LM3916 Datasheet, PDF (1/32 Pages) National Semiconductor (TI) – Dot/Bar Display Driver

LM3916
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SNVS762B – JANUARY 2000 – REVISED MARCH 2013
LM3916 Dot/Bar Display Driver
Check for Samples: LM3916
FEATURES
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•2 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
The LM3916 is Rated for Operation from 0°C to
+70°C. The LM3916N-1 is Available in an 18-
lead PDIP Package.
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.
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2
PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication date.
Products conform to specifications per the terms of the Texas
Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not
necessarily include testing of all parameters.
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