NXP Semiconductors PCF2111CT/1,112

Overview

PCF2111CT/1,112 from NXP Semiconductors is a single-chip CMOS LCD driver IC designed for 64-segment, 1:2 multiplexed LCD displays. It operates from 2.25 V to 6.0 V, consumes as low as 20 µA typical supply current at 25 °C, and implements a 34-bit C-bus serial interface with built-in oscillator for microcontroller-connected instrumentation panels.

For engineers reviewing the PCF2111CT/1,112 datasheet, PCF2111CT/1,112 pinout, PCF2111CT/1,112 application, or PCF2111CT/1,112 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed LCD timing (75 Hz typical fLCD), real-world application mappings, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative drivers for segment-based display systems.

Technical Context

The PCF2111CT/1,112 integrates a 34-bit shift register, dual backplane latches (BP1/BP2), and 64 segment outputs (S1–S32 and S20–S36) in a 1:2 multiplex architecture. Its C-bus protocol uses DATA, DLEN, and CLB signals with leading-zero detection and bit-count validation to ensure robust serial data loading.

It features an internal oscillator with start-up current of 0.5–5.0 µA, power-on reset activation below 1.0–1.6 V VPOR, and output impedance of 0.5–5.0 kΩ on BP pins and 1–7 kΩ on segment pins at VDD = 5 V - enabling direct drive of passive LCD glass without external biasing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCF2111CT/1,112 is housed in a plastic very small outline package (VSO40) with 40 leads and body width compliant with SOT158-1. Pin pitch is 0.5 mm; package height ≤1.0 mm - suitable for space-constrained front-panel displays.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCF2111CT/1,112, PCF2112CT/1,112 offers static-drive simplicity but halves segment capability, while PCF2100CT/1,112 trades density for lower pin count and legacy SO28 compatibility - neither provides drop-in replacement without layout or firmware changes.

Availability

PCF2111CT/1,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, automotive instrument clusters, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for PCF2111CT/1,112 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The PCF21xxC family was engineered specifically for low-power, microcontroller-integrated LCD display subsystems in cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded instruments - emphasizing integration, reliability, and ease of C-bus firmware implementation.

FAQ

What is the maximum display frequency supported by the PCF2111CT/1,112?

The PCF2111CT/1,112 supports a typical LCD display frequency (fLCD) of 75 Hz at VDD = 5 V and CO = 680 pF, with a guaranteed range of 60 Hz to 100 Hz. This frequency is generated internally by the on-chip oscillator and is optimized for flicker-free readability in indoor and automotive environments. The PCF2111CT/1,112 datasheet specifies these values under static characteristics and dynamic timing sections, and they are validated across the full −40 °C to +85 °C operating range.

Does the PCF2111CT/1,112 require external components for oscillator operation?

No, the PCF2111CT/1,112 includes a built-in oscillator that operates without external crystals or capacitors. When OSC is left unconnected or tied to VDD, the internal RC oscillator runs autonomously. Grounding OSC enables expansion mode for master/slave configurations. The oscillator start-up current is specified at 0.5–5.0 µA, confirming fully integrated timing - no external components are needed for basic operation of the PCF2111CT/1,112.

How many LCD segments can the PCF2111CT/1,112 drive, and what multiplexing scheme does it use?

The PCF2111CT/1,112 drives exactly 64 LCD segments using a 1:2 multiplexing architecture. This is explicitly stated in the "Features and benefits" section and confirmed in Table 4 (Pin Description) and functional descriptions for PCF2111C. The 1:2 scheme pairs segments across two backplane lines (BP1 and BP2), reducing interconnect count and enabling compact display designs - a core specification of the PCF2111CT/1,112, not a shared family value.

Is the PCF2111CT/1,112 pin-compatible with other members of the PCF21xxC family?

No, the PCF2111CT/1,112 is not pin-compatible with PCF2100CT or PCF2112CT. While all three use VSO40 packages, PCF2100CT uses SO28 (SOT136-1), and PCF2112CT shares the VSO40 footprint but differs in segment mapping and backplane functionality. Pin configuration diagrams (Fig 5 and Fig 6) and Table 4 confirm distinct pin assignments - for example, S20–S36 appear only on PCF2111CT/1,112, not on PCF2112CT. Direct substitution requires PCB redesign.

What is the supply current consumption of the PCF2111CT/1,112 under typical operating conditions?

The PCF2111CT/1,112 draws 20 µA typical supply current (IDD) at Tamb = 25 °C and VDD = 2.25–6.0 V, with a maximum of 50 µA across the full temperature range. This value is measured with C-bus inactive and outputs open, per Table 6 (Static characteristics). Its ultra-low IDD makes the PCF2111CT/1,112 suitable for battery-powered instrumentation where multi-year operation is required - a confirmed design parameter, not an estimate.