Lm3914 Datasep

LM3914
www.ti.com SNVS761A – MAY 2004 – REVISED NOVEMBER 2004

LM3914 Dot/Bar Display Driver
Check for Samples: LM3914
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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 Outputcurrent programmable from 2 mA to 30 mA

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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

DESCRIPTION
TheLM3914 is a monolithic integrated circuit that senses analog voltage levels and drives 10 LEDs, providing a linear analog display. A single pin changes the display from a moving dot to a bar graph. Current drive to the LEDs is regulated and programmable, eliminating the need for resistors. This feature is one that allows operation of the whole system from less than 3V. The circuit contains its ownadjustable reference and accurate 10-step voltage divider. The low-bias-current input buffer accepts signals down to ground, or V−, 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. Versatility was designedinto the LM3914 so that controller, visual alarm, and expanded scale functions are easily added on to the display system. The circuit can drive LEDs of many colors, or low-current incandescent lamps. Many LM3914s can be “chained” to form displays of 20 to over 100 segments. Both ends of the voltage divider are externally available so that 2 drivers can be made into a zero-center meter. The LM3914is 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. When in the dot mode, there is a small amount of overlap or “fade” (about 1 mV)between segments. This assures that at no time will all LEDs be “OFF”, and thus any ambiguous display is avoided. Various novel displays are possible. Much of the display flexibility derives from the fact that all outputs are individual, DC regulated currents. Various effects can be achieved by modulating these currents. The individual outputs can drive a transistor as well as a LED at the same time,so controller functions including “staging” control can be performed. The LM3914 can also act as a programmer, or sequencer. The LM3914 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. The LM3914N-1 is available in an 18-lead molded (N) package. The following typical application illustrates adjusting of the reference to a desired value, and proper grounding for accurate operation, and avoidingoscillations.

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Copyright © 2004, Texas Instruments Incorporated

PRODUCTION DATA information is current as ofpublication date. Products conform to specifications per the terms of the Texas Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not necessarily include testing of all parameters.

LM3914
SNVS761A – MAY 2004 – REVISED NOVEMBER 2004 www.ti.com

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Note: Grounding method is typical of all uses. The 2.2μF tantalum or 10 μF aluminum electrolytic capacitor is needed...