Datasheet

The LP239 is obsolete
a
nd is no longer supplied.
  
   
SLCS004B − OCTOBER 1987 − REVISED SEPTEMBER 2004
5
POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Without transistor Q3, if the output voltage were allowed to drop below 0.8 V, transistor Q1 would saturate, and
the output current would drop to zero. The circuit would be unable to pull low current loads down to ground or
the negative supply, if used. Transistor Q3 has been included to bypass transistor Q1 under these conditions
and apply the current I1 directly to the base of Q2. The output sink current now is approximately I1 times the
h
FE
of Q2 (700 µA at V
O
= 0.4 V). The output of the devices exhibits a bimodal characteristic, with a smooth
transition between modes.
In both cases, the output is an uncommitted collector. Several outputs can be tied together to provide a dot logic
function. An output pullup resistor can be connected to any available power-supply voltage within the permitted
power-supply range, and there is no restriction on this voltage, based on the magnitude of the voltage that is
supplied to V
CC
of the package.