What type of output does a comparator produce?

A comparator is a device designed to compare two input voltages and determine which one is higher. The output of a comparator is a binary signal, which means it will produce an output that is either high (often represented as a logic '1') or low (represented as a logic '0') depending on the comparison of the input voltages. If one input is greater than the other, the comparator sends out a corresponding signal indicating that status.

This output is essential in various applications, such as signal conditioning, pulse generation, and analog-to-digital conversions, as it simplifies the decision-making process by providing a clear distinction between on and off states. The binary output is particularly useful in digital circuits, where a clear two-state signal is necessary for further processing or control functions.

In contrast, other options describe outputs that are typical of different types of circuits. A normalized signal output would suggest a signal that has been adjusted in amplitude, while an analog signal proportional to the input voltage describes behavior typical of linear amplifiers or operational amplifiers in specific configurations. A rectified signal refers to a process typically associated with converting AC to DC voltage, which is not the function of a comparator.