Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6959BAPE+

Overview

The MAX6959BAPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 2-wire SMBus/I²C-compatible LED display driver IC for common-cathode 7-segment displays, supporting up to four 9-segment digits plus eight discrete LEDs or 36 discrete LEDs. It integrates key-scan functionality with two configurable input ports (INPUT1/INPUT2), 64-step digital brightness control, and 23mA constant-current segment drive. It is used in industrial panel meters and white-goods user interfaces requiring reliable multiplexed LED control with integrated switch debouncing.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6959BAPE+ datasheet, MAX6959BAPE+ pinout, MAX6959BAPE+ application, or MAX6959BAPE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with documented functional differences, and supply-ready availability details - all grounded in Maxim's official MAX6958/MAX6959 datasheet Rev 1 (11/05).

Technical Context

The MAX6959BAPE+ implements a fixed-frequency multiplex scan architecture with programmable scan rate (510–1050Hz) and internal 23mA segment current regulation. Its dual-input keyscan circuitry supports n-key rollover across up to eight switches with hardware-debounced status reporting via IRQ/SEG9 or register polling.

It uses a 2-wire interface with 0.8V/2.1V logic thresholds compatible with 2.5V/3.3V microcontrollers while operating from a 3V–5.5V supply. The device includes on-chip hexadecimal font decode, static RAM digit storage, slew-rate-limited drivers (11mA/µs) to reduce EMI, and shutdown mode drawing only 20µA with data retention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6959BAPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (P16-1) package with through-hole mounting and 0.3-inch body width. Pin 1 is SDA; pin 2 is SCL; pins 4–7 and 11–15 are multifunction DIG/SEG drivers; pin 8 is GND; pin 16 is V+; pins 9 and 10 are INPUT1 and INPUT2; pin 3 is IRQ/SEG9 (configurable); pins 9–10 have internal 26.5µA pullups.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX6958AAPE+, the MAX6959BAPE+ adds keyscan and IRQ functionality at identical display capability; compared with TLC59282DBQR, it delivers complete HMI subsystem integration - reducing firmware complexity, component count, and time-to-market for appliance and industrial UIs.

Availability

MAX6959BAPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, white-goods user interfaces, and vending machine status displays requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6959BAPE+ 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX6958/MAX6959 product line was designed specifically for compact, low-pin-count LED display and keypad interfaces in space-constrained embedded systems - prioritizing integration, EMI robustness, and wide-temperature reliability over raw channel count.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of switches the MAX6959BAPE+ can scan?

The MAX6959BAPE+ supports hardware keyscan of up to eight switches using its two configurable input ports (INPUT1 and INPUT2). Each port can scan four switches in matrix configuration, and the device performs automatic debouncing with programmable timing (30.3–63ms). All key status is stored in internal registers (0x08 and 0x0C) and can be read via I²C or signaled via the IRQ/SEG9 pin - no external debounce components or firmware polling required for reliable operation.

Can the MAX6959BAPE+ drive both common-cathode digits and discrete LEDs simultaneously?

Yes, the MAX6959BAPE+ can drive up to four common-cathode 7-segment digits (with decimal points) plus eight discrete LEDs - or 36 discrete LEDs total - depending on configuration. When decimal points are used, four discrete LEDs are available; when decimal points are disabled, eight discrete LEDs may be driven. All segment outputs (SEG0–SEG9) source up to 30mA, and digit outputs (DIG0–DIG3) sink up to 275mA, enabling flexible mixed-load designs without external drivers.

How does the 64-step brightness control work in the MAX6959BAPE+?

The MAX6959BAPE+ implements digital brightness control via an 8-bit intensity register (address 0x02), where bits D5–D0 select one of 64 linear steps (0–63). This adjusts the average segment current by modulating the duty cycle of the internal multiplex scan - not by varying peak current. At step 63, full 23mA segment current is applied; at step 0, segments are off. The setting persists across power cycles if V+ remains applied, and changes take effect immediately without display flicker.

Is the MAX6959BAPE+ compatible with standard I²C buses?

Yes, the MAX6959BAPE+ is fully compatible with standard I²C buses operating at up to 400kbps. Its SDA and SCL pins meet I²C electrical specifications, including open-drain SDA with 0.4V VOL at 4mA sink, and 0.8V/2.1V logic thresholds that ensure interoperability with 2.5V and 3.3V microcontrollers - even when V+ is 5V. It supports standard START/STOP, ACK/NACK, and repeated START protocols as defined in the I²C specification.

What package type and pin count does the MAX6959BAPE+ use?

The MAX6959BAPE+ uses a 16-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting (package code P16-1). It shares the same pinout and footprint as the MAX6958AAPE+, enabling direct substitution in display-only designs. All pins are electrically and mechanically defined in Maxim's datasheet Rev 1, including dedicated INPUT1/INPUT2 pins (pins 9 and 10) and the multifunction IRQ/SEG9 pin (pin 3), which distinguishes it from the MAX6958.