LM3914 Monolithic Integrated Circuit
A versatile, programmable LED driver for precision analog displays
The LM3914 is a monolithic integrated circuit that senses analog voltage levels and drives 10 LEDs, providing a linear analog display. This dynamic piece of tech changes the display from a moving dot to a bar graph with just a single pin alteration. It is designed with versatility in mind and can be tailored to serve as a controller, visual alarm, and more.
- Part number: LM3914
- Channels: 10
- Vin (Min) (V): 3
- Vin (Max) (V): 15
- Vout (Min) (V): 1.2
- Vout (Max) (V): 1.34
- Type: Dot/Bar Display Driver
- LED current per channel (mA): 10
- LED (#): 10
- Shutdown current (Typ) (uA): 2.4
- Operating temperature range (C): 0 to 70
- No of Pins: 18
Key Features
- Drives LEDs, LCDs or Vacuum Fluorescents
- User selectable Bar or Dot Display Mode
- Expandable to display up to 100 Steps
- Operates with a Single Supply of Less than 3V
- Programmable output current
- Inputs Operate Down to Ground
Channeling creativity, the LM3914 allows users to generate various novel displays, due to the individual, DC regulated outputs. Modulating these currents can lead to unique display effects. In addition, the LM3914 can drive a transistor and an LED simultaneously, enabling multifaceted controller functions.
The LM3914 is very easy to apply as an analog meter circuit. A 1.2V full-scale meter requires only 1 resistor and a single 3V to 15V supply, in addition to the 10 display LEDs. If the 1 resistor is a pot, it becomes the LED brightness control. The simplified block diagram illustrates this extremely simple external circuitry.
The LM3914 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. The LM3914N-1 is available in an 18-lead PDIP (NFK) package.