Product Overview
LM339N Quad Comparator IC - Open-Collector, DIP-14, TTL/CMOS Compatible, 2V-36V
Condition
Unused NOS - New Old Stock. Evaluation: Visual inspection only. Function testing not performed. Genuine National Semiconductor production sourced through our network of surplus and legacy suppliers. Covered by our satisfaction guarantee.
Ships same business day from Idaho. Packed carefully.
Product Overview
National Semiconductor LM339N - low-power, low-offset-voltage quad voltage comparator in a 14-pin plastic DIP package. Four independent open-collector comparators on a single chip. Operates from a single supply (2V to 36V) or split supply (±1V to ±18V). DIP-14 through-hole package is breadboard and socket compatible.
Key Features
- Four independent comparator channels
- Supply voltage: 2V to 36V single supply, or ±1V to ±18V split supply
- Output type: Open-collector (requires external pull-up resistor)
- Logic compatibility: TTL, CMOS, DTL
- Response time: 1.3 µs typical
- Output sink current: 16 mA typical
- Quiescent current: 0.8 mA to 1.1 mA typical
- Package: 14-pin plastic DIP, through-hole
Applications
- Battery level monitors and voltage threshold detectors
- Zero-crossing detectors and level-sensing circuits
- Vintage computer power supply monitoring (Commodore, Apple II, Atari)
- Analog synthesizer circuits - VCO and VCF stages (Eurorack, Moog-style)
- DIY guitar pedals and analog signal conditioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this need a pull-up resistor?
Yes. The LM339N has an open-collector output. It cannot drive a logic-high on its own. An external pull-up resistor to your supply rail is required for use in digital circuits.
Is this compatible with TTL and CMOS logic?
Yes. The open-collector output interfaces directly with TTL, CMOS, and DTL logic families when a pull-up resistor is used.
Is this the same as an LM324 op-amp?
No. Both use a 14-pin DIP package but they are not interchangeable. The LM339N is optimized for high-speed switching and voltage comparison - not linear amplification. Do not substitute one for the other.
What distinguishes this from post-acquisition LM339N chips?
These are genuine National Semiconductor production parts - sourced before the Texas Instruments acquisition in 2011. Collectors and restorers seeking period-correct ICs should verify the NS logo on the chip body upon receipt.
The LM339N is widely used in vintage hardware restoration and synth DIY. National Semiconductor originals are increasingly difficult to source as deadstock supplies thin out.
