BETALinear display steps10 Dot or bar
Ten-step linear LED display driver
LM3914 Specifications
Review LM3914 electrical specifications, operating conditions and package details.
Package view
Key specifications
Turn one analog voltage into a ten-level dot or bar display.
Reference1.28 V typical · specified test
Operating ambient0–70 °C
Programmed LED current2–30 mA feature range
Package details
LM3914N-1 · PDIP-18
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Part number | LM3914N-1 |
| Package | PDIP-18 |
| Connections | 18 pins |
| Mounting | Through-hole |
| Lead pitch | 2.54 mm |
| Package code | PDIP-18 |
| Thermal reference | See operating and package limits |
Measurement conditions
5 V example; commercial ambient grade
Manufacturer specifications 6 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical test supply | 3–20 V | See headroom and power limits; example uses 5 V |
| Ambient | 0–70°C | Commercial parts |
| Normal signal range | 0 to V+−1.5 V | Not the protected overvoltage rating |
| Reference / RHI / RLO headroom | At or below V+−1.5 V | RHI/RLO specified up to12 V |
| Ladder resistance | 12 kΩ typical; 8–17 kΩ | Between RHI and RLO |
| Scale accuracy | 0.5% typical; 2% max | 10 V full scale; offsets matter more at low scales |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
All limits retain their specified conditions. This low-voltage example is illustrative, not a precision instrument.
Reference and current programming
5 V supply, 25°C
Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reference output | 1.20–1.34 V; 1.28 V typical | Reference load0.1–4mA |
| REFADJ current | 75 µA typical; 120 µA max | Affects raised-reference calculations |
| LED current scale | Approximately10× reference output load | Include the resistor ladder load |
| Specified LED current | 7–13 mA; 10 mA typical | Reference load1mA, VLED5V |
| Signal bias current | 25 nA typical; 100 nA max | Within normal signal range |
| Offset, first comparator + buffer | 3 mV typical; 10 mV max | Ladder endpoints equal, ILED1mA |
| Other comparator offsets | 3 mV typical; 15 mV max | Same conditions |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Use measured reference and calibrated scale for accurate instruments.
Nominal 1.25 V bar indicator
PDIP-18 drawing; use pin map for PLCC
Manufacturer specifications 8 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| V+ / V− | 5 V / GND | DIP3 / DIP2 |
| RLO / REFADJ | Both GND | DIP4 / DIP8 |
| RHI / REFOUT | Joined together | DIP6 / DIP7 |
| Current-setting resistor | 2.49 kΩ from REFOUT to GND | Approximate6mA class; ladder loading increases current |
| MODE | Tie to V+ for bar | DIP9; leave open for dot |
| Input | 0 to nominal1.25 V | DIP5; source referenced toGND |
| LEDs | Anodes5V; cathodesLED1–LED10 | DIP1,18,17,16,15,14,13,12,11,10 |
| Bypass | 100 nF plus10 µF near supply | Local ground; bulk required for long LED leads |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
With1.25V and12kΩ ladder, IREF≈1.25/2490+1.25/12000=0.606mA; ILED≈6.06mA. This includes the ladder current.
Expected bar thresholds
RLO=0; RHI nominal1.25 V
Manufacturer specifications 10 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| LED1 | 0.125 V | (RHI−RLO)×1/10+RLO |
| LED2 | 0.250 V | (RHI−RLO)×2/10+RLO |
| LED3 | 0.375 V | (RHI−RLO)×3/10+RLO |
| LED4 | 0.500 V | (RHI−RLO)×4/10+RLO |
| LED5 | 0.625 V | (RHI−RLO)×5/10+RLO |
| LED6 | 0.750 V | (RHI−RLO)×6/10+RLO |
| LED7 | 0.875 V | (RHI−RLO)×7/10+RLO |
| LED8 | 1.000 V | (RHI−RLO)×8/10+RLO |
| LED9 | 1.125 V | (RHI−RLO)×9/10+RLO |
| LED10 | 1.250 V | (RHI−RLO)×10/10+RLO |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Ideal thresholds only. Actual reference, resistor ladder and comparator offset determine switching.
Loading and heat
Keep output dissipation under control
Manufacturer specifications 6 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standby current | 2.4 mA typical; 4.2 mA max | 5 V, IREF0.2mA, outputs off |
| Output dropout | 1.5 V typical | 20mA LED current; stated regulation test |
| Output saturation | 0.15 V typical;0.4V max | 2mA LEDcurrent |
| Bar-mode example dissipation | About0.18W in LED drivers | 10×(5−2)×0.006; plus internal dissipation |
| PDIP thermal reference | 55°C/W junction-to-ambient | Specified package; board-dependent |
| Maximum junction | 100°C | Apply derating at elevated ambient |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Do not multiply the30mA feature value by ten without checking thermal feasibility.
Dot, bar and cascading
Use the MODE control correctly
Manufacturer specifications 4 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bar | MODE tied to V+ | All outputs up to the selected level light |
| Dot | MODE left open in single-chip use | One nominal indication; transitions can overlap |
| Grounded MODE | Not a generic dot-mode setting | Can disable LED10 when far below the LED rail |
| Cascading | Follow manufacturer circuits | Special full-scale dot carry behavior |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
This example uses bar mode; the LED output numbering runs in the reverse physical order along the DIP right side.
Package and stress limits
LM3914N-1 · PDIP-18
Manufacturer specifications 6 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical pitch | 2.54 mm | Through-hole |
| Absolute supply / LED voltage | 25 V | Stress limit, not recommended continuous operation |
| Protected signal input | ±35 V | Input current limited to±3mA; not linear measurement range |
| Reference load maximum | 10 mA | Stress rating |
| Storage | −55 to+150°C | Unpowered |
| SMD availability | LM3914VX/NOPB obsolete | TI package addendum; legacy footprint only |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Observe measurement headroom, current and thermal constraints together.
Connections by function
Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.