PIC18F2420/2520/4420/4520
20.3.2
INTERNAL REFERENCE SIGNAL
20.2 Comparator Operation
The comparator module also allows the selection of an
internally generated voltage reference from the
comparator voltage reference module. This module is
described in more detail in Section 21.0 “Comparator
Voltage Reference Module”.
A single comparator is shown in Figure 20-2, along with
the relationship between the analog input levels and
the digital output. When the analog input at VIN+ is less
than the analog input VIN-, the output of the comparator
is a digital low level. When the analog input at VIN+ is
greater than the analog input VIN-, the output of the
comparator is a digital high level. The shaded areas of
the output of the comparator in Figure 20-2 represent
the uncertainty, due to input offsets and response time.
The internal reference is only available in the mode
where four inputs are multiplexed to two comparators
(CM<2:0> = 110). In this mode, the internal voltage
reference is applied to the VIN+ pin of both
comparators.
20.3 Comparator Reference
20.4 Comparator Response Time
Depending on the comparator operating mode, either
an external or internal voltage reference may be used.
The analog signal present at VIN- is compared to the
signal at VIN+ and the digital output of the comparator
is adjusted accordingly (Figure 20-2).
Response time is the minimum time, after selecting a
new reference voltage or input source, before the
comparator output has a valid level. If the internal ref-
erence is changed, the maximum delay of the internal
voltage reference must be considered when using the
comparator outputs. Otherwise, the maximum delay of
the comparators should be used (see Section 26.0
“Electrical Characteristics”).
FIGURE 20-2:
SINGLE COMPARATOR
VIN+
VIN-
+
20.5 Comparator Outputs
Output
–
The comparator outputs are read through the CMCON
register. These bits are read-only. The comparator
outputs may also be directly output to the RA4 and RA5
I/O pins. When enabled, multiplexers in the output path
of the RA4 and RA5 pins will switch and the output of
each pin will be the unsynchronized output of the
comparator. The uncertainty of each of the
comparators is related to the input offset voltage and
the response time given in the specifications.
Figure 20-3 shows the comparator output block
diagram.
VIN-
VIN+
Output
The TRISA bits will still function as an output enable/
disable for the RA4 and RA5 pins while in this mode.
The polarity of the comparator outputs can be changed
using the C2INV and C1INV bits (CMCON<4:5>).
20.3.1
EXTERNAL REFERENCE SIGNAL
Note 1: When reading the PORT register, all pins
configured as analog inputs will read as
‘0’. Pins configured as digital inputs will
convert an analog input according to the
Schmitt Trigger input specification.
When external voltage references are used, the
comparator module can be configured to have the com-
parators operate from the same or different reference
sources. However, threshold detector applications may
require the same reference. The reference signal must
be between VSS and VDD and can be applied to either
pin of the comparator(s).
2: Analog levels on any pin defined as a
digital input may cause the input buffer to
consume more current than is specified.
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc.
DS39631E-page 235
MICROCHIP [ MICROCHIP ]
