What is a common application of a comparator?

A comparator is a type of electronic circuit that compares two input voltages and outputs a digital signal indicating which input is higher. One of its primary applications is level detection, which is crucial in various systems for monitoring and controlling levels of voltage or current.

In level detection, the comparator can be used to determine if a particular signal is above or below a given threshold. This capability is pivotal in circuits that require decision-making based on voltage levels, such as in overvoltage protection systems, zero-crossing detectors, and other automated systems that depend on specific voltage levels to function correctly. By providing a clear distinction between two states (high or low), the comparator facilitates reliable and precise monitoring of different parameters in electronic applications.

Other options may involve different aspects of electronic systems, such as amplifying signals or processing data, but they do not capture the fundamental and widely recognized function of comparators in level detection as succinctly and effectively as this choice does.