LM3914N-1 National Dot Bar Graph Driver Reg LED DIP18 Pack of 10

Description

Product Overview

The LM3914N-1 is a highly integrated dot and bar‑graph display driver designed by National Semiconductor. It features an internal voltage reference that can be programmed from 1.2 V up to 12 V, providing flexible operation across a broad range of supply voltages. The device regulates LED current without the need for external resistors, simplifying circuit design and reducing component count. Packaged in a compact DIP‑18 footprint, the driver is ideal for breadboard testing, rapid prototyping, and low‑profile installations. Its ability to drive up to 100 steps makes it suitable for both simple indicator panels and more complex multi‑segment displays. The LM3914N-1 operates from a single supply voltage as low as 3 V, delivering consistent brightness and low power consumption. Robust silicon construction ensures reliable performance in industrial environments, while the pinout is designed for easy integration with standard signal processing circuits.

Usage

This driver excels in applications where visual feedback is essential. Typical use cases include voltage level meters, audio level indicators, battery charge status displays, and industrial process monitoring panels. Engineers and hobbyists alike benefit from its breadboard‑friendly DIP‑18 package, which allows quick insertion into prototype boards without soldering. The LM3914N-1 can be employed in educational kits to demonstrate analog-to-digital conversion concepts, as well as in commercial products such as medical equipment, automotive dashboards, and consumer electronics that require compact, reliable visual indicators. Its programmable current source adapts to various LED types, including standard LEDs, high‑brightness LEDs, and even low‑current LCD segments, providing versatility across many design scenarios.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the LM3914N-1 means selecting a component backed by National Semiconductor’s decades of expertise in analog and mixed‑signal technology. The driver is manufactured to stringent quality standards, ensuring each unit meets performance specifications for current regulation, voltage reference accuracy, and temperature stability. Our distribution network guarantees fast, reliable delivery, and we provide comprehensive technical support to assist with design integration, troubleshooting, and optimization. In addition, the product is covered by a limited warranty that reflects our confidence in its durability and long‑term reliability. By offering a pack of ten units, we enable designers to prototype multiple circuits simultaneously, reducing time‑to‑market and supporting iterative development processes.

Key Features

• Eliminates external resistors with built‑in regulated LED current source for cleaner designs.
• Supports both dot and bar‑graph display modes, selectable by the user for flexible visual output.
• Expandable to 100 steps, allowing high‑resolution indication for precise monitoring.
• Operates from a single supply voltage as low as 3 V, simplifying power management.
• Backed by responsive technical support and a warranty for peace of mind.

FAQ

What supply voltage range does the LM3914N-1 support?

The driver works with a single supply voltage ranging from 3 V up to 12 V, making it adaptable to many low‑power and standard‑voltage applications.

Can the LM3914N-1 drive both LEDs and LCDs?

Yes, the device can source current to LEDs, LCDs, and even vacuum fluorescent displays, provided the appropriate current settings are configured.

How many display steps can be cascaded with this driver?

The LM3914N-1 can be expanded to control up to 100 individual segments, allowing for detailed multi‑segment displays.

Is the DIP‑18 package suitable for surface‑mount technology?

While the DIP‑18 package is primarily intended for through‑hole mounting, it can be used on surface‑mount boards with appropriate footprint adaptations, though a surface‑mount variant would be more optimal for high‑density designs.

What is the advantage of the internal voltage reference?

The internal reference provides stable and accurate voltage levels without external components, reducing design complexity and improving overall system reliability.