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Texas Instruments LM3914N-1/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM3914N-1/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Display Drivers
- Package:
- 18-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
LM3914N-1/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC DRVR DOT/BAR DISPLAY 18DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,149
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Product details
Overview
LM3914N-1/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a monolithic 10-segment dot/bar display driver IC that senses analog input voltage and drives LEDs with regulated current. It features an internal 1.25V adjustable reference, programmable LED current (2–30 mA), single-supply operation down to 3V, and externally selectable dot or bar mode. It is used in precision analog metering, battery level indicators, and visual alarm systems.
For engineers reviewing the LM3914N-1/NOPB datasheet, LM3914N-1/NOPB pinout, LM3914N-1/NOPB application, or LM3914N-1/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its current-regulated open-collector outputs, ±35V input tolerance, 0.5% divider accuracy, and compatibility with LED, LCD, or vacuum fluorescent displays without external current-limiting resistors.
Technical Context
The LM3914N-1/NOPB integrates a high-impedance input buffer, precision 10-step resistor ladder, and ten independent current-regulated open-collector drivers. Its internal voltage reference (1.2–12V range) feeds a floating divider referenced between pins 4 (VRLO) and 6 (VRHI), enabling zero-center or expanded-scale configurations.
Dot mode provides sequential LED activation with ~1 mV overlap for flicker-free transitions; bar mode activates all segments up to the input threshold. Pin 9 controls mode selection and cascading-tied to V+ for bar mode, open for dot mode-and enables chaining of multiple LM3914s for displays exceeding 100 steps.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3V to 20V - supports low-voltage portable designs and industrial rails |
| Reference Output | 1.25V nominal (1.2–1.34V) - adjustable via external resistor network for full-scale calibration |
| LED Current Range | 2 mA to 30 mA - set by reference load current; eliminates need for per-LED resistors |
| Input Overvoltage Tolerance | ±35V - protects against transient surges without external clamping |
| Voltage Divider Accuracy | 0.5% typical - ensures linear analog display fidelity across temperature (0°C to +70°C) |
| Output Type | Open-collector NPN - interfaces directly with TTL/CMOS logic or drives LEDs/LCDs/VFDs |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - commercial-grade rating suitable for embedded instrumentation |
Pinout & Package
The LM3914N-1/NOPB is housed in an 18-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP, NFK0018A), with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LED Driver Output 10 | Current-regulated open-collector output for highest-threshold LED; disabled in cascaded dot mode when pin 9 pulled low |
| 2 | Ground (GND) | Signal and power return reference; requires star grounding for metrology-grade accuracy |
| 3 | Positive Supply (V+) | Primary power rail (3–20V); supplies internal circuitry and reference amplifier |
| 4 | Low Reference (VRLO) | Lower end of internal 10-step divider; externally accessible for zero-center or offset referencing |
| 5 | Analog Input (VIN) | High-impedance buffered input (25 nA bias); accepts signals from ground to V+ −1.5V |
| 6 | High Reference (VRHI) | Upper end of internal divider; sets full-scale threshold when used with VRLO |
| 7 | Reference Output (REF OUT) | 1.25V reference source; current drawn here programs LED drive strength (~10×) |
| 8 | Reference Adjust (REF ADJ) | Adjust pin for reference scaling; 75–120 μA sink current enables wide-range voltage programming |
| 9 | Mode Select (MODE) | Selects dot (open or ≤V+ −200mV) or bar (≥V+ −20mV) mode; also enables cascading |
| 10–18 | LED Driver Outputs 1–9 | Current-regulated open-collector outputs; each drives one LED segment independently |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Externally selectable dot/bar mode | Single-pin configuration (pin 9) enables flexible display behavior without firmware or external logic |
| Programmable LED current | 2–30 mA range set via REF OUT load current - eliminates discrete current-setting resistors |
| ±35V input overvoltage protection | Robust input stage withstands transients beyond supply rails - reduces need for external TVS |
| Floating 10-step voltage divider | VRLO and VRHI pins allow referencing to arbitrary voltage windows - enables zero-center meters and expanded scales |
| Chaining capability | Multiple LM3914s can be cascaded for 20-, 30-, or >100-segment displays using standard pin connections |
Applications
| Battery Level Indicator | Power Supply Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time visualization of Li-ion or lead-acid battery voltage during charge/discharge cycles in portable equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog-to-visual converter mapping 3.0–4.2V range to 10 LED segments with 125mV per step resolution. Use Value: Provides intuitive, maintenance-free state-of-charge feedback without microcontroller intervention or ADC resources. | Use Scenario: Front-panel monitoring of regulated DC output in lab bench supplies or telecom rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear voltage display driver with ±35V input tolerance, interfacing directly to output sense node. Use Value: Eliminates need for signal conditioning op-amps and discrete current sources while maintaining <0.5% linearity. |
| Zero-Center Meter | Visual Alarm System |
Use Scenario: Bidirectional deviation display for process control signals (e.g., ±5V error signal in PID loops). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-LM3914 configuration with shared VRLO/VRHI references and inverted input paths. Use Value: Achieves true zero-center behavior using only passive components - no op-amp offsets or trimming required. | Use Scenario: Threshold-triggered warning system for overtemperature, overcurrent, or overvoltage conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dot-mode driver where top LED activates at alarm threshold; bar mode optionally enabled for severity escalation. Use Value: Combines detection and indication in one IC - avoids separate comparator + LED driver design effort. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar analog display driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3915N-1/NOPB | Logarithmic 3 dB/step response vs. LM3914N-1/NOPB's linear 10-step scale | Better suited for audio level meters or wide-dynamic-range signals (e.g., RF signal strength) | Select LM3915N-1/NOPB when logarithmic compression matches human perception or signal dynamics |
| LM3916N-1/NOPB | Optimized for VU meter compliance (−20 dB to +3 dB), includes built-in averaging capacitor pin | Designed specifically for audio VU applications per IEC 60268-10; not general-purpose linear metering | Choose LM3916N-1/NOPB only for broadcast/audio VU metering; LM3914N-1/NOPB offers broader analog measurement flexibility |
Compared with LM3915N-1/NOPB and LM3916N-1/NOPB, the LM3914N-1/NOPB delivers true linear voltage-to-LED mapping essential for instrumentation, battery gauging, and process monitoring - where absolute voltage thresholds matter more than relative ratios or audio-weighted response.
Availability
LM3914N-1/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery management systems, power supply front panels, test equipment interfaces, and industrial panel meters requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence support.
Supply support for LM3914N-1/NOPB 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 leader delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
The LM3914 belongs to TI's legacy analog display driver family, designed specifically for direct-drive analog metering - eliminating microcontrollers, ADCs, and discrete driver stages in cost-sensitive, high-reliability instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the LM3914N-1/NOPB?
The LM3914N-1/NOPB operates with a single supply as low as 3V, enabling use in battery-powered devices. At 3V, the internal reference remains functional, and LED current regulation holds within specification when programmed for ≤10 mA. Below 3V, reference stability and output saturation degrade - so 3V is the validated lower limit for full functionality in the LM3914N-1/NOPB.
How does the LM3914N-1/NOPB achieve current regulation without external resistors?
The LM3914N-1/NOPB regulates LED current by sensing the load current drawn from its REF OUT (pin 7). Approximately 10× that current flows through each active LED output. For example, drawing 1 mA from pin 7 programs ~10 mA per lit LED. This internal current-mirror architecture eliminates per-LED resistors and maintains regulation across VLED variations from 2V to 17V - a core feature of the LM3914N-1/NOPB.
Can the LM3914N-1/NOPB drive LCDs or vacuum fluorescent displays, or is it limited to LEDs?
Yes, the LM3914N-1/NOPB explicitly supports LCDs and vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs) in addition to LEDs. Its open-collector outputs interface with external driver transistors or level-shifting circuits needed for these higher-voltage, higher-current loads. The datasheet confirms compatibility with "LEDs, LCDs or Vacuum Fluorescents" - making the LM3914N-1/NOPB a versatile analog display engine beyond simple LED bar graphs.
What is the purpose of the 1 mV overlap between segments in dot mode of the LM3914N-1/NOPB?
The ~1 mV overlap in LM3914N-1/NOPB dot mode prevents momentary "off" states between adjacent LEDs during analog transitions, eliminating visual flicker and ambiguous display gaps. This intentional hysteresis ensures smooth, continuous fading - critical for real-time monitoring applications like audio level or sensor output tracking. It is inherent to the comparator design and requires no external components in the LM3914N-1/NOPB.
How do I configure the LM3914N-1/NOPB for a zero-center meter application?
To configure the LM3914N-1/NOPB as a zero-center meter, connect two devices back-to-back: tie VRHI of the upper LM3914N-1/NOPB to VRLO of the lower unit, and apply the differential input signal across the outer VRLO (lower) and VRHI (upper) pins. Use external resistors to bias the midpoint reference to 0V. This arrangement - documented in Figure 16 of the LM3914N-1/NOPB datasheet - enables true bipolar display without op-amps or level shifters.
LM3914N-1/NOPB 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, LCD, Vacuum Fluorescent (VF)
- Configuration:
- Dot/Bar Display
- Interface:
- -
- Digits or Characters:
- 10 Steps
- 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/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3914N-1/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3914N-1/NOPB 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/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3914N-1/NOPB 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/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3914N-1/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3914N-1/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3914N-1/NOPB?
LM3914N-1/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3914N-1/NOPB 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/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM3914N-1/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3914N-1/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3914N-1/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3914N-1/NOPB 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/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3914N-1/NOPB?
All LM3914N-1/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3914N-1/NOPB, 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/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3914N-1/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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