19-3061; Rev 0; 10/03
12-Output, 76V, Serial-Interfaced
VFD Tube Driver
General Description
Features
ꢀ 5MHz Industry-Standard 4-Wire Serial Interface
ꢀ 3V to 5.5V Logic Supply Range
The MAX6920 is a 12-output, 76V, vacuum fluorescent
display (VFD) tube driver that interfaces a multiplexed
VFD tube to a VFD controller such as the
MAX6850–MAX6853 or to a microcontroller. The
MAX6920 is also ideal for driving either static VFD tubes
or telecom relays.
ꢀ 8V to 76V Grid/Anode Supply Range
ꢀ Push-Pull CMOS High-Voltage Outputs
ꢀ Outputs can Source 40mA, Sink 4mA
Data is inputted using an industry-standard 4-wire serial
interface (CLOCK, DATA, LOAD, BLANK) for compatibili-
ty with both industry-standard drivers and Maxim’s VFD
controllers.
Continuously
ꢀ Outputs can Source 75mA Repetitive Pulses
ꢀ Outputs can be Paralleled for Higher Current
For easy display control, the active-high BLANK input
forces all driver outputs low, turning the display off, and
automatically puts the MAX6920 into shutdown mode.
Display intensity may also be controlled by pulse-width
modulating the BLANK input.
Drive
ꢀ Any Output can be Used as a Grid or an Anode
Driver
ꢀ Blank Input Simplifies PWM Intensity Control
ꢀ Small 20-Pin SO Package
The MAX6920 has a serial interface data output pin,
DOUT, allowing any number of devices to be cascaded
on the same serial interface.
ꢀ -40°C to +125°C Temperature Range
The MAX6920 is available in a 20-pin SO package.
Maxim also offers VFD drivers with either 20
(MAX6921/MAX6931) or 32 outputs (MAX6922 and
MAX6932).
Ordering Information
Applications
White Goods
Gaming Machines
Automotive
Industrial Weighing
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
Security
MAX6920AWP
-40°C to +125°C
20 Wide SO
Telecom
Avionics
Pin Configuration
Typical Operating Circuit
TOP VIEW
+5V
+60V
V
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
20 V
CC
BB
C1
C2
100nF
100nF
DOUT
OUT11
OUT10
OUT9
19 DIN
18 OUT0
17 OUT1
16 OUT2
15 OUT3
14 OUT4
13 OUT5
12 LOAD
11 CLK
20
V
1
V
CC
BB
µC
MAX6920
OUT0 – OUT11
12
19
MAX6920AWP
VFDOUT
OUT8
DIN
11
12
9
VFCLK
CLK
OUT7
VFLOAD
LOAD
BLANK
OUT6
VFBLANK
BLANK
GND
10
GND 10
________________________________________________________________ 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.