LM3915

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SNVS740C – JANUARY 2000 – REVISED MARCH 2013

LM3915 Dot/Bar Display Driver

Check for Samples: LM3915

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FEATURES

DESCRIPTION

The LM3915 is a monolithic integrated circuit that

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•

3 dB/step, 30 dB Range

senses analog voltage levels and drives ten LEDs,

•

Drives LEDs, LCDs, or Vacuum Fluorescents

LCDs or vacuum fluorescent displays, providing a

•

Bar or Dot Display Mode Externally Selectable

logarithmic

3

dB/step

analog

display.

One

pin

by User

changes the display from a bar graph to a moving dot

display.

LED

current

drive

is

regulated

and

•

Expandable to Displays of 90 dB

programmable, eliminating the need for current

•

Internal Voltage Reference from 1.2V to 12V

limiting resistors. The whole display system can

•

Operates with Single Supply of 3V to 25V

operate from a single supply as low as 3V or as high

as 25V.

•

Inputs Operate Down to Ground

•

Output Current Programmable from 1 mA to 30

The IC contains an adjustable voltage reference and

an accurate ten-step voltage divider. The high-

mA

impedance input buffer accepts signals down to

•

Input Withstands ±35V without Damage or

ground and up to within 1.5V of the positive supply.

False Outputs

Further, it needs no protection against inputs of ±35V.

•

Outputs are Current Regulated, Open

The input buffer drives 10 individual comparators

Collectors

referenced to the precision divider. Accuracy is

typically better than 1 dB.

•

Directly Drives TTL or CMOS

•

The Internal 10-step Divider is Floating and

The LM3915's 3 dB/step display is suited for signals

with wide dynamic range, such as audio level, power,

can be Referenced to a Wide Range of

light intensity or vibration. Audio applications include

Voltages

average or peak level indicators, power meters and

The LM3915 is Rated for Operation from 0°C to

RF signal strength meters. Replacing conventional

+70°C. The LM3915N-1 is Available in an 18-

meters with an LED bar graph results in a faster

lead PDIP Package.

responding, more rugged display with high visibility

that retains the ease of interpretation of an analog

display.

The LM3915 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 LM3915 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 with a range

of 60 or 90 dB. LM3915s can also be cascaded with

LM3914s for a linear/log display or with LM3916s for

an extended-range VU meter.

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PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication date.

Copyright © 2000–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Products conform to specifications per the terms of the Texas

Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not

necessarily include testing of all parameters.