The LM3914 is a monolithic integrated circuit that
functions including “staging” control can be
senses analog voltage levels and drives 10 LEDs,
performed. The LM3914 can also act as a
providing a linear analog display. A single pin
programmer, or sequencer.
changes the display from a moving dot to a bar
graph. Current drive to the LEDs is regulated and
The LM3914 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C.
programmable, eliminating the need for resistors.
The LM3914N-1 is available in an 18-lead PDIP
This feature is one that allows operation of the whole
(NFK) package.
system from less than 3V.
The following typical application illustrates adjusting
The circuit contains its own adjustable reference and
of the reference to a desired value, and proper
accurate 10-step voltage divider. The low-bias-current
grounding for accurate operation, and avoiding
input buffer accepts signals down to ground, or V
−
,
oscillations.
yet needs no protection against inputs of 35V above
or below ground. The buffer drives 10 individual
comparators referenced to the precision divider.
Indication non-linearity can thus be held typically to
½%, even over a wide temperature range.