LM3914VX/NOPB

Product Overview

Category: Integrated Circuit (IC)

Use: The LM3914VX/NOPB is a versatile analog display driver IC that can be used to drive a wide range of LED-based displays. It is commonly used in applications where visual indication of a signal's level or magnitude is required.

Characteristics: - Analog display driver - Drives up to 10 LEDs directly - Wide operating voltage range: 3V to 25V - Low quiescent current: 3mA - Adjustable LED brightness levels - Linear or logarithmic output scaling options - Internal voltage reference - Built-in power-on reset

Package: The LM3914VX/NOPB is available in a standard 18-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package) format, which makes it easy to integrate into various electronic circuits.

Essence: This IC serves as a key component in designing LED-based bar graph displays, VU meters, and other similar visual indicators. It simplifies the process of driving multiple LEDs with precise control over their brightness levels.

Packaging/Quantity: The LM3914VX/NOPB is typically sold in reels or tubes containing a specified quantity of ICs, such as 100 or 250 units per package.

Specifications

• Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 25V
• Output Current Range: 10mA to 30mA
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Reference Voltage: 1.2V to 12V (adjustable)
• Number of LEDs: Up to 10
• LED Brightness Levels: Adjustable via external resistors
• Output Scaling: Linear or logarithmic
• Quiescent Current: 3mA (typical)

Pin Configuration

The LM3914VX/NOPB IC has 18 pins, each serving a specific function. The pin configuration is as follows:

1. V+ (Positive Supply Voltage)
2. REF OUT (Reference Voltage Output)
3. REF ADJ (Reference Voltage Adjust)
4. RHI (High Reference Input)
5. RLO (Low Reference Input)
6. MODE (Mode Select)
7. V- (Negative Supply Voltage)
8. GND (Ground)
9. OUT10 (LED Output 10)
10. OUT9 (LED Output 9)
11. OUT8 (LED Output 8)
12. OUT7 (LED Output 7)
13. OUT6 (LED Output 6)
14. OUT5 (LED Output 5)
15. OUT4 (LED Output 4)
16. OUT3 (LED Output 3)
17. OUT2 (LED Output 2)
18. OUT1 (LED Output 1)

Functional Features

The LM3914VX/NOPB offers the following functional features:

• Precise control over LED brightness levels
• Adjustable reference voltage for scaling the input signal
• Choice between linear or logarithmic output scaling
• Built-in power-on reset to ensure proper initialization
• Wide operating voltage range for compatibility with various power sources
• Low quiescent current for energy efficiency

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: - Versatile and easy-to-use analog display driver - Can directly drive up to 10 LEDs without additional components - Adjustable brightness levels provide flexibility in visual indication - Linear or logarithmic scaling options cater to different applications - Internal voltage reference simplifies circuit design - Built-in power-on reset ensures reliable operation

Disadvantages: - Limited number of LED outputs (up to 10) - Requires external resistors for LED brightness adjustment - Not suitable for applications requiring a large number of LEDs

Working Principles

The LM3914VX/NOPB operates based on the principle of dividing an input voltage range into multiple segments and driving corresponding LEDs to indicate the signal level. The IC compares the input voltage with an internal reference voltage and activates the appropriate LED outputs accordingly.

The brightness levels of the LEDs can be adjusted by connecting external resistors to the IC's pins. By selecting the desired scaling mode (linear or logarithmic), the output LEDs can accurately represent the input signal's magnitude.

Detailed Application Field Plans

The LM3914VX/NOPB finds extensive use in various applications, including:

1. Audio Equipment: VU meters, audio level indicators
2. Power Monitoring: Battery charge level indicators, power supply voltage monitoring
3. Automotive: Dashboard displays, fuel level indicators
4. Test and Measurement: Signal strength indicators, oscilloscope displays
5. Industrial Control: Process control panels, status indicators

Detailed and Complete Alternative Models

While the LM3914VX/NOPB is a popular choice for analog display driver applications, there are alternative models available from different