General Description
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.
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.
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 can also be controlled by
directly pulse-width modulating the BLANK input.
The MAX6921 has a serial interface data output, DOUT,
allowing any number of devices to be cascaded on the
same serial interface.
The MAX6931 has a negative supply voltage input, V
SS
,
allowing the drivers’ output swing to be made bipolar to
simplify filament biasing in many applications.
The MAX6921 is available in 28-pin TSSOP, SO, and
PLCC packages. The MAX6931 is available in a 28-pin
TSSOP package.
Maxim also offers 12-output VFD drivers (MAX6920) and
32-output VFD drivers (MAX6922/MAX6932).
Applications
White Goods Industrial Weighing
Gaming Machines Security
Automotive Telecom
Avionics VFD Modules
Instrumentation Industrial Control
Features
o 5MHz Industry-Standard 4-Wire Serial Interface
o 3V to 5.5V Logic Supply Range
o 8V to 76V Grid/Anode Supply Range
o -11V to 0V Filament Bias Supply (MAX6931 Only)
o Push-Pull CMOS High-Voltage Outputs
o Outputs can Source 40mA, Sink 4mA
Continuously
o Outputs can Source 75mA Repetitive Pulses
o Outputs can be Paralleled for Higher Current Drive
o Any Output can be Used as a Grid or an Anode
Driver
o Blank Input Simplifies PWM Intensity Control
o Small 28-Pin TSSOP Package
o -40°C to +125°C Temperature Range
MAX6921/MAX6931
20-Output, 76V, Serial-Interfaced
VFD Tube Drivers
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Maxim Integrated Products
1
Ordering Information
19-3020; Rev 1; 4/10
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.