LM3915/LM3916 VU Meter

Features

Fast responding electronic VU meter

Drivers LEDs, LCDs, or vacuum fluorescents

Bar or dot display mode externally selectable by user

Expandable to displays of 70 dB

Internal voltage reference from 1.2V to 12V

Operates with single supply of 3V to 25V

Inputs operate down to ground

Output current programmable from 1 mA to 30 mA

Input withstands ±35V without damage or false outputs

Outputs are current regulated, open collectors

Directly drives TTL or CMOS

The internal 10-step divider is floating and can be referenced to a wide range of voltages The LM3916 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. The LM3916N-1 is available in an 18-lead molded DIP package.

Description
The LM3916 is a monolithic integrated circuit that senses analog voltage levels and drives ten LEDs, LCDs or vacuum fluorescent displays, providing an electronic version of the popular VU meter. One pin changes the display from a bar graph to a moving dot display. LED current drive is regulated and programmable, eliminating the need for current limiting resistors. The whole display system can operate from a single supply as low as 3V or as high as 25V.
The IC contains an adjustable voltage reference and an accurate ten-step voltage divider. The high-impedance input buffer accepts signals down to ground and up to within 1.5V of the positive supply. Further, it needs no protection against inputs of ±35V. The input buffer drives 10 individual comparators referenced to the precision divider. Accuracy is typically better than 0.2 dB.
Audio applications include average or peak level indicators, and power meters. Replacing conventional meters with an LED bar graph results in a faster responding, more rugged display with high visibility that retains the ease of interpretation of an analog display.
The LM3916 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.