The TLV4041 and TLV4051 feature a push-pull output stage which eliminates the need for an external pull-up resistor while providing a low impedance output driver. Likewise, the TLV4021 and TLV4031 feature an open-drain output stage which enables the output logic levels to be pulled-up to an external source as high as 5.5 V independent of the supply voltage.

In a typical TLV40x1 application, OUT is connected to an enable input of a processor or a voltage regulator such as a dc-dc converter or low-dropout regulator (LDO). The open-drain output versions (TLV4021/4031) are used if the power supply of the comparator is different than the supply voltage of the device being controlled. In this usage case, a pull-up resistor holds OUT high when the comparator output goes high impedance. The correct interface-voltage level is provided (also known as level-shifting) by connecting the pull-up resistor on OUT to the appropriate voltage rail. The TLV4021/4031 output can be pulled up to 5.5 V, independent of the device supply voltage (V_S). However, if level-shifting is not required, the push-pull output versions (TLV4041/4051) should be utilized in order to eliminate the need for the pull-up resistor.