LM3916 - Dot/Bar Display Driver

Datasheet Packaging Samples & Pricing Application Notes Knowledge Base

Features
The LM3916 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. The LM3916N-1 is available in an 18-lead molded DIP package.
Fast responding electronic VU meter
Drivers LEDs, LCDs, or vacuum fluorescents
Bar or dot display mode externally selectable by user
Expandable to displays of 70 dB
Internal voltage reference from 1.2V to 12V
Operates with single supply of 3V to 25V
Inputs operate down to ground
Output current programmable from 1 mA to 30 mA
Input withstands ±35V without damage or false outputs
Outputs are current regulated, open collectors
Directly drives TTL or CMOS
The internal 10-step divider is floating and can be referenced to a wide range of voltages

General Description


The LM3916 is a monolithic integrated circuit that senses analog voltage levels and drives ten LEDs, LCDs or vacuum fluorescent displays, providing an electronic version of the popular VU meter. More...


  Typical Application
click for larger image


Parametric Table     expand
Parametric Table    collapse
Segments 10
DisplayType LED
Temperature Min 0 deg C
Temperature Max 70 deg C
Segments 10
DisplayType LED
Temperature Min 0 deg C
Temperature Max 70 deg C
View Using Catalog


Typical Performance


click for larger image


  Also Recommended
LP3943Low Voltage, 16 LED's
LP3944Low Voltage, 8 LED's
LM3914Linear Version
LM3915Logarithmic 3 DB/step Version

Additional Resources


Application Notes (see below)


Block Diagram


click for larger image



Datasheet
RoHS Compliance Information Size in KbytesDate Click link below to Download
LM3916 Dot/Bar Display Driver 972 Kbytes 1-Nov-04 Download

If you have trouble printing or viewing PDF file(s), see Printing Problems.


Package Availability, Models, Samples & Pricing
Part NumberPackageFactory Lead TimeModelsSamples &
Electronic
Orders
Budgetary PricingStd
Pack
Size
Package
Marking
Format
TypePinsSpec.MSL
Rating
Peak
Reflow
RoHS
Report
CAD
Symbols
WeeksQtyQty$US each
LM3916N-1MDIP18STD
NOPB
1
1
NA
NA
RoHS N/A Full productionN/A
Samples
Buy Now
1K+$1.00rail
of
20
NSUZXYYTT
LM3916N-1
8 weeks500

Obsolete Versions

Obsolete PartAlternate Part or SupplierSourceLast Time Buy Date
LM3916N
NONE
NONE
20 Dec 1999

General Description


The LM3916 is a monolithic integrated circuit that senses analog voltage levels and drives ten LEDs, LCDs or vacuum fluorescent displays, providing an electronic version of the popular VU meter. One pin changes the display from a bar graph to a moving dot display. LED current drive is regulated and programmable, eliminating the need for current limiting resistors. The whole display system can operate from a single supply as low as 3V or as high as 25V.

The IC contains an adjustable voltage reference and an accurate ten-step voltage divider. The high-impedance input buffer accepts signals down to ground and up to within 1.5V of the positive supply. Further, it needs no protection against inputs of ±35V. The input buffer drives 10 individual comparators referenced to the precision divider. Accuracy is typically better than 0.2 dB.

Audio applications include average or peak level indicators, and power meters. Replacing conventional meters with an LED bar graph results in a faster responding, more rugged display with high visibility that retains the ease of interpretation of an analog display.

The LM3916 is extremely easy to apply. A 1.2V full-scale meter requires only one resistor in addition to the ten LEDs. One more resistor programs the full-scale anywhere from 1.2V to 12V independent of supply voltage. LED brightness is easily controlled with a single pot.

The LM3916 is very versatile. The outputs can drive LCDs, vacuum fluorescents and incandescent bulbs as well as LEDs of any color. Multiple devices can be cascaded for a dot or bar mode display for increased range and/or resolution. Useful in other applications are the linear LM3914 and the logarithmic LM3915.

More Application Notes


TitleSize in Kbytes Date Click link below to Download
AN-460: Application Note 460 LM34/LM35 Precision Monolithic Temperature Sensors 306 Kbytes 20-Sep-02 Download
AN-460 (Japanese): Application Note 460 LM34/LM35 Precision Monolithic Temperature Sensors
322 Kbytes   Download
AN-386: Application Note 386 A Non-Complementary Audio Noise Reduction System 376 Kbytes 23-Sep-02 Download

If you have trouble printing or viewing PDF file(s), see Printing Problems.

[Information as of 3-Jul-2009]