simple led voltmetercircuit

This circuit is designed as a simple LED bar graph voltmeter. Each operational amplifier in the LM339 quad package functions as a comparator, comparing the input voltage (Vin) to a series of fixed voltage levels that are proportional to the power supply voltage (9V in this instance). The voltage levels against which the input voltage is compared can be adjusted through a resistor (R1). Initially, all the LEDs remain off because the outputs of all four op-amps are high, as the voltage at each non-inverting input exceeds that at the corresponding inverting input. As the input voltage increases, it surpasses the threshold voltage set for each op-amp sequentially, causing the output of that op-amp to drop low and illuminate its associated LED. Consequently, as the input voltage rises, an increasing number of LEDs will light up. Additional LEDs can be incorporated by adding more op-amps configured in a similar manner. Other op-amps may also be utilized for this circuit.

The LED bar graph voltmeter circuit utilizes the LM339 quad comparator IC, which contains four independent comparators capable of operating at a supply voltage of up to 36V. The design employs a reference voltage that is derived from the power supply voltage (9V), which is divided down using a resistor network. This allows the input voltage to be compared against multiple reference levels, creating a visual representation of the voltage level through the number of illuminated LEDs.

In the circuit, the input voltage (Vin) is connected to the non-inverting inputs of the op-amps, while the inverting inputs are connected to the reference voltage levels set by the resistor network. The resistor R1 allows for fine-tuning of the reference voltage, providing flexibility in the threshold levels for LED activation.

When the input voltage exceeds a specific reference voltage, the corresponding op-amp output transitions from a high state to a low state, which turns on the connected LED. This behavior continues for each op-amp in the LM339, resulting in a cascading effect where more LEDs illuminate as the input voltage increases.

For applications requiring a broader range of voltage indication, additional op-amps can be integrated into the circuit using the same comparator configuration, allowing for a more extensive bar graph display. This circuit can be adapted for various voltage ranges by altering the reference voltage levels and the power supply voltage, making it a versatile solution for visual voltage monitoring in electronic projects.This circuit is for a simple LED `bar graph` voltmeter. Each op-amp of the 339 quad operational amplifier is used as a comparator for comparing the input voltage Vin against a corresponding voltage level that`s a fixed proportion of the power supply (9V in this case). The voltage levels to which the input voltage is compared may be adjusted throug h R1. By default, all the LED`s are off because the outputs of all 339 op amps are `high`, since each non-inverting input voltage is higher than the corresponding inverting input voltage. As the input voltage rises, it exceeds the threshold voltage set for each op amp one by one, making the corresponding op amp`s output low and lighting its LED.

Thus, more and more LED`s are lighted up as the input voltage rises. More LED`s may be added by adding more op-amps connected in a similar manner. Of course, other op-amps may be used for this circuit too. 🔗 External reference