>>> I think you can get by with 4 control signals to the HV5522, so a quad >>> op-amp will work as a level-shifter.
>> That's using an op-amp as a comparator. This is generally not a good idea. >> Use a comparator instead. > > In what way is using an op-amp comparator not using a comparator? An op-amp and a comparator are two different (but related things). An op-amp is designed to be operated closed-loop, with its output somewhere between the supply rails. A comparator is designed to be operated open-loop, with its output intended to be at one rail or the other, switching rapidly between them. While it is possible to use an op-amp as a comparator, it's not a good idea. Some op-amps can latch up when used this way, or take significant time to recover after being driven all the way to a rail. It comes under the heading of using a device outside of its data sheet ratings. So when you ask "In what way is using an op-amp comparator not using a comparator?" I'm confused, as there is no such animal as an "op-amp comparator", as far as I know. Op-amps and comparators are two different (but related) things. They both have positive and negative inputs and an output, and generally use the same triangular circuit symbol, but their implementation and use are different. For a detailed explanation of op-amps versus comparators, see this app note: http://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/application-notes/AN-849.pdf - John -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/C39E36B7-2B8D-41E0-B5A6-85B28ED46FD0%40mac.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
