Renesas ICM7244BIM44ZT

Overview

ICM7244BIM44ZT from Renesas Electronics is an 8-character, microprocessor-compatible LED display decoder driver with integrated 64-character ASCII font ROM, 8×6 static RAM, segment/character drivers, and on-chip multiplex scan circuitry. It directly drives common-cathode 16-segment LED displays with internal 617Ω pull-up resistors, supports sequential or random data entry, and operates from a single +5V supply. Used in embedded instrumentation and industrial control panels requiring compact alphanumeric display interfacing.

For engineers reviewing the ICM7244BIM44ZT datasheet, ICM7244BIM44ZT pinout, ICM7244BIM44ZT application, or ICM7244BIM44ZT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 44-pin MQFP package, 400Hz display scan rate, 190mA character drive capability, 4.5mA segment drive current, and support for cascaded multi-8-character displays via DISP FULL and SEN signals.

Technical Context

The ICM7244BIM44ZT integrates a 200kHz relaxation oscillator (divided by 64 then by 8) to generate a 400Hz multiplex timing signal, with inter-character blanking (~5µs) to prevent ghosting. Its MODE pin selects between Sequential Access (auto-increment address counter, DISP FULL output active) and Random Access (A0–A2 address latched on WR edge).

Data entry occurs on the rising edge of WR (with CS enabled), latching 6-bit ASCII input into 8×6 memory. The OSC/OFF pin enables low-power shutdown mode when pulled low, retaining memory contents while disabling display outputs and oscillator - critical for power-sensitive portable instrumentation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ICM7244BIM44ZT is housed in a 44-lead Metric Quad Flatpack (MQFP) package per JEDEC MS-022AB, measuring 10mm × 10mm with 0.8mm lead pitch. The package is RoHS-compliant, Pb-free, and rated MSL3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED display driver applications.

Compared with ICM7244AIM44ZT, the ICM7244BIM44ZT extends cold-temperature operation to –40°C, making it suitable for unheated industrial environments; versus MAX6955ATL+, it delivers self-contained display control with zero MCU intervention but lacks I²C flexibility and dual-voltage support.

Availability

ICM7244BIM44ZT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, embedded test equipment, medical diagnostic devices, and automated manufacturing HMIs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for ICM7244BIM44ZT includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Renesas Electronics is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and mixed-signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The ICM7244BIM44ZT belongs to Renesas' legacy display interface product line, designed specifically to simplify alphanumeric LED display integration in resource-constrained microprocessor systems - minimizing software overhead and external component count.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ICM7244BIM44ZT in a display system?

The ICM7244BIM44ZT serves as a complete 8-character LED display controller and driver. It accepts 6-bit ASCII data from a microprocessor, stores it in internal 8×6 RAM, decodes it using an on-chip 64-character font ROM, and drives 16-segment + decimal point LEDs via dedicated character and segment outputs - eliminating the need for external decoding logic or driver transistors in common-cathode configurations.

How does the MODE pin affect the behavior of the ICM7244BIM44ZT?

The MODE pin determines data entry method: when high, ICM7244BIM44ZT operates in Sequential Access mode, auto-incrementing the internal address counter and asserting DISP FULL after eight entries; when low, it enters Random Access mode, using A0–A2 to select any of the eight character positions directly. The MODE state is latched on the falling edge of WR, and changes require a subsequent WR transition to take effect.

Can the ICM7244BIM44ZT drive common-anode LED displays?

No, the ICM7244BIM44ZT is designed exclusively for common-cathode LED displays. Its CHARx outputs are high-current sinking drivers (190mA typ.), and SEGx outputs feature internal 617Ω pull-up resistors - both optimized to source current to LED anodes and sink current from cathodes. Driving common-anode displays would require external inverters and high-side switches, violating the device's specified operating configuration.

What happens to display memory when the OSC/OFF pin is pulled low?

When OSC/OFF is pulled low, the ICM7244BIM44ZT enters standby mode: the internal oscillator stops, display scanning halts, and all character and segment outputs go to high-impedance (except parasitic diodes). Crucially, the 8×6 static RAM retains its stored data, allowing immediate resumption of display output upon returning OSC/OFF to a high state - no reinitialization or data reload is needed.

Is the ICM7244BIM44ZT pin-compatible with earlier versions like ICM7244AIM44ZT?

Yes, the ICM7244BIM44ZT is fully pin-compatible and electrically identical to the ICM7244AIM44ZT, sharing the same 44-pin MQFP footprint, pin functions, timing, and DC specifications. The only difference is the extended industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C vs. –25°C to +85°C), making ICM7244BIM44ZT a direct drop-in replacement where wider thermal operation is required.