The LM3915 sure does bring back fond memories of Radio Shack in its technological prime. Radio Shack sold the LM3914 (linear response), LM3915 (logarithmic response) and LM3916 (VU response) LED dot/bar display driver ICs throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. I used the LM3914 driver to build a visual indicator for the relative speed of a variable motor control circuit I built for a project. I also built a VU meter for my car stereo using a couple of LM3916 VU response drivers. Both these ICs were bought from my local Radio Shack and the back of the blister-pack for the IC had a datasheet with enough information to get the device functioning in the typical use, as was typical for Archer branded components. Good times.
RIP Radio Shack. You are sorely missed.
The 3914 was (still is!) an invaluable little IC, I used (and still have) several of those floating around in things. I just wish they had developed a SOIC version of it, the only surface mount device that I know of is a PLCC.
That, and the LM3909. It's a shame those are out of production.
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