Hi,
within my master thesis I´m using the analog comparator TL3016 to compare the the voltage of a solar cell to a reference voltage. The solar cell is directly connected to the positive input of the comparator. The reference voltage is connected with a 100nF capacitor in parallel. I didn`t connect a capacitor at the positive input, because I want to measure very fast changes at the solar cell due to high velocity impacts.
I tested the circuit before with an external voltage source and everything worked. At a difference voltage of 15mV between the inputs, the output switched.
Now, with the solar cell, the output switches at a voltage difference of 300mV between positiv an negative inputs! Is this a problem, because the solar cell produces less current (100µA)? And between these voltages the comparator has not a definde state (looks like floating).
Another problem occurs, if I`m placing a probe at the output of the comparator. The output seems to influence the inputs and its starts so oscillate a little. Is this because of the capacitance (0.9pF) of the probes? How can I avoid this?
Or maybe I have to add some more components to stabilize the device? The dadasheet gives no information about that.
Thanks!!! Kind regards,
Sebastian