I just have a quick question. I recently bought a few lm3915 and lm3916 and both are labelled as Bar/Dot display drivers. After looking at the datasheets, I'm failling to spot the difference between the two.
So my questions is rather simple, what's the difference between the two?
The LM3916 is a "VU" meter. I don't like it because the spacings between the steps are all different and the spacings between the steps of an LM3915 are all the same at 3dB each. The range of the LM3915 is logarithmic the same as our response to loudness and brightness.
You can cascade two or more LM3915 ICs and the steps are still spaced 3dB apart but you cannot cascade LM3916 ICs.
The LM3914 has equal 10% of full range between steps. It has a linear range like a voltmeter which is no good for audio or brightness levels.
All three ICs have an adjustable voltage reference and Pin 9 sets the display to show a bar or a dot.
Bar/Dot Display Driver
Posted - Jun 12 2009 : 10:37:10 AM
