INDUSTRY'S FIRST I2C-COMPATIBLE 7-, 14-, AND 16-SEGMENT VFD CONTROLLER WITH BUILT-IN FILAMENT DRIVE CONTROL
SUNNYVALE, CA-February 24, 2003-Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ:MXIM) introduces the MAX6851, the industry's first vacuum-fluorescent display (VFD) controller with embedded fonts, multiplex timing control, and filament timing for flicker-free displays. A 400kHz 2-wire SMBus/I2C-compatible bus interfaces the MAX6851 to a microprocessor. The MAX6851 controls a starburst numeric or alphanumeric VFD up to 96 characters. Additionally, it supports displays with either one or two characters per grid with 16-step digital brightness control. Suited for displays with predominantly 7-, 14-, and 16-segment alphanumeric characters, the MAX6851 includes a 104-character font and 24 characters of user-defined fonts on chip.
An internal output map works like a crosspoint switch connecting any tube-driver pin to any grid or anode. The driver is therefore compatible with any VFD tube-driver combination, including chip-in-glass (CIG). A cursor segment and up to four annunciators may be assigned per grid, each with independent two-phase blink control.
The MAX6851 also provides timing to generate PWM waveforms to bridge-drive the VFD filament easily from a DC supply. The filament drive is synchronized to the display multiplexing to eliminate beat artifacts. Dead-clock protection is built-in, protecting the display in the event of a multiplex clock failure.
The MAX6851 operates from a 2.7V to 3.6V supply in the automotive temperature range (-40°C to +125°C). It is available in a 16-pin QSOP (6mm x 9.9mm) package. Prices start at $4.17 (1000-up, FOB USA).
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