LM3914 Dot/Bar Display Driver IC DIP-18 Package

The LM3914 is a monolithic integrated circuit that detects analog voltage levels and operates ten LEDs to create a linear analog display. With a single pin, the display transforms from a moving dot to a bar graph. The LEDs' current drive is regulated and customizable, removing the need for resistors. This is a feature that allows the entire system to run on less than 3V. The circuit has its own adjustable reference and a 10-step voltage divider that is quite accurate. The low-bias-current input buffer takes signals as low as V and requires no protection against 35V inputs above or below ground. The precision divider is accessed by the buffer, which drives ten separate comparators. Thus, even across a wide temperature range, indication non-linearity can be kept to below 12%.

Pinout

Features

• Drives LEDs, LCDs or Vacuum Fluorescents Bar or Dot Display Mode Externally Selectable by User
• Expandable to Displays of 100 Steps Internal Voltage Reference from 1.2V to 12V
• Operates with Single Supply of Less than 3V
• Inputs Operate Down to Ground
• Output Current Programmable from 2 mA to 30 mA
• No Multiplex Switching or Interaction Between Outputs
• Input Withstands ±35V without Damage or False Outputs
• LED Driver Outputs are Current Regulated, Open-collectors
• Outputs can Interface with TTL or CMOS Logic 
• The Internal 10-step Divider is Floating and can be Referenced to a Wide Range of Voltages

Specifications