Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6958AAPE+

Overview

MAX6958AAPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 16-pin PDIP-packaged, SMBus/I²C-compatible 4-digit common-cathode LED display driver with 9-segment per-digit capability, 23mA constant-current segment sourcing, 64-step digital brightness control, and -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature rating. It drives up to four 7-segment digits plus four discrete LEDs (or eight if decimal points are unused), and supports hexadecimal decode or direct segment control for panel meters and industrial HMI displays.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6958AAPE+ datasheet, MAX6958AAPE+ pinout, MAX6958AAPE+ application, or MAX6958AAPE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated package mapping, confirmed I²C timing compliance (400kbps), exact segment/digit drive architecture, and real-world design constraints including slew-rate-limited EMI reduction and shutdown current of 20µA.

Technical Context

The MAX6958AAPE+ implements a fixed 4-digit multiplexed scan architecture with internal 780Hz typical scan rate (510–1050Hz over temperature), using dedicated DIG0–DIG3 cathode sink drivers and SEG0–SEG8 anode source drivers. Its 2-wire interface uses hardwired 0.8V/2.1V logic thresholds - enabling interoperability between 3.3V microcontrollers and 5V display supply without level shifters.

All segment outputs feature slew-rate limiting (∆I/∆t = 11mA/µs) to suppress EMI, while internal static RAM retains digit data during low-power shutdown. The device lacks keyscan inputs and IRQ functionality - distinguishing it from the MAX6959 - and fixes SEG9 as a dedicated 9th segment output rather than a configurable interrupt pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6958AAPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (P16-1) package with 0.3-inch width, through-hole mounting, and industry-standard pin spacing. Pin 1 is SDA; pin 2 is SCL; pins 4–7 and 11–15 serve dual-function DIG/SEG terminals; pin 8 is GND; pin 16 is V+.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX6959AAPE+, MAX6958AAPE+ simplifies design by removing unused keyscan circuitry and fixing SEG9 as a segment output - reducing configuration complexity and startup time. Against TLC59282DBQR, MAX6958AAPE+ integrates multiplex control, font decode, and brightness scaling - cutting firmware size by ~1.2KB and eliminating external timing logic.

Availability

MAX6958AAPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, appliance user interfaces, and audio equipment front panels requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6958AAPE+ 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 demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX6958AAPE+ belongs to Maxim's LED display driver product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained, high-reliability HMI systems requiring integrated multiplexing, current regulation, and I²C simplicity.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of LEDs the MAX6958AAPE+ can drive simultaneously?

The MAX6958AAPE+ can drive up to four 7-segment digits (28 segments) plus four discrete LEDs when decimal points are used, or four digits plus eight discrete LEDs if decimal points are disabled - totaling 36 individually controllable LED elements. All segments operate in multiplexed mode with 780Hz typical scan rate, and each segment is driven with 23mA constant current sourced from SEG0–SEG8 outputs.

Does the MAX6958AAPE+ support I²C standard-mode or fast-mode timing?

The MAX6958AAPE+ supports I²C fast-mode operation at 400kbps, with guaranteed timing parameters including tLOW ≥1.3µs, tHIGH ≥0.6µs, and tSU,DAT ≥100ns. Its fixed 0.8V/2.1V logic thresholds ensure compatibility with 3.3V controllers even when powered from 5V - eliminating level-shifter requirements in mixed-voltage systems.

How does the MAX6958AAPE+ handle display brightness control?

The MAX6958AAPE+ implements 64-step digital brightness control via its INTENSITY register (address 0x02). Each step adjusts the average segment current proportionally - enabling precise luminance tuning without external PWM circuitry. Brightness is applied globally across all digits and segments, and remains active in shutdown mode when display RAM is retained.

Can the MAX6958AAPE+ drive common-anode LED displays?

No, the MAX6958AAPE+ is designed exclusively for common-cathode LED configurations. Its DIG0–DIG3 pins function as cathode sink drivers, while SEG0–SEG8 provide anode sourcing. Driving common-anode displays would require external inversion circuitry and defeat the integrated current regulation - making it incompatible without significant redesign.

What is the purpose of the "Option bit" in the configuration register of the MAX6958AAPE+?

The Option bit (D bit) in the MAX6958AAPE+ configuration register (address 0x04) is a read-only flag that identifies the device as a MAX6958 (D = 0) versus MAX6959 (D = 1). This allows host firmware to auto-detect hardware variants in field-upgradable systems - for example, enabling keyscan-aware code paths only when MAX6959AAPE+ is present, while defaulting to display-only operation for MAX6958AAPE+.