November 2005
LM8342
Programmable TFT VCOM Calibrator with Non-Volatile
Memory
General Description
Features
n I2C compatible programmable DAC to set the output
current
The LM8342 is an integrated combination of a non-volatile
register (7 bits EEPROM) and a DAC controlled current
source. Using the LM8342, the VCOM calibration procedure
is simplified by elimination of the potentiometer adjustment
task. This adjustment task is currently performed at the
factory using a trimmer adjustment tool and visual inspec-
tion.
n Guaranteed monotonic DAC
n Non-volatile memory to hold the setting
n EEPROM in system programmable
n No external programming voltage required
n Maximum interface bus speed is 400 kHz
n LLP-10 Package
The VCOM adjustment can be done electronically in produc-
tion, using the I2C compatible interface. The factory operator
can physically view the screen head-on (frontal viewing)
when performing this step, easing manufacturing especially
for large TFT panels.
Applications
n TFT panel factory calibration
n Digital potentiometer
The VCOM level is typically at half AVDD (determined by R1
and R2) and is buffered by the actual VCOM driver. By
controlling the level of IOUT, the VCOM level can be tuned.
The current level at the output of the LM8342 is a fraction
(1/128 to 128/128) of a maximum current which is set by
RSET and an analog reference (AVDD). The actual fraction is
determined by the 7-bit DAC. As a result, the output current
of the LM8342 has a good temperature stability yielding a
very stable VCOM adjustment. Controlling the DAC setting of
the LM8342 is done via its I2C compatible interface. The
actual DAC setting is stored in a volatile register. Using a
“Write to EE” command the data can be stored permanently
in the embedded EEPROM. At power on of the device, the
EEPROM data is copied to the volatile register, setting the
DAC. At any time, the data in the EEPROM can be changed
again via the I2C compatible interface.
n Programmable current sink
Typical Application
20139201
© 2005 National Semiconductor Corporation
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