NXP Semiconductors PCF8576CHL/1,118

Overview

PCF8576CHL/1,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a universal LCD controller and driver IC designed for static or low-multiplex-rate LCDs with up to 4 backplanes and 40 segments. It integrates I²C-bus interface, internal LCD bias generation, 40 × 4-bit display RAM, and selectable drive modes (1:1 to 1:4), enabling direct drive of alphanumeric displays (e.g., 20×7-segment digits) in battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the PCF8576CHL/1,118 datasheet, PCF8576CHL/1,118 pinout, PCF8576CHL/1,118 application, or PCF8576CHL/1,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include its LQFP64 package, 40-segment/4-backplane capability, I²C subaddressing support, power-saving mode, and compatibility with twisted-nematic LCDs requiring 2–6 V VLCD.

Technical Context

The PCF8576CHL/1,118 implements a synchronous LCD drive architecture with an internal oscillator (enabled via OSC–VSS) or external clock input (OSC–VDD), generating frame frequencies of 69 Hz (normal mode) or 65 Hz (power-saving mode). Its display RAM auto-increment logic adapts to drive mode: pointer increments by 8 (static), 4 (1:2), 3 (1:3), or 2 (1:4), ensuring correct data mapping across multiplexed backplanes BP0–BP3.

It features hardware subaddressing (A0–A2 pins), cascading support via SYNC and CLK pins, and internal voltage-follower LCD bias generation with selectable 1/2 or 1/3 bias configurations - eliminating external resistive dividers. The device supports blink control, bank switching in static/duplex modes, and operates with separate logic (VDD) and LCD (VLCD) supplies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP64 package (SOT314-2), 10 × 10 × 1.4 mm body, with exposed pad (not electrically connected per datasheet).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCF8576CHL/1,118, the PCF8576CT/1,518 offers identical functionality in a smaller VSO56 package but with reduced thermal mass and higher assembly complexity, while the PCF8576CU/2/F2,026 provides maximum miniaturization at the cost of packaging flexibility and testability - making PCF8576CHL/1,118 optimal for general-purpose industrial and appliance designs requiring robust LQFP handling and reworkability.

Availability

PCF8576CHL/1,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, medical diagnostic devices, home appliance control panels, and telecom handsets requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for PCF8576CHL/1,118 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with leadership in interface, power management, and display driver ICs.

The PCF8576C product line was engineered to simplify LCD integration in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems - delivering single-chip drive capability for static and multiplexed displays without external bias components or complex timing firmware.

FAQ

What is the maximum LCD size supported by PCF8576CHL/1,118?

The PCF8576CHL/1,118 supports LCDs with up to 4 backplanes and 40 segments, enabling configurations such as 20×7-segment alphanumeric characters, 10×14-segment characters, or 160-dot graphical displays. In cascaded systems, up to 64 devices can drive 2560 total elements - confirmed in Section 1 and Table 5 of the NXP datasheet Rev. 13.

Does PCF8576CHL/1,118 require external components for LCD bias generation?

No. The PCF8576CHL/1,118 includes an internal LCD bias generator with a 3-resistor divider and switchable center tap, supporting both 1/2 and 1/3 bias configurations without external resistors or capacitors - explicitly stated in Section 2 "Features and benefits" and Section 7.2 of the datasheet.

How does the PCF8576CHL/1,118 handle I²C communication in cascaded configurations?

The PCF8576CHL/1,118 uses hardware subaddressing (A0–A2 pins) and the SYNC pin to coordinate timing across multiple devices. Data auto-wraps to the next device when the subaddress counter matches the hardware subaddress - detailed in Section 7.13 and Figure 14 of the datasheet. No software arbitration is required.

What are the power supply requirements for PCF8576CHL/1,118?

The PCF8576CHL/1,118 requires three supplies: VDD (2.0–6.0 V) for logic, VSS (ground), and VLCD (2.0–6.0 V) for LCD bias. These may be derived from separate sources to optimize contrast and noise immunity - specified in Section 2 and Table 6 of the datasheet.

Can PCF8576CHL/1,118 drive a static LCD with only one backplane?

Yes. The PCF8576CHL/1,118 supports static (1:1) drive mode with a single backplane (BP0 only), delivering full VLCD RMS voltage to segments. In this mode, BP1–BP3 output identical signals and may be paralleled for higher drive strength - confirmed in Section 7.10 and Table 5 of the datasheet.