Hello again,
Simple question.

On this forum, and on other sites, I've read that whenever possible one should tie unused IC leads to ground.

My specific question:
I'm using only 1/2 of an LM393 comparator. The diagram below shows what I've done on the left - tied all of the first comparator leads to ground - directly. But I'm not sure whether it should be directly to ground, or through a pulldown resistor (example on the right).
Which is the correct way?

My general question.
With other ICs, on those pins that I don't use, should I tie them to ground, or tie them to a pulldown resistor?

As usual, thanks very much.

 

It depends, be dang sure it isn't an active output, and some inputs work better with resistors (as in TTL, though I don't normally do it).

A LM393 comparator I usually do exactly what you show however, it also simplifies the PCB to some extent. DO NOT CONNECT the output to Vcc though, you will short out the chip. Generally I ground pins 1-4.

 

Tie only inputs to GND. Leave outputs unconnected.
In this case, LM393 comparator has open collector outputs. There is no harm in wiring the unused output to GND.

 

Excellent! Thank you both.

It depends, be dang sure it isn't an active output, and some inputs work better with resistors (as in TTL, though I don't normally do it).

A LM393 comparator I usually do exactly what you show however, it also simplifies the PCB to some extent. DO NOT CONNECT the output to Vcc though, you will short out the chip. Generally I ground pins 1-4.

What do you mean by "active outputs"?
Based on MrChips comments below, I would assume that an open collector output is "inactive", right?

Tie only inputs to GND. Leave outputs unconnected.
In this case, LM393 comparator has open collector outputs. There is no harm in wiring the unused output to GND.

 

Not really, connect a open collector to Vcc and you could get smoke if the chip tries to go low, and the output transistor shorts to ground.

Any output should be considered active, as when it goes to the opposite polarity than it is connected to smoke is the likely result. Open collectors do let you get by with more though, they will make a NOR gate just connecting them together, for example.

 

Open collector means than it can only sink current from a +ve source. It cannot supply current.
Hence connecting open collector output to GND has zero effect.

Normally, one would leave outputs unconnected.
In this particular case, because pins 1, 2, 3 are on the same side as pin 4, GND, it is just so easy to connect pins 1, 2, 3, 4 together.

 

Isn´t it better with comparators and opamps to tie one input to +Ve and the other to ground, so that the state of it more sure?

 

Is this wrong?

 

Nope, just extra parts. Tying them both to ground will prevent oscillation, which is why we do it. The exact state of the output doesn't matter.

It does make a dandy virtual ground though.

 

Isn´t it better with comparators and opamps to tie one input to +Ve and the other to ground, so that the state of it more sure?

I was wondering the same thing for comparators.

 

Isn´t it better with comparators and opamps to tie one input to +Ve and the other to ground, so that the state of it more sure?

That is what I do. Then there is no chance for oscillation to occur.

 

Is this wrong?

It is VERY WRONG to connect negative feedback to a comparator. It oscillates. It is OK for some (but not all) opamps.

 

Outstanding discussion!

So let's see if I can generalize a few things from this.

1. It is generally better to tie unused pins on ICs to some "voltage state".
2. a - Input pins can all be tied directly to ground.
__b - Input pins to op amps can be both to ground or the "+" to Vcc and the "-" to ground, leaving the output floating
3. Output pins (non-op amp) should be left floating, or tied to ground, depending on the type of output circuit that exists on the pin.

Reasonable generalization?

 

1. It is generally better to tie unused pins on ICs to some "voltage state".

No, they absolutely have to be tied to something, unless the datasheet specifically says they can be left floating. Even then it is better to connect them to something if possible. Floating input pin acts as an antenna and you never know what kind of interference will come and upset your circuit. Also CMOS technology tends to draw a lot more current if the input happens to be in the middle between low and high state.

3. Output pins (non-op amp) should be left floating, or tied to ground, depending on the type of output circuit that exists on the pin.

Unused outputs should be left floating, period. Connecting them to anything else is just asking for trouble.

 

The inputs of an LM339 quad or LM393 dual comparator are still active when they are connected to ground. A comparator usually oscillates when both inputs have the same voltage. So you do not want both inputs connected to ground.

Connect the (-) input to ground and connect the (+) input to a positive voltage to set the output high (no current at the output).

 

To add another IC into the mix...micro-controllers. Unless you can be absolutely sure (Can you ever be?) that your program will not change an input pin to an output, tie unused pins to Vdd or ground through a resistor.

Ken

 

...tie unused pins to Vdd or ground through a resistor.

Or you can use the inner pullups, if the microcontroller has them. But these are typically not active until the micro boots, so don´t rely on them for example on lines controlling an external mosfet.

 

You are mixing chips and technology here, guys. You cannot use the same rules for all chips. It depends on the specific chip and application.
You have gone waaay past discussing an LM393 comparator.

 

You are mixing chips and technology here, guys. You cannot use the same rules for all chips. It depends on the specific chip and application.
You have gone waaay past discussing an LM393 comparator.

Ok, so it's clear that this is another one of those "It depends on the chip and situation".

So perhaps the most general statement is
"Every pin, on every IC, needs to be evaluated carefully to determine if it should be (1) floating (2) tied high or (3) tied low".


Reasonable?

 

Ok, so it's clear that this is another one of those "It depends on the chip and situation".

So perhaps the most general statement is
"Every pin, on every IC, needs to be evaluated carefully to determine if it should be (1) floating (2) tied high or (3) tied low".


Reasonable?

Well put!

Ken