19-3020; Rev 0; 10/03
20-Output, 76V, Serial-Interfaced
VFD Tube Drivers
General Description
Features
ꢀ 5MHz Industry-Standard 4-Wire Serial Interface
ꢀ 3V to 5.5V Logic Supply Range
The MAX6921/MAX6931 are 20-output, 76V, vacuum-
fluorescent display (VFD) tube drivers that interface a
multiplexed VFD tube to a VFD controller, such as the
MAX6850–MAX6853, or to a microcontroller. The
MAX6921/MAX6931 are also ideal for driving static VFD
tubes or telecom relays.
ꢀ 8V to 76V Grid/Anode Supply Range
ꢀ -11V to 0V Filament Bias Supply (MAX6931 Only)
ꢀ Push-Pull CMOS High-Voltage Outputs
Data is input using an industry standard 4-wire serial
interface (CLOCK, DATA, LOAD, BLANK), compatibile
with either Maxim’s or industry-standard VFD driver and
controller.
ꢀ Outputs can Source 40mA, Sink 4mA
Continuously
ꢀ Outputs can Source 75mA Repetitive Pulses
ꢀ Outputs can be Paralleled for Higher Current Drive
For easy display control, the active-high BLANK input
forces all driver outputs low, turning the display off, and
automatically puts the MAX6921/MAX6931 into shut-
down mode. Display intensity may also be controlled by
directly pulse-width modulating the BLANK input.
ꢀ Any Output can be Used as a Grid or an Anode
Driver
ꢀ Blank Input Simplifies PWM Intensity Control
ꢀ Small 28-Pin TSSOP Package
The MAX6921 has a serial interface data output, DOUT,
allowing any number of devices to be cascaded on the
same serial interface.
ꢀ -40°C to +125°C Temperature Range
The MAX6931 has a negative supply voltage input, V
allowing the drivers’ output swing to be made bipolar to
simplify filament biasing in many applications.
,
SS
Ordering Information
PART
MAX6921AUI
MAX6921AWI
MAX6921AQI
MAX6931AUI
TEMP RANGE
-40°C to +125°C
-40°C to +125°C
-40°C to +125°C
-40°C to +125°C
PIN-PACKAGE
28 TSSOP
The MAX6921 is available in 28-pin TSSOP, SO, and
PLCC packages. The MAX6931 is available in a 28-pin
TSSOP package.
28 Wide SO
28 PLCC
Maxim also offers 12-output VFD drivers (MAX6920) and
32-output VFD drivers (MAX6922/MAX6932).
28 TSSOP
Typical Operating Circuit
Applications
White Goods
Gaming Machines
Automotive
Industrial Weighing
Security
+5V
+60V
C2
100nF
C1
100nF
Telecom
Avionics
VFD Modules
Industrial Control
7
V
8
V
Instrumentation
CC
BB
µC
MAX6931
6
22
23
20
20
VFDOUT
VFCLK
DIN
OUT0–OUT19
CLK
VFLOAD
LOAD
BLANK
VFBLANK
V
GND
21
SS
9
-7V
C3
100nF
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet.
________________________________________________________________ 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.