General Description

The MAX1512 is a programmable VCOM-adjustment

solution for thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal displays

(LCDs). The MAX1512 simplifies the labor-intensive

VCOM-adjustment process and replaces mechanical

potentiometers, which significantly reduces labor costs,

increases reliability, and enables automation.

The MAX1512 attaches to an external resistive voltage-

divider and sinks a programmable current to set the

VCOM voltage level. An internal 7-bit digital-to-analog

converter (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 the flexibility

to calibrate the display panel as many times as the

manufacturing process requires.

The IC features a single-wire interface between the

LCD panel and the programming circuit. The single-

wire interface delivers both programming power and

DAC-adjustment commands to minimize changes to

panel connectors and production equipment. The

MAX1512 is available in an 8-pin 3mm x 3mm TDFN

package. A complete evaluation kit is available to sim-

plify evaluation and production development.

Applications

LCD Panels

Notebook Computers

Monitors

LCD TVs

Features

♦ 7-Bit Adjustable Sink-Current Output

♦ Resistor-Adjustable Full-Scale Range

♦ Guaranteed Monotonic Output Over Operating

Range

♦ Single-Wire Adjustment and Programming*

♦ EEPROM Stores VCOM Setting

♦ Interface Enable/Disable Control (CE)

♦ 2.6V to 3.6V Logic Supply-Voltage Operating

♦ 8-Pin 3mm x 3mm TDFN (0.8mm max)

EEPROM-Programmable TFT VCOM Calibrator

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products

1

CE

CTL

AVDD

OUT

R2

R1

VCOM

SET

GND

AVDD

MAX1512

Pin Configuration

Ordering Information

1

2

3

4

8

7

6

5

SET

CE

CTL

GND

N.C.

AVDD

OUT

MAX1512

TDFN

TOP VIEW

Typical Operating Circuit

19-2911 Rev 2; 8/04

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at

1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.

PART

TEMP RANGE

PIN-PACKAGE

MAX1512ETA

-40°C to +85°C

8 TDFN 3mm x 3mm

EVALUATION

KIT

AVAILABLE

*Patent Pending.