Rainbow Electronics MAX6920 User Manual
General description, Applications, Features

General Description
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.
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.
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.
The MAX6920 has a serial interface data output pin,
DOUT, allowing any number of devices to be cascaded
on the same serial interface.
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).
Applications
White Goods
Industrial Weighing
Gaming Machines
Security
Automotive
Telecom
Avionics
Features
♦ 5MHz Industry-Standard 4-Wire Serial Interface
♦ 3V to 5.5V Logic Supply Range
♦ 8V to 76V Grid/Anode Supply Range
♦ Push-Pull CMOS High-Voltage Outputs
♦ Outputs can Source 40mA, Sink 4mA
Continuously
♦ Outputs can Source 75mA Repetitive Pulses
♦ Outputs can be Paralleled for Higher Current
Drive
♦ Any Output can be Used as a Grid or an Anode
Driver
♦ Blank Input Simplifies PWM Intensity Control
♦ Small 20-Pin SO Package
♦ -40°C to +125°C Temperature Range
MAX6920
12-Output, 76V, Serial-Interfaced
VFD Tube Driver
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
Ordering Information
19-3061; Rev 0; 10/03
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.
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX6920AWP
-40
°C to +125°C
20 Wide SO
MAX6920
DIN
CLK
LOAD
OUT0 – OUT11
VFD TUBE
VFDOUT
VFLOAD
VFCLK
BLANK
VFBLANK
1
20
19
12
11
9
10
12
V
CC
GND
V
BB
+60V
+5V
C1
100nF
C2
100nF
µC
Typical Operating Circuit
TOP VIEW
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
V
CC
DIN
OUT0
OUT1
OUT2
OUT3
OUT4
OUT5
LOAD
CLK
GND
BLANK
OUT6
OUT7
OUT8
OUT9
OUT10
OUT11
DOUT
V
BB
MAX6920AWP
Pin Configuration