My Inquiry
My Account
Texas Instruments LM3914N-1
- Part No.:
- LM3914N-1
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Display Drivers
- Package:
- 18-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
LM3914N-1.pdf
- Description:
- IC DRVR DOT/BAR DISPLAY 18DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,619
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LM3914N-1 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic dot/bar display driver IC that senses analog voltage levels and drives 10 LEDs with linear, current-regulated outputs. It features externally selectable dot or bar mode, an internal 1.2V–12V adjustable reference, single-supply operation down to <3V, and ±35V input overvoltage tolerance. It is used in precision analog metering, battery level indicators, and visual alarm systems.
For engineers reviewing the LM3914N-1 datasheet, LM3914N-1 pinout, LM3914N-1 application, or LM3914N-1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10-step linear voltage divider accuracy (±0.5% typ), programmable LED current (2–30 mA), open-collector current-regulated outputs, and PDIP-18 package compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.
Technical Context
The LM3914N-1 integrates a high-impedance input buffer, precision 10-step resistor ladder (8–17 kΩ total), and 10 individual comparator stages referenced to the internal divider. Its reference amplifier delivers 1.2–1.34 V output with ≤2% load regulation and ≤1% temperature drift.
Each output is a current-regulated open-collector transistor with dropout voltage ≤1.5 V at 20 mA and saturation voltage ≤0.4 V at 2 mA. Mode selection (dot vs. bar) is controlled by pin 9 voltage relative to V+, with hysteresis of 0.5–1 mV between states.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 20 V - supports low-voltage battery-powered and industrial rail systems |
| Reference Voltage | 1.20–1.34 V - adjustable via external resistors for full-scale calibration |
| LED Current Range | 2–30 mA - set by reference pin loading; enables brightness control without external resistors |
| Voltage Divider Accuracy | ±0.5% typical - ensures linear 10-step analog display with ≤½% non-linearity over temperature |
| Input Overvoltage Tolerance | ±35 V - protects pin 5 without external clamping, enabling direct connection to unconditioned sensor signals |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - commercial-grade rating suitable for embedded instrumentation and panel meters |
| Output Leakage (Bar Mode) | ≤10 μA per collector - minimizes false LED turn-on during standby or low-signal conditions |
Pinout & Package
The LM3914N-1 is housed in an 18-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP, NFK), with 0.3-inch body width and standard through-hole mounting.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (LED1) | Current-regulated open-collector output | Drives LED segment 1; sinks up to 30 mA with <0.4 V saturation |
| Pin 2 (GND) | Analog ground reference | Common return for signal, reference, and LED cathodes; requires star grounding for accuracy |
| Pin 3 (V+) | Positive supply input | Powers internal circuitry and reference; must be decoupled near pin for stability |
| Pin 4 (VRLO) | Lower reference divider terminal | Connects to ground or negative reference; sets bottom threshold of 10-step ladder |
| Pin 5 (IN) | Analog input buffer | Accepts 0 V to (V+ −1.5 V); withstands ±35 V transients without damage |
| Pin 6 (VRHI) | Upper reference divider terminal | Connects to reference or positive rail; defines full-scale voltage range across divider |
| Pin 7 (REF OUT) | Reference voltage output | Provides 1.2–1.34 V; current drawn here programs LED brightness (×10 scaling) |
| Pin 8 (REF ADJ) | Reference adjust input | Sets reference voltage via external resistor network; draws ≤120 μA |
| Pin 9 (MODE) | Dot/bar mode select | Tied to V+ for bar mode; open or pulled low for dot mode; enables cascading |
| Pins 10–18 (LED2–LED10) | Current-regulated open-collector outputs | Drive remaining 9 LED segments; identical electrical specs to Pin 1 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Externally selectable dot or bar display | Single-pin (pin 9) logic-level control eliminates mode-setting firmware or external logic |
| Programmable LED current (2–30 mA) | Set via reference pin load-no per-LED resistors required, reducing BOM count and layout area |
| Internal 10-step floating voltage divider | Referenced between arbitrary voltages (e.g., zero-center meter), enabling bipolar or expanded-scale displays |
| ±35 V input overvoltage protection | Allows direct interface to unconditioned transducer outputs without external TVS or clamping diodes |
| Chaining capability for >100-segment displays | Pin 9-to-pin 1 interconnection supports daisy-chained multi-device systems with synchronized dot-mode carry |
Applications
| Battery Level Indicator | Audio Peak Meter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring 3.7 V Li-ion battery voltage across 10 discrete LED thresholds from 3.0 V (low) to 4.2 V (full). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog voltage-to-LED mapping engine; converts linear battery voltage into visual charge-state indication. Use Value: Eliminates microcontroller ADC and software processing; provides immediate, deterministic, low-power status feedback. | Use Scenario: Real-time audio signal amplitude monitoring on mixer consoles or portable recorders using 0–5 V peak-detected line-level inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response analog display driver; maps instantaneous envelope voltage to 10-segment bar graph with <1 mV transition hysteresis. Use Value: Delivers flicker-free, noise-immune visualization without digital sampling latency or CPU overhead. |
| Power Supply Monitor | Industrial Process Deviation Display |
Use Scenario: Visual verification of regulated 5 V or 12 V DC power rails in test equipment or PLC backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference-based voltage comparator array; compares rail voltage against internal 10-step ladder calibrated to ±1% full scale. Use Value: Detects out-of-spec conditions (e.g., brownout, overvoltage) with fixed-threshold LEDs-no calibration drift over time or temperature. | Use Scenario: Displaying deviation from setpoint in PID-controlled HVAC or fluid systems, where 0–10 V analog output represents error magnitude. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear analog deviation encoder; maps 0–10 V error signal to 10-segment bar with zero-center capability via VRLO/VRHI configuration. Use Value: Provides intuitive, maintenance-free operator feedback without requiring HMI software or touchscreen integration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dot/bar display driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3915N-1 | Logarithmic 10-step response (3 dB/step); same pinout, supply, and reference architecture | Better suited for audio VU meters and wide-dynamic-range signal monitoring (e.g., RF signal strength) | Select when logarithmic scaling matches system dynamic range requirements; not interchangeable for linear voltage measurement |
| LM3916N-1 | Logarithmic response optimized for dBm audio scales; includes built-in 0 dB reference and -20 dB to +30 dB range | Targeted specifically for professional audio level indication with industry-standard dB markings | Choose only for calibrated dB-scale applications; lacks LM3914N-1's general-purpose linear flexibility and VRLO/VRHI configurability |
Compared with LM3914N-1, LM3915N-1 and LM3916N-1 provide logarithmic response essential for audio dynamics but sacrifice linear voltage proportionality-making LM3914N-1 the sole choice for battery gauging, power rail monitoring, and process control where mV-per-step fidelity is mandatory.
Availability
LM3914N-1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery level indicators, audio peak meters, power supply monitors, and industrial process deviation displays requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for LM3914N-1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
The LM3914N-1 belongs to TI's legacy analog display driver product line, designed specifically for high-accuracy, low-component-count analog metering in instrumentation, test equipment, and panel-mounted monitoring systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED current supported by the LM3914N-1?
The LM3914N-1 supports programmable LED current from 2 mA to 30 mA, set by the load on the REF OUT (pin 7). At 1 mA reference load, typical LED current is 10 mA. The device maintains regulation across VLED = 2 V to 17 V, with dropout voltage ≤1.5 V at 20 mA. Exceeding 30 mA risks thermal overload in PDIP packaging due to 1365 mW max power dissipation.
Can the LM3914N-1 operate from a 3.3 V supply?
Yes, the LM3914N-1 operates with a single supply as low as 3 V. At 3.3 V, it can drive standard red/green LEDs (VF ≈ 1.8–2.2 V) in bar mode with appropriate current programming. Reference voltage remains stable (1.2–1.34 V), and input buffer functions down to ground. Ensure VLED ≥ 2 V and use adequate decoupling to prevent oscillation at low headroom.
How do I configure the LM3914N-1 for zero-center meter operation?
To configure LM3914N-1 as a zero-center meter, connect VRLO (pin 4) to a negative reference (e.g., −2.5 V) and VRHI (pin 6) to a positive reference (e.g., +2.5 V), establishing a 5 V full-scale span centered at 0 V. Apply the differential input signal between IN (pin 5) and GND (pin 2). The internal divider floats, allowing symmetric positive/negative indication across all 10 LEDs.
Does the LM3914N-1 require external current-limiting resistors for LEDs?
No, the LM3914N-1 does not require external current-limiting resistors. Its 10 outputs are individually current-regulated open-collector transistors. LED current is programmed solely by the load on REF OUT (pin 7)-typically a resistor to ground-enabling precise, temperature-stable current control without per-LED components.
What is the purpose of the MODE pin (pin 9) on the LM3914N-1?
The MODE pin (pin 9) selects dot or bar display mode: tied to V+ (pin 3) for bar mode; left open or pulled ≥200 mV below V+ for dot mode. It also enables cascading-pin 9 of one LM3914N-1 connects to pin 1 of the next to extend displays beyond 10 segments while maintaining correct dot-mode carry behavior between devices.
LM3914N-1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 18-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Display Type:
- LED
- Configuration:
- Dot/Bar Display
- Interface:
- -
- Digits or Characters:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 6.1 mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 20V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 18-DIP
LM3914N-1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3914N-1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3914N-1 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LM3914N-1 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3914N-1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3914N-1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3914N-1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3914N-1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3914N-1?
LM3914N-1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3914N-1 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM3914N-1?
For technical support, including LM3914N-1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3914N-1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3914N-1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3914N-1 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM3914N-1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3914N-1?
All LM3914N-1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3914N-1, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LM3914N-1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3914N-1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM3914N-1 Tags
-
PCA8561AHN/AY
NXP Semiconductors
-
SN74LS47N
Texas Instruments
-
PCF85176T/1Y
NXP Semiconductors
-
PCF85176H/1,518
NXP Semiconductors
-
BU9796AMUV-E2
Rohm Semiconductor
-
PCA85176H/Q900/1,5
NXP Semiconductors
-
PCF8537AH/1,518
NXP Semiconductors
-
LM3914VX/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
PCF85134HL/1,118
NXP Semiconductors
-
AS1115-BSST
ams-OSRAM USA INC.
-
PCA8534AH/Q900/1,5
NXP Semiconductors
-
LM3914V/NOPB
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
