Comparators for AC/DC Power Supplies

The comparator is so named because it is a device used to compare two voltages. An open-loop operational amplifier (op-amp) is a simple example of a comparator; the output assumes one of two values corresponding with the greater input. Comparators are used in a wide variety of applications and are made according to a large range of specifications, such as maximum switching speed, power consumption, and supply voltage range.