How does a voltage comparator work? very simple explanation I need

[KAS90]

Hello every1..
I would like just sum help in unerstanding how a voltage comparator works..
I tried to read journals.. books.. but till now, I feel so lost..
can someone just give me a simple explanation of the SIMPLEST voltage comparator? sumthing to help me get on with it...
I'd appreciate that a lot..
i will help me with my project, as I'm running out of time..
thanx a lot in advance..

 

[dlgoff]

A standard op-amp operating without negative feedback can be used as a comparator. When the non-inverting input (V+) is at a higher voltage than the inverting input (V-), the high gain of the op-amp causes it to output the most positive voltage it can. When the non-inverting input (V+) drops below the inverting input (V-), the op-amp outputs the most negative voltage it can.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparator"

Can't think of any simpler way to say it.

 

[oswaler]

A voltage comparator is an electronic device that compares two different voltage inputs and outputs a digital signal based on which input has a higher voltage. It works by using a reference voltage and a feedback loop. The reference voltage is set by the user and acts as a threshold for the comparator. The feedback loop continuously compares the reference voltage to the input voltage and when the input voltage exceeds the reference voltage, the comparator outputs a high signal, and when the input voltage is lower, the comparator outputs a low signal. This simple mechanism allows the comparator to make a decision on which input has a higher voltage and provide a digital output accordingly.