What are analogue (analog) comparators?

The analogue comparator, or analog comparator, can help by comparing the voltage between two analogue inputs. There is a digital output that shows the higher input voltage. The inputs could be from external pins or a selectable internal reference. 

The comparator can be used for capacitive touch using a capacitive sense mode. The internal references can work in low and standard power. The comparators can help check whether the input has reached the required value. They can be implemented through a comparator IC or op-amps.

Types

These comparators can be used in comparing voltages, and it requires numerical thresholds. They can be of two types.

In a non-inverting comparator, the input signal's rising edge could trigger the output of the comparator switching from the low to high voltage output position and the opposite on falling edges. For an inverting comparator, this behaviour is the opposite.

Applications

The analogue comparators are a common component in A/D convertors. They are also used in various electronic circuits like Schmitt triggers, on-off controls, window detectors, level detection, clock recovery circuits, etc. They are also used as voltage comparators in audio signal level meters. 

The analogue comparators can be used in comparing measurements for translating into the equivalent electrical signals. They can also be used as null detectors that assess when the required value is zero. These comparators can also be used as relaxation oscillators, zero-crossing detectors, level shifters, etc.