LM3915 LED Dot-Bar Display Driver IC DIP-18

LM3915 LED Dot-Bar Display Driver IC DIP-18 is a versatile analog-controlled IC designed to drive 10 LEDs in either bar graph or dot display mode. It senses analog voltage levels and lights up LEDs proportionally, making it ideal for VU meters, battery indicators, and analog level displays.

Key Features:

• 10-Step Display: Drives 10 LEDs, LCDs, or vacuum fluorescent displays.
• Logarithmic Scale: 3dB per step logarithmic display for audio level indication.
• Adjustable Reference: Internal voltage reference with external adjustment.
• Dot or Bar Mode: Selectable via mode pin for different display styles.
• Low Power Operation: Typically less than 4mA current consumption.

Technical Specifications:

• Operating Voltage: 3V to 25V
• LED Drive Current: 1mA to 30mA (set by external resistor)
• Input Voltage Range: 0V to 2V (adjustable with reference)
• Display Mode: Dot or Bar selectable
• Internal Reference Voltage: 1.25V (adjustable externally)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: DIP-18 (Dual Inline Package)
• Mounting Type: Through-hole
• Lead Pitch: 2.54mm (standard)

Dimensions:

• Package Width: ~7.62mm
• Package Length: ~22.86mm
• Pin Count: 18 pins

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1-10: LED Outputs 1 to 10
• Pin 11: Mode Select (Dot/Bar)
• Pin 12: V_S (Supply Voltage)
• Pin 13: GND
• Pin 14: Signal Input
• Pin 15: Reference Adjust
• Pin 16: Reference Out
• Pin 17: LED Current Program
• Pin 18: Not Connected

Datasheet Reference:

• Search online for “LM3915 datasheet PDF by Texas Instruments”

Applications:

• VU Meter: Audio signal level visualization in sound systems
• Battery Level Indicator: Multi-segment battery charge level meter
• Power Meter: Analog sensor level display
• Temperature Display: Used with analog sensors for thermal visualization
• DIY Electronics: Useful in educational and lab instruments

Equivalent Models:

• LM3914: Linear scale version for analog voltmeters
• LM3916: Designed for audio VU meters with custom response
• ICL7107 + Discrete LEDs: Alternative digital voltmeter display combo

Package Includes:

• 1 x LM3915 Dot/Bar Display Driver IC DIP-18