Programmable calibrator cuts display costs

The MAX1512 is a programmable VCOM adjustment solution for thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal displays (LCDs).

The MAX1512 is a programmable VCOM adjustment solution for thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal displays (LCDs).

The device simplifies the labour-intensive VCOM adjustment process and replaces mechanical potentiometers, significantly reducing labour costs, increasing reliability, and enabling automation.

The MAX1512 attaches to an external-resistive voltage divider and sinks a programmable current to set the VCOM voltage level.

An internal 7bit digital-to-analogue convertor (DAC) controls the sink current.

The DAC is ratiometric relative to AVDD and is guaranteed to be monotonic over all operating conditions.

This VCOM calibrator IC includes an EEPROM to store the desired VCOM voltage level.

The EEPROM can be programmed repeatedly, giving TFT LCD manufacturers flexibility when calibrating the display panel as many times as the manufacturing process requires.

The MAX1512 features a single-wire interface between the LCD panel and the programming circuit.

This interface delivers both programming power and DAC adjustment commands to minimise changes to panel connectors and production equipment.

The MAX1512 is available in an 8-pin, 3 x 3mm TQFN package.

Prices start at $1.40 (1000-up, FOB USA).

An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.

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