The TLV184x-Q1 features an open-drain (also commonly called open collector) sinking-only output stage enabling the output logic levels to be pulled up to an external voltage up to 40V, independent of the comparator supply voltage (V+). The open-drain output also allows logical OR'ing of multiple open drain outputs and logic level translation. TI recommends setting the pull-up resistor current to between 100uA and 1mA to optimize V_OL logic levels. Lower pull-up resistor values help increase the rising edge risetime, but at the expense of increasing V_OL and higher power dissipation. The risetime is dependent on the time constant of the total pull-up resistance and total load capacitance. Large value pull-up resistors (>1MΩ) create an exponential rising edge due to the output RC time constant and increase the risetime.

Directly shorting the output to (V+) can result in thermal runaway and eventual device destruction at high (>12V) pull-up voltages. If output shorts are possible, a series current limitng resistor is recommended to limit the power dissipation.

Unused open drain outputs must be left floating, or can be tied to the (V-) pin if floating pins are not desired.