[sdiy] Bipolar comparator

[Rutger Vlek]

Hi guys,

I've just invented the word in the subject for this message, but I hope something like it exists. I'm in search of a simple circuit that can perform comparator duties on bipolar signals, and provides a high output when the signal goes above an adjustable threshold level or below the same level negatively. So with a 10Vpp bipolar signal and a threshold setting of 2.5V I'm hoping the output to become high when the signal goes over 2.5V and under -2.5V.

I discovered it can be done with a full-wave rectifier in front of a normal comparator, but perhaps there are more economic solutions? Do you know of any? I've been looking into simple noise-gate circuits as well, for inspiration, but without success so far.

Rutger