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LM3914Ten-step linear LED display driver

Turn one analog voltage into a ten-level dot or bar display.

Manufacturer-referenced

Texas Instruments · LM3914N-1

PDIP-18SNVS761B · March 2013

LM3914 converts an analog input into ten evenly spaced display levels. A precision resistor ladder and ten comparators drive regulated LED current sinks, so the LEDs normally do not need individual series resistors. The display can show a single moving dot or a growing bar. The reference network sets the full-scale voltage and influences LED current. This example uses a 5 V supply, a nominal 0–1.25 V signal range and about 6 mA per indicator. The reference is not an exact 1.250 V calibration standard: actual thresholds and current follow the device and resistor tolerances. Package choices matter here: the through-hole LM3914N-1 has 18 pins, while the legacy LM3914VX/NOPB SMD part uses a 20-pin PLCC with two unused contacts and different numbering. The manufacturer lists that PLCC orderable as obsolete. All four views follow the selected package; do not wire it using the DIP pin numbers.

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Real View

LM3914N-1 black PDIP-18 package with silver contacts and readable marking.
LM3914N-1 · PDIP-18Package illustration

Pinout

LM3914PDIP-18Top view
Select a pin to see its functionPDIP-18 · 18 pins

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18Physical pins LM3914N-1PDIP-18 Manufacturer-referencedTexas Instruments

Pin diagram

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Package map
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LM3914PDIP-18Top view

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1
PIN 1 · LED cathode sinks

LED1

Regulated current sink

Function

Current-regulated cathode driver for indicator 1. Current flows into this pin when active.

How to connect

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Electrical note

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

Key specifications

Turn one analog voltage into a ten-level dot or bar display.

Linear display steps10 Dot or bar
Reference1.28 V typical · specified test
Operating ambient0–70 °C
Programmed LED current2–30 mA feature range

Package details

LM3914N-1 · PDIP-18

Selected package
Selected LM3914 physical package
PropertyDetails
ManufacturerTexas Instruments
Part numberLM3914N-1
PackagePDIP-18
Connections18 pins
MountingThrough-hole
Lead pitch2.54 mm
Package codePDIP-18
Thermal referenceSee operating and package limits

Measurement conditions

5 V example; commercial ambient grade

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Electrical test supply3–20 VSee headroom and power limits; example uses 5 V
Ambient0–70°CCommercial parts
Normal signal range0 to V+−1.5 VNot the protected overvoltage rating
Reference / RHI / RLO headroomAt or below V+−1.5 VRHI/RLO specified up to12 V
Ladder resistance12 kΩ typical; 8–17 kΩBetween RHI and RLO
Scale accuracy0.5% typical; 2% max10 V full scale; offsets matter more at low scales

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

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Reference output1.20–1.34 V; 1.28 V typicalReference load0.1–4mA
REFADJ current75 µA typical; 120 µA maxAffects raised-reference calculations
LED current scaleApproximately10× reference output loadInclude the resistor ladder load
Specified LED current7–13 mA; 10 mA typicalReference load1mA, VLED5V
Signal bias current25 nA typical; 100 nA maxWithin normal signal range
Offset, first comparator + buffer3 mV typical; 10 mV maxLadder endpoints equal, ILED1mA
Other comparator offsets3 mV typical; 15 mV maxSame conditions

Use measured reference and calibrated scale for accurate instruments.

Nominal 1.25 V bar indicator

PDIP-18 drawing; use pin map for PLCC

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
V+ / V−5 V / GNDDIP3 / DIP2
RLO / REFADJBoth GNDDIP4 / DIP8
RHI / REFOUTJoined togetherDIP6 / DIP7
Current-setting resistor2.49 kΩ from REFOUT to GNDApproximate6mA class; ladder loading increases current
MODETie to V+ for barDIP9; leave open for dot
Input0 to nominal1.25 VDIP5; source referenced toGND
LEDsAnodes5V; cathodesLED1–LED10DIP1,18,17,16,15,14,13,12,11,10
Bypass100 nF plus10 µF near supplyLocal ground; bulk required for long LED leads

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

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
LED10.125 V(RHI−RLO)×1/10+RLO
LED20.250 V(RHI−RLO)×2/10+RLO
LED30.375 V(RHI−RLO)×3/10+RLO
LED40.500 V(RHI−RLO)×4/10+RLO
LED50.625 V(RHI−RLO)×5/10+RLO
LED60.750 V(RHI−RLO)×6/10+RLO
LED70.875 V(RHI−RLO)×7/10+RLO
LED81.000 V(RHI−RLO)×8/10+RLO
LED91.125 V(RHI−RLO)×9/10+RLO
LED101.250 V(RHI−RLO)×10/10+RLO

Ideal thresholds only. Actual reference, resistor ladder and comparator offset determine switching.

Loading and heat

Keep output dissipation under control

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Standby current2.4 mA typical; 4.2 mA max5 V, IREF0.2mA, outputs off
Output dropout1.5 V typical20mA LED current; stated regulation test
Output saturation0.15 V typical;0.4V max2mA LEDcurrent
Bar-mode example dissipationAbout0.18W in LED drivers10×(5−2)×0.006; plus internal dissipation
PDIP thermal reference55°C/W junction-to-ambientSpecified package; board-dependent
Maximum junction100°CApply derating at elevated ambient

Do not multiply the30mA feature value by ten without checking thermal feasibility.

Dot, bar and cascading

Use the MODE control correctly

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
BarMODE tied to V+All outputs up to the selected level light
DotMODE left open in single-chip useOne nominal indication; transitions can overlap
Grounded MODENot a generic dot-mode settingCan disable LED10 when far below the LED rail
CascadingFollow manufacturer circuitsSpecial full-scale dot carry behavior

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

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Physical pitch2.54 mmThrough-hole
Absolute supply / LED voltage25 VStress limit, not recommended continuous operation
Protected signal input±35 VInput current limited to±3mA; not linear measurement range
Reference load maximum10 mAStress rating
Storage−55 to+150°CUnpowered
SMD availabilityLM3914VX/NOPB obsoleteTI package addendum; legacy footprint only

Observe measurement headroom, current and thermal constraints together.

Connections by function

Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.

LED cathode sinks10 pins

Supply2 pins

Reference and scale4 pins

Signal and mode2 pins

Read the conditions with every value

Typical values describe stated test conditions. Absolute maximum ratings are stress limits, not operating targets.

Official PDF datasheet

LM3914 at a glance

Follow the labeled connections and functional stages

LM3914 working principle: illustrated functional stages, basic circuit and connections
Select the diagram to read it at full resolution.

How it works

3 stages · Explore one step at a time

Step 1 / 3

Set the scale

RLO and RHI establish the ten-step comparison range.

Step 2 / 3

Compare the input

The buffer distributes SIG to ten comparators connected to the ladder taps.

Step 3 / 3

Drive the LEDs

Dot/bar logic selects current sinks; the reference load sets approximate brightness.

LM3914 in a circuit

Physical DIP circuit with current-programmed LEDs.

LM3914N-1 with18pins,5Vsupply,2.49kcurrentresistor,REFOUTrange,tenLEDSandlocalbypass.
DIP pin labels shown. Change to the PLCC pin map for SMD assembly.

Connect it, step by step

Follow the component values and pin connections

Reference

REFADJ and RLO to GND; join RHI and REFOUT.

Program

Place2.49kΩ from REFOUT toGND; account for ladder load.

Indicate

MODE to5V forbar; ten LED anodes to5V and cathodes to their sinks.

Inside LM3914

Analog comparison and regulated LED sinks.

LM3914 functional cutaway: reference, ten-tap ladder, input buffer, comparator bank, dot bar logic and ten current sinks.
Functional architecture, not transistor-level artwork.

Explore the circuit

Select a stage to see its role and connections

Reference

Set scale and current.

Compare

Ten linear thresholds.

Display

Dot or bar drives regulated cathode sinks.

Selected packagePDIP-18LM3914N-1
Physical connections18 pinsPackage-specific numbering
Reference collection8 tables47 parameters & pin functions

Pin reference

Signal names, electrical functions and connection guidance

PDIP-18
Physical pin numbers18 pins

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LM3914 pin functions and connections
PinSignalTypeFunction & connection
LED1Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 1. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

V−Supply railCommon supply and signal return.
Connection guidance

Connect to GND.

Use exact package pin mapping; PLCC numbering differs from DIP.

V+Supply railPositive supply for the analog circuitry.
Connection guidance

Connect to regulated +5 V with local bypass.

Use exact package pin mapping; PLCC numbering differs from DIP.

RLOAnalog / controlBottom of the ten-step resistor ladder.
Connection guidance

Connect to GND for a zero-based scale.

Use exact package pin mapping; PLCC numbering differs from DIP.

SIGAnalog / controlHigh-impedance measured signal, compared with the ladder taps.
Connection guidance

Apply a signal between ground and the reference full scale.

Normal measurement input must stay within V+−1.5 V. Protection ratings are not measurement ranges.

RHIAnalog / controlTop of the ten-step resistor ladder.
Connection guidance

Connect to REFOUT in this example.

Use exact package pin mapping; PLCC numbering differs from DIP.

REFOUTAnalog / controlAdjustable reference output; loading this pin also programs LED current.
Connection guidance

Join RHI; connect 2.49 kΩ to GND for approximately 6 mA per LED.

Use exact package pin mapping; PLCC numbering differs from DIP.

REFADJAnalog / controlReference adjustment return.
Connection guidance

Connect to GND for the nominal 1.25 V reference.

Use exact package pin mapping; PLCC numbering differs from DIP.

MODEAnalog / controlSelects bar or dot display; also supports cascading.
Connection guidance

Connect to V+ for bar mode. Leave open for the single-chip dot example.

Do not simply ground MODE: pulling it far below the LED supply can disable LED10.

LED10Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 10. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED9Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 9. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED8Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 8. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED7Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 7. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED6Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 6. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED5Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 5. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED4Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 4. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED3Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 3. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

LED2Regulated current sinkCurrent-regulated cathode driver for indicator 2. Current flows into this pin when active.
Connection guidance

Connect the LED cathode here and its anode to the positive LED supply.

Check total package dissipation when many LEDs are lit.

PDIP-18 · Top view · Select a pin number to open its interactive pinout.

Measurement conditions

5 V example; commercial ambient grade

Manufacturer-referenced values6 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
Electrical test supply3–20 VSee headroom and power limits; example uses 5 V
Ambient0–70°CCommercial parts
Normal signal range0 to V+−1.5 VNot the protected overvoltage rating
Reference / RHI / RLO headroomAt or below V+−1.5 VRHI/RLO specified up to12 V
Ladder resistance12 kΩ typical; 8–17 kΩBetween RHI and RLO
Scale accuracy0.5% typical; 2% max10 V full scale; offsets matter more at low scales

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-referenced values7 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
Reference output1.20–1.34 V; 1.28 V typicalReference load0.1–4mA
REFADJ current75 µA typical; 120 µA maxAffects raised-reference calculations
LED current scaleApproximately10× reference output loadInclude the resistor ladder load
Specified LED current7–13 mA; 10 mA typicalReference load1mA, VLED5V
Signal bias current25 nA typical; 100 nA maxWithin normal signal range
Offset, first comparator + buffer3 mV typical; 10 mV maxLadder endpoints equal, ILED1mA
Other comparator offsets3 mV typical; 15 mV maxSame conditions

Use measured reference and calibrated scale for accurate instruments.

Nominal 1.25 V bar indicator

PDIP-18 drawing; use pin map for PLCC

Manufacturer-referenced values8 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
V+ / V−5 V / GNDDIP3 / DIP2
RLO / REFADJBoth GNDDIP4 / DIP8
RHI / REFOUTJoined togetherDIP6 / DIP7
Current-setting resistor2.49 kΩ from REFOUT to GNDApproximate6mA class; ladder loading increases current
MODETie to V+ for barDIP9; leave open for dot
Input0 to nominal1.25 VDIP5; source referenced toGND
LEDsAnodes5V; cathodesLED1–LED10DIP1,18,17,16,15,14,13,12,11,10
Bypass100 nF plus10 µF near supplyLocal ground; bulk required for long LED leads

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-referenced values10 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
LED10.125 V(RHI−RLO)×1/10+RLO
LED20.250 V(RHI−RLO)×2/10+RLO
LED30.375 V(RHI−RLO)×3/10+RLO
LED40.500 V(RHI−RLO)×4/10+RLO
LED50.625 V(RHI−RLO)×5/10+RLO
LED60.750 V(RHI−RLO)×6/10+RLO
LED70.875 V(RHI−RLO)×7/10+RLO
LED81.000 V(RHI−RLO)×8/10+RLO
LED91.125 V(RHI−RLO)×9/10+RLO
LED101.250 V(RHI−RLO)×10/10+RLO

Ideal thresholds only. Actual reference, resistor ladder and comparator offset determine switching.

Loading and heat

Keep output dissipation under control

Manufacturer-referenced values6 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
Standby current2.4 mA typical; 4.2 mA max5 V, IREF0.2mA, outputs off
Output dropout1.5 V typical20mA LED current; stated regulation test
Output saturation0.15 V typical;0.4V max2mA LEDcurrent
Bar-mode example dissipationAbout0.18W in LED drivers10×(5−2)×0.006; plus internal dissipation
PDIP thermal reference55°C/W junction-to-ambientSpecified package; board-dependent
Maximum junction100°CApply derating at elevated ambient

Do not multiply the30mA feature value by ten without checking thermal feasibility.

Dot, bar and cascading

Use the MODE control correctly

Manufacturer-referenced values4 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
BarMODE tied to V+All outputs up to the selected level light
DotMODE left open in single-chip useOne nominal indication; transitions can overlap
Grounded MODENot a generic dot-mode settingCan disable LED10 when far below the LED rail
CascadingFollow manufacturer circuitsSpecial full-scale dot carry behavior

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-referenced values6 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
Physical pitch2.54 mmThrough-hole
Absolute supply / LED voltage25 VStress limit, not recommended continuous operation
Protected signal input±35 VInput current limited to±3mA; not linear measurement range
Reference load maximum10 mAStress rating
Storage−55 to+150°CUnpowered
SMD availabilityLM3914VX/NOPB obsoleteTI package addendum; legacy footprint only

Observe measurement headroom, current and thermal constraints together.

Read each value with its conditions

Typical values describe the stated test conditions. Absolute maximum ratings are stress limits, not operating targets.

Texas Instruments · SNVS761B · March 2013
Official PDF datasheet

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