LM3914N-1

Display Drivers Overview

The LM3914N-1 is a dot/bar display driver manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for driving LED arrays in logarithmic scale applications. It features an internal voltage reference and programmable output current capability. The device operates on a single power supply ranging from 3V to 20V, with a typical supply current of 6.1 mA. It provides ten open-collector outputs capable of sourcing up to 30 mA each. The component is housed in an 18-pin DIP package and supports through-hole mounting. The operational temperature range extends from 0°C to +70°C.

Display Drivers Feature Summary

• Integrates a precision internal voltage reference for stable operation without external components.
• Supports both dot mode and bar mode display configurations via a single control pin.
• Features programmable output current limits to accommodate various LED types and brightness requirements.
• Provides ten independent open-collector outputs for direct LED driving.

Display Drivers Applications

• Audio level meters for visualizing signal strength
• Voltage monitoring displays
• Temperature indicator panels
• General-purpose analog-to-digital visualization

Display Drivers Procurement Notes

Verify RoHS compliance status carefully, as specific listings indicate non-compliance or lead-containing variants. Confirm package authenticity against the 18-DIP specification. Check for obsolete status updates from Texas Instruments prior to final procurement decisions. Ensure supplier documentation matches the exact part number suffix to avoid functional discrepancies.

Display Drivers Selection Notes

Select this component when a logarithmic response curve is required for LED array visualization. Consider the 18-pin DIP package constraint for PCB layout compatibility. Evaluate the 30 mA per output limit against total LED current requirements. Verify that the single-supply voltage range aligns with the system's available power rails.

Display Drivers Part Context

This part belongs to the LM3914 family of display drivers, originally developed by National Semiconductor and now produced by Texas Instruments. It is distinct from the LM3915 (logarithmic) and LM3916 (linear) variants in terms of specific scaling characteristics, though they share similar architectural principles. The 'N-1' suffix typically denotes the PDIP package variant.

Display Drivers Replacement Considerations

• LM3914N/NOPB
• LM3914DR

Display Drivers FAQ

What is the maximum output current per channel?

Each of the ten outputs can source up to 30 mA.

Does the LM3914N-1 support linear scale display?

No, the LM3914 is specifically designed for logarithmic scale display; the LM3916 is used for linear scale.