Comparator question?

[etstudent]

If the signal to the input is larger than the signal to the non-inverting input of the comparator, what is the result?

Is it a larger positive or negative output or a small positive or negative output? Any hints will be appreciated? Question is confusing me.

[PA4TIM]

Most comprators have an open collector output.

[etstudent]

Got it, thank you. The answer is a small positive output. I found the answer in my book after looking 900 times.
With the inverting input larger than the non-inverting input it can't drive the output negative. Am I correct?

[Mechatrommer]

Code: [Select]

if (non-invert input > inverting input) output = +rail
elseif (non-invert input < inverting input) output = -rail
else output = undefined

confusing?

[peter.mitchell]

From the wikipedia article on comparators;

When the non-inverting input (V+) is at a higher voltage than the inverting input (V-), the high gain of the op-amp causes the output to saturate at the highest positive voltage it can output. When the non-inverting input (V+) drops below the inverting input (V-), the output saturates at the most negative voltage it can output. The op-amp's output voltage is limited by the supply voltage.