at >100 mV overdrive, which allows fast and accurate delay control. Separate input and output supply pins enable level-shifting applications, while the devices' typical low power consumption of 21 mA makes the LMH7322 well-suited for power-sensitive applications. The LMH7220's 2.9 ns typical propagation delay and 0.6 ns rise and fall times consume only 6.8 mA supply current at 5V. Both parts offer guaranteed performance from -40 degrees C to 125 degrees C.

Technical Features of the LMH7220 Single Comparator

The LMH7220 is a high-speed, low-power single comparator with an operating supply voltage range of 2.7V to 12V for flexible supply options. Its LVDS output drives 325 mV into a 100-Ohm symmetrical transmission line, allowing a balanced output with reduced noise immunity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) for interfacing to field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) with LVDS inputs. National is the world's largest supplier of high-speed LVDS products, according to Databean's 2006 Analog IC Market Share survey. The LMH7220 has a wide input voltage range that is able to extend from 10V to 200 mV below ground, which allows for ground sensing. LVDS outputs optimize power consumption compared to differential outputs such as emitter-coupled logic (ECL). Due to the output drive characteristics, the power consumption remains at a very low level even if the data transmission rate is rising.

Technical Features of the LMH7322 Dual Comparator

The LMH7322 is a high-speed, dual comparator that also operates from a wide input supply voltage range of 2.7V to 12V. The device features an input common-mode range that extends 200 mV below the negative rail, and its adjustable hysteresis adds flexibility and minimizes state changes due to spurious noise. The LMH7322 provides fast rise and fall times of 160 ps, and its RSPECL outputs and latch inputs reduce EMI, while providing high-speed operation over a wide temperature range.

About National's Amplifier Portfolio

Specializing in high-performance amplifiers and comparators, National Semiconductor offers a complete portfolio of op amps addressing the high- speed, precision, low-voltage and low-power markets with products ranging from building-block ICs to application-specific standard products (ASSPs). The company has a long history of setting industry standards in amplifiers and continues this trend with product releases on National's advanced VIP10 bipolar and VIP50 BiCMOS processes. National also leads the industry in packaging technology with its revolutionary Silicon Dust(TM) and micro SMD packaging technologies. For more information on National's amplifier products, visit amplifiers.national.com.

Pricing and Availability

The LMH7220, available now in a 6-pin TSOT package, is priced at $2.15. The LMH7322, available now in a 24-pin LLP(R) package, is priced at $4.31. Both prices are in 1,000-unit quantities. For more information, easy-to-order samples and evaluation boards, visit http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LMH7220.html and http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LMH7322.html . A large selection of amplifiers is supported by National's Amplifiers Made Simple(SM) WEBENCH(R) online design tool. To explore these solutions, visit http://webench.national.com/. To learn more about designing with amplifiers, visit our library of online seminars at http://www.national.com/onlineseminar/#amps .

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates high-value analog devices and subsystems. National's leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, interface products and data conversion solutions. National's key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays and a variety of broad electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $2.16 billion for fiscal 2006, which ended May 28, 2006. Additional company and product information is available at http://www.national.com/.

NOTE: LLP and WEBENCH are registered trademarks and Amplifiers Made Simple and Silicon Dust are trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation.

Media Contact Reader Information Mark Alden Design Support Group National Semiconductor (800) 272-9959 (408) 721-6929 http://www.national.com/ mark.alden@nsc.com