19-2911 Rev 2; 8/04
EEPROM-Programmable TFT VCOM Calibrator
General Description
Features
The MAX1512 is a programmable VCOM-adjustment
solution for thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal displays
(LCDs). The MAX1512 simplifies the labor-intensive
VCOM-adjustment process and replaces mechanical
potentiometers, which significantly reduces labor costs,
increases reliability, and enables automation.
♦ 7-Bit Adjustable Sink-Current Output
♦ Resistor-Adjustable Full-Scale Range
♦ Guaranteed Monotonic Output Over Operating
Range
♦ Single-Wire Adjustment and Programming*
♦ EEPROM Stores VCOM Setting
The MAX1512 attaches to an external resistive voltage-
divider and sinks a programmable current to set the
VCOM voltage level. An internal 7-bit digital-to-analog
converter (DAC) controls the sink current. The DAC is
ratiometric relative to AVDD and is guaranteed to be
monotonic over all operating conditions. This VCOM
calibrator IC includes an EEPROM to store the desired
VCOM voltage level. The EEPROM can be programmed
repeatedly, giving TFT LCD manufacturers the flexibility
to calibrate the display panel as many times as the
manufacturing process requires.
♦ Interface Enable/Disable Control (CE)
♦ 2.6V to 3.6V Logic Supply-Voltage Operating
Range (V
)
DD
♦ 4.5V to 20V Analog Supply-Voltage Range (V
)
AVDD
♦ V
UVLO Protection
DD
♦ 8-Pin 3mm x 3mm TDFN (0.8mm max)
The IC features a single-wire interface between the
LCD panel and the programming circuit. The single-
wire interface delivers both programming power and
DAC-adjustment commands to minimize changes to
panel connectors and production equipment. The
MAX1512 is available in an 8-pin 3mm x 3mm TDFN
package. A complete evaluation kit is available to sim-
plify evaluation and production development.
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1512ETA
-40°C to +85°C 8 TDFN 3mm x 3mm
Applications
LCD Panels
Notebook Computers
Monitors
Typical Operating Circuit
LCD TVs
V
DD
Pin Configuration
AVDD
V
DD
AVDD
TOP VIEW
CE
R1
OUT
AVDD
N.C.
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
SET
CE
MAX1512
OUT
SET
MAX1512
CTL
VCOM
R2
GND
V
DD
CTL
TDFN
GND
R
SET
*Patent Pending.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.