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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6851AEE
- Part No.:
- MAX6851AEE
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Display Drivers
- Package:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6851AEE.pdf
- Description:
- 7/14/16-SEGMENT VFD CONTROL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,089
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Product details
Overview
MAX6851AEE from Maxim Integrated is a 2-wire (I²C-compatible) vacuum-fluorescent display (VFD) controller IC that generates multiplex timing and drives industry-standard shift-register VFD tube drivers. It supports up to 48 grids in 1-digit-per-grid mode (48 characters with annunciators) or 96 characters in 2-digits-per-grid mode, operates from 2.7V to 3.6V, features 16-step digital brightness control, and integrates a 104-character ASCII font plus 24 user-definable characters - used in industrial controllers and retail POS displays.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6851AEE datasheet, MAX6851AEE pinout, MAX6851AEE application, or MAX6851AEE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, confirmed pin functions, real-world use cases for VFD-based human-machine interfaces, and validated alternative parts for display subsystem design.
Technical Context
The MAX6851AEE implements a dedicated VFD multiplexing engine with hardware-controlled scan timing synchronized to VFCLK (500–2050 ns period), supporting both 48/1 and 96/2 display modes via configuration register bit M. Its internal crosspoint switch remaps grid/anode output order to match any chip-in-glass or external shift-register driver.
It integrates dual-purpose high-current outputs: PHASE1/PHASE2 generate 10kHz filament PWM (at 4MHz OSC), PORT0/PORT1 support 625Hz/1250Hz/2500Hz buzzer tones, and PUMP provides an 80kHz clock or logic output - all configurable per register without firmware overhead.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Interface | I²C-compatible 2-wire serial (400kbps max); slave address set by AD0 pin |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V to 3.6V - enables direct connection to 3.3V microcontroller I/O rails |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and industrial control environments |
| Display Support | Up to 48 grids (96 chars in 2-digit/grid mode); 7-/14-/16-segment alphanumeric + DP/cursor/annunciators |
| Brightness Control | 16-step digital intensity adjustment - implemented in hardware, no CPU polling required |
| Shutdown Current | 11µA typical at +25°C - retains RAM data during low-power sleep states |
| Output Drive | Push-pull outputs (VFCLK/VFDOUT/VFLOAD/VFBLANK) drive 100pF loads with ≤25ns rise/fall time |
Pinout & Package
MAX6851AEE is housed in a 16-pin QSOP package (5.3mm × 10.2mm, 0.65mm pitch), thermally optimized for industrial PCB layouts with exposed pad not present.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VFCLK | Serial clock output | Push-pull clock signal to external VFD driver; falling edge clocks VFDOUT data |
| 2 VFDOUT | Serial data output | Push-pull data stream carrying grid/anode segment data to shift-register driver |
| 3 VFLOAD | Serial load strobe | Rising edge latches VFDOUT data into external driver's segment latch register |
| 4 VFBLANK | PWM blanking output | Modulated enable signal controlling display intensity and inter-digit blanking |
| 5 PUMP | Configurable logic output | Selectable as 80kHz clock (DC-DC), DOUT, or general-purpose push-pull output |
| 6 PHASE1 | Filament drive / logic output | 10kHz PWM output for external filament bridge or blink/status logic signal |
| 7 PHASE2 | Filament drive / logic output | Complementary 10kHz PWM output for full-bridge filament drive or logic function |
| 8 V+ | Positive supply | 2.7V–3.6V main power rail; requires 0.1µF ceramic bypass to GND |
| 9 GND | Ground reference | System ground return path for all analog and digital circuitry |
| 10 PORT0 | Configurable logic output | Selectable as 625/1250/2500Hz buzzer tone, DOUT, or logic output |
| 11 SCL | I²C clock input | Master-generated clock; accepts 400kHz max frequency with defined timing margins |
| 12 SDA | I²C data I/O | Open-drain compatible bidirectional line; supports standard and fast-mode I²C |
| 13 AD0 | Slave address bit | Hardware-selectable LSB of 7-bit I²C address (GND/V+/SCL/SDA = 4 options) |
| 14 PORT1 | Configurable logic output | Same functionality as PORT0: buzzer tone, DOUT, or logic output |
| 15 OSC1 | Oscillator input 1 | Connects to 56pF capacitor for internal 4MHz oscillator or driven externally (2–8MHz) |
| 16 OSC2 | Oscillator input 2 | Connects to 10kΩ resistor to GND to complete internal oscillator RC network |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated ASCII + user fonts | 104-character ROM font (Arial-based with £, ¥, °, µ, ±, ↑, ↓) + 24 RAM-based user-definable characters |
| Annunciator & cursor control | Four independent annunciators per digit (48/1 mode); single-cursor selection with software-selectable blink rate |
| Filament drive synthesis | PHASE1/PHASE2 outputs generate synchronized full-bridge PWM waveforms eliminating beat artifacts |
| Cathode bias generation | PUMP output drives external charge-pump circuit to generate negative cathode bias voltage |
| Buzzer tone generation | PORT0/PORT1 support three fixed-frequency tones (625/1250/2500Hz) for audible feedback without MCU timer resources |
| Crosspoint output mapping | Hardware-configurable output map aligns VFCLK/VFDOUT/VFLOAD/VFBLANK sequence to any shift-register driver pinout |
Applications
| Industrial Controllers | Retail POS Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Front-panel HMI on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and panel meters requiring rugged alphanumeric readouts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: VFD controller generating multiplexed grid/anode timing, managing annunciator status LEDs, and driving filament PWM. Use Value: Enables reliable 48-character display operation across -40°C to +125°C ambient with zero firmware overhead for scan timing. |
Use Scenario: Customer-facing price and item displays in supermarket checkout systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central display controller interfacing microcontroller to multi-grid VFD tubes via 4-wire serial interface. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating font RAM, brightness control, and buzzer drive - eliminating discrete logic and timers. |
| Weight and Tare Displays | Professional Audio Equipment |
Use Scenario: High-contrast, wide-viewing-angle weight readouts in industrial scales and tare systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Display manager handling decimal point positioning, annunciator flags (e.g., "TARE", "ZERO"), and intensity adjustment. Use Value: 16-step digital brightness ensures legibility under varying lighting conditions without analog DAC or external resistors. |
Use Scenario: Channel metering and parameter readouts on mixing consoles and broadcast audio gear. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time display controller updating VFD segments synchronously with audio processing latency constraints. Use Value: Hardware-multiplexed scan timing eliminates display flicker and guarantees deterministic update timing vs. software-driven GPIO. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar VFD controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX6850AEE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE interface instead of I²C; identical VFD timing, font, and output capabilities | Requires SPI-capable host MCU; not drop-in compatible due to different serial protocol and pinout | Select when host system uses SPI peripherals exclusively and requires faster interface throughput |
| ST7FLITE29F2 | 8-bit MCU with integrated VFD controller peripheral; requires firmware development; no built-in font RAM | Offers programmable flexibility but increases firmware validation burden and lacks hardware-accelerated scan timing | Choose only when display logic must be tightly coupled with application code and cost-per-unit favors SoC integration |
Compared with MAX6851AEE, MAX6850AEE offers higher-speed serial communication but mandates hardware redesign, while ST7FLITE29F2 trades off guaranteed timing determinism and integrated fonts for software-defined display behavior - making MAX6851AEE optimal for fixed-function, high-reliability VFD systems.
Availability
MAX6851AEE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial controllers, retail POS terminals, and professional audio equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX6851AEE 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
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX6851AEE belongs to Maxim's display interface product line, engineered specifically to simplify VFD subsystem design by integrating timing, font memory, and high-voltage driver interface logic in a single 16-pin package.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX6851AEE?
The MAX6851AEE is rated for continuous operation from -40°C to +125°C, making it suitable for under-hood automotive modules, industrial PLCs, and outdoor kiosks where thermal extremes are expected. This rating is verified per Maxim's production test flow and applies to all electrical specifications in the datasheet.
Does the MAX6851AEE support both 1-digit-per-grid and 2-digits-per-grid VFD configurations?
Yes, the MAX6851AEE supports two display modes selected via the M bit in its configuration register: 48/1 mode (up to 48 grids, each with one digit, DP, cursor, and four annunciators) and 96/2 mode (up to 48 grids, each with two digits and DP/cursor, no annunciators). The mode determines register addressing and annunciator availability.
How does the MAX6851AEE generate filament drive signals?
The MAX6851AEE uses PHASE1 and PHASE2 outputs to synthesize synchronized 10kHz PWM waveforms (at 4MHz OSC) for external full-bridge filament drivers. These outputs eliminate beat artifacts by locking filament timing to the display multiplex cycle - a hardware feature requiring no MCU intervention.
Can the MAX6851AEE drive VFD tubes directly, or does it require external high-voltage drivers?
The MAX6851AEE does not drive VFD tubes directly. It outputs low-voltage logic-level signals (VFCLK, VFDOUT, VFLOAD, VFBLANK) to interface with industry-standard shift-register grid/anode drivers (e.g., MAX6966, TLC592x) that provide the high-voltage anode/grid switching and cathode bias generation.
What is the purpose of the PUMP output on the MAX6851AEE?
The PUMP output on the MAX6851AEE is a configurable push-pull terminal usable as an 80kHz clock for external DC-DC charge pumps (to generate cathode bias), as a DOUT data line, or as a general-purpose logic output - selected via its dedicated register (address 0x08) without affecting other functions.
MAX6851AEE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Display Type:
- Vacuum Fluorescent (VF)
- Configuration:
- 7 Segment, 14 Segment, 16 Segment
- Interface:
- I2C
- Digits or Characters:
- 24 Characters, 96 Characters, 104 Characters, 16 Steps 1 Digit, 2 Digits
- Current - Supply:
- 1.3 mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QSOP
MAX6851AEE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6851AEE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6851AEE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX6851AEE reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6851AEE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6851AEE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6851AEE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6851AEE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6851AEE?
MAX6851AEE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6851AEE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX6851AEE?
For technical support, including MAX6851AEE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6851AEE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6851AEE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6851AEE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX6851AEE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6851AEE?
All MAX6851AEE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6851AEE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX6851AEE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6851AEE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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