Datasheet

 2010 Microchip Technology Inc. Preliminary DS39979A-page 295
PIC18F87J72 FAMILY
23.2 Comparator Operation
A single comparator is shown in Figure 23-2, along with
the relationship between the analog input levels and
the digital output. When the analog input at V
IN+ is less
than the analog input V
IN-, the output of the comparator
is a digital low level. When the analog input at V
IN+ is
greater than the analog input V
IN-, the output of the
comparator is a digital high level. The shaded areas of
the output of the comparator in Figure 23-2 represent
the uncertainty due to input offsets and response time.
23.3 Comparator Reference
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 V
IN+ and the digital output of the comparator
is adjusted accordingly (Figure 23-2).
FIGURE 23-2: SINGLE COMPARATOR
23.3.1 EXTERNAL REFERENCE SIGNAL
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 V
SS and VDD and can be applied to either
pin of the comparator(s).
23.3.2 INTERNAL REFERENCE SIGNAL
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 24.0 “Comparator
Voltage Reference Module”.
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 V
IN+ pin of both comparators.
23.4 Comparator Response Time
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 29.0
“Electrical Characteristics”).
23.5 Comparator Outputs
The comparator outputs are read through the CMCON
register. These bits are read-only. The comparator
outputs may also be directly output to the RF1 and RF2
I/O pins. When enabled, multiplexers in the output path
of the RF1 and RF2 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 23-3 shows the comparator output block
diagram.
The TRISF bits will still function as an output enable/
disable for the RF1 and RF2 pins while in this mode.
The polarity of the comparator outputs can be changed
using the C2INV and C1INV bits (CMCON<5:4>).
–
+
VIN+
VIN-
Output
Output
V
IN-
V
IN+
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.
2: Analog levels on any pin defined as a
digital input may cause the input buffer to
consume more current than is specified.