LM3914N-1/NOPB

Product Overview

Category

The LM3914N-1/NOPB belongs to the category of integrated circuits (ICs).

Use

This IC is primarily used for driving a series of LEDs, making it suitable for applications such as audio level indicators, VU meters, and battery monitors.

Characteristics

• The LM3914N-1/NOPB is a monolithic integrated circuit that can drive up to 10 LEDs.
• It operates on a wide supply voltage range of 3V to 25V.
• This IC provides a logarithmic display of analog voltages, making it ideal for visualizing audio signals or other logarithmic quantities.
• It offers a simple method for controlling LED brightness using only a single resistor.
• The LM3914N-1/NOPB has a low quiescent current, making it energy-efficient.

Package

The LM3914N-1/NOPB is available in a 18-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) package.

Essence

The essence of the LM3914N-1/NOPB lies in its ability to accurately drive multiple LEDs based on an input voltage, enabling visual representation of various analog quantities.

Packaging/Quantity

The LM3914N-1/NOPB is typically sold in reels or tubes, with each reel or tube containing a specified quantity of ICs.

Specifications

• Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 25V
• Number of LEDs: Up to 10
• Output Current per LED: Adjustable
• Quiescent Current: Low
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Package Type: 18-pin PDIP

Detailed Pin Configuration

The LM3914N-1/NOPB has 18 pins, which are assigned specific functions. The pin configuration is as follows:

1. V+ (Positive Supply Voltage)
2. REF OUT (Reference Output)
3. REF ADJ (Reference Adjust)
4. RHI (Right Hand Indicator)
5. LED 10
6. LED 9
7. LED 8
8. LED 7
9. LED 6
10. LED 5
11. LED 4
12. LED 3
13. LED 2
14. LED 1
15. GND (Ground)
16. MODE (Mode Select)
17. RLO (Right Left Indicator)
18. V- (Negative Supply Voltage)

Functional Features

The LM3914N-1/NOPB offers the following functional features:

• Logarithmic Display: Provides a logarithmic representation of analog voltages, allowing for accurate visualization of audio signals or other logarithmic quantities.
• Adjustable Brightness: Allows control of LED brightness using a single resistor, providing flexibility in visual display.
• Multiple LEDs: Can drive up to 10 LEDs, enabling the creation of visually appealing and informative displays.
• Low Quiescent Current: Consumes minimal current when not actively driving LEDs, resulting in energy efficiency.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Simple to Use: The LM3914N-1/NOPB offers a straightforward method for driving LEDs based on an input voltage.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for various applications such as audio level indicators, VU meters, and battery monitors.
• Energy-Efficient: Low quiescent current ensures minimal power consumption when not actively driving LEDs.

Disadvantages

• Limited LED Count: Can only drive up to 10 LEDs, which may be insufficient for certain applications requiring a larger number of LEDs.
• Lack of Advanced Features: The LM3914N-1/NOPB does not provide advanced functionalities such as built-in audio amplification or digital interfaces.

Working Principles

The LM3914N-1/NOPB operates based on the principle of dividing an input voltage range into multiple segments and driving corresponding LEDs based on the input voltage level. The IC uses a logarithmic scale to accurately represent analog voltages, providing a visual indication of the input signal's magnitude.

Detailed Application Field Plans

The LM3914N-1/NOPB finds applications in various fields, including:

1. Audio Equipment: It can be used as an audio level indicator or VU meter to visualize audio signals.
2. Battery Monitoring: The IC can be employed in battery monitors to display the remaining charge level.
3. Power Supplies: It can be utilized in power supply circuits to indicate output voltage levels.
4. Automotive Electronics: The LM3914N-1/NOPB can be integrated into automotive systems for displaying various parameters like speed, fuel level, or engine temperature.

Detailed and Complete Alternative Models

There are several alternative models available that offer similar functionality to the LM3914N-1/NOPB. Some notable alternatives include