Overview
The PCF8576C, including the variant PCF8576CTA/1J, is a universal LCD driver designed to interface with almost any Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that operates at low multiplex rates. This peripheral device is capable of generating drive signals for static or multiplexed LCDs containing up to four backplanes and up to 40 segments. It is highly versatile and can be easily cascaded for larger LCD applications. The PCF8576C is compatible with most microcontrollers and communicates via a two-line bidirectional I²C-bus, minimizing communication overhead through its display RAM with auto-incremented addressing and hardware subaddressing.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| No. of Segments | 40 |
| No. of Backplanes | Up to 4 |
| Driver Case Style | VSOP |
| No. of Pins | 56 Pins |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2 V to 6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C |
| Supply Current | 120 µA |
| Interface Type | I²C-bus |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel, Tray Pack |
Key Features
- Single-chip LCD controller and driver
- Supports up to twenty 7-segment alphanumeric characters, up to ten 14-segment alphanumeric characters, or any graphics of up to 160 elements
- Versatile blinking modes
- No external components required, even in multiple device applications
- Selectable backplane drive configuration: static, 2, 3, or 4 backplane multiplexing
- Selectable display bias configuration: static, 1/2, or 1/3
- Internal LCD bias generation with voltage-follower buffers
- 40 x 4-bit RAM for display data storage
- Auto-incremented display data loading across device subaddress boundaries
- Display memory bank switching in static and duplex drive modes
- Low power consumption and power-saving mode for extremely low power consumption in battery-operated applications
Applications
The PCF8576C is suitable for a wide range of applications involving LCD displays, including:
- Static and multiplexed LCD displays in consumer electronics
- Industrial control panels and displays
- Automotive displays and instrument clusters
- Medical devices and equipment
- Battery-operated devices requiring low power consumption
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the PCF8576C?
The PCF8576C is a universal LCD driver that generates drive signals for static or multiplexed LCDs containing up to four backplanes and up to 40 segments.
- How does the PCF8576C communicate with microcontrollers?
The PCF8576C communicates via a two-line bidirectional I²C-bus.
- What is the supply voltage range for the PCF8576C?
The supply voltage range is from 2 V to 6 V.
- What are the operating temperature limits for the PCF8576C?
The operating temperature range is from -40°C to +85°C.
- Does the PCF8576C require external components for operation?
No, the PCF8576C does not require external components, even in multiple device applications.
- What types of LCD displays can the PCF8576C support?
The PCF8576C can support static and multiplexed LCDs with up to four backplanes and up to 40 segments.
- Can the PCF8576C be cascaded for larger LCD applications?
- What is the power consumption of the PCF8576C?
The supply current is 120 µA, and it has a power-saving mode for extremely low power consumption.
- What are some common applications of the PCF8576C?
Common applications include consumer electronics, industrial control panels, automotive displays, medical devices, and battery-operated devices.
- What is the packaging available for the PCF8576C?
The PCF8576C is available in tape & reel and tray pack packaging.
