Microchip announces the MCP6561/2/4/6/7/9 (MCP656X) family of comparators, with rail-to-rail input and output, push-pull open-drain outputs and a low quiescent current. The operating speed is 45ns. With a supply voltage as low as 1.8V and quiescent current of 100µA, they can be powered directly from the battery, making them ideal for battery powered devices. The MCP656X family is dedicated to industrial (power supplies, motor control), consumer (RF readers, alarm systems and portable electronics), and automotive (zero-crossing detectors, high speed sampling circuits) applications.

For the design and analysis of various analogue circuits used in power management and linear applications, the free online Mindi Simulator Tool is available at www.microchip.com/mindi. Developers wanting to get started with the MCP656X comparators can use a number of Microchip low cost Microchip Evaluation Boards.