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LM3914: LM3914N-1/NOPB Part Replacement

Art Mecina
Genius 16585 points
Part Number: LM3914
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LP3944,

Hi E2E,

Good day.

We have a customer asking for the closest alternative for LM3914N-1/NOPB. The customer is asking specifically for a DIP package alternative.
I saw a different post that mentions LP3944 is a possible alternative but is this an exact replacement? If not what are the major differences?

LM3914: www.ti.com/.../LM3914

Thanks in advance!

Art

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 18550 points

    Hello Art,

    Thank you for your post. Let us look into the differences between the two parts and get back to you in the next couple of days.

    Kind Regards,

    Liaqat

  • 0 in reply to Liaqat Khan
    TI__Genius 16585 points

    Hello Liaqat,

    Thank you very much for looking into this.

    Art

  • 0 in reply to Art Mecina
    TI__Mastermind 18550 points

    Hello Art,

    I looked at the two datasheets and the biggest difference between the two devices are:

    -  that LM3914 has an internal reference structure to set up discrete voltage step levels internally for comparison and it than compares the input analog signal from the application to turn on appropriate number LEDs that is in direct correlation to input analog signal. So it functions like an analog meter which only takes an analog signal from the system and requires no further interventions from the system to work.

    - In comparison, LP3944 does not have an internal reference structure to create discrete voltage steps for comparison but rather relies on system microcontroller to turn on/off individual LEDs to implement the functionality desired by the system. So it is more of LED driver that implements LED dimming via PWM control and other features that are traditionally associated with LED driving applications. It lacks the metering functionality implemented in LM3914.

    My explanation will make more sense once you review both of these datasheets.

    Unfortynately, I am not finding another TI device that implements the same functionality that LM3914 provides. TI website shows that PLCC package of LM3914 is active so my recommendation is to change designs to use PLCC package.

    Kind Regards,

    Liaqat

  • 0 in reply to Liaqat Khan
    TI__Genius 16585 points

    Hello Liaqat,

    Thanks for the detailed response on this!

    Art