SNOAA35E December 2023 – June 2024 LM2901 , LM2901B , LM2901B-Q1 , LM2903 , LM2903-Q1 , LM2903B , LM2903B-Q1 , LM339 , LM339-N , LM393 , LM393-N , LM393B , LM397 , TL331 , TL331-Q1 , TL331B
A critical graph for the output is the Output voltage vs Output Current graph, shown in Figure 6-1. From this graph, the output Low voltage can be determined from the expected sinking load current.
The graph also shows the current limit, where the output voltage sharply inflects upwards in the 10-20mA region. This region must be avoided as the specified minimum short circuit current is only 6mA (typically 12-16mA) and can vary across devices, lots and temperature. TI recommends sinking currents of less than 5mA.
This graph must also be used to determine the pull-up resistor value needed for a desired output low voltage.
For example, if a 3.3kΩ resistor is used on a 3.3V pull-up voltage, the resulting current is 1mA when sinking. From the graph, 1mA results in a worst-case (125°C) VOL voltage of 90mV. However, if a 330Ω pull-up resistor is used, the output low voltage is now 350mV, and is also uncomfortably close to the current limit.