Noritake Itron's latest display modules combine the power of its flexible pixel-based range with its economy graphic VFD displays used for LCD emulation. Four products offering 112x16, 140x16 and 140x32, 280x32 pixels provide a 30% cost saving compared with existing models for applications ranging from vending and domestic appliances to instrumentation markets where high humidity, wide temperature range and a high brightness display is demanded.
Interfaces include SPI, I2C and asynchronous serial (RS232, RS485 and CMOS) with user-selectable baud rates / parity with the option for low cost customization of 9 user ports.
A single 5V supply is required with the option to power down to 30mA under software command. The extensive ASCII, European and Cyrillic character fonts are provided in various size formats to optimize the utilization of the display area which is enhanced by pixel-based cursor placement.
The software commands also allow auto brightness variation, horizontal and vertical scroll as well as image upload and menu manipulation. The CPU Flash firmware is easily customized and programmed via the SPI interface using Itron's low-cost programmer to facilitate user code and font change requirements for functions like animation and worldwide languages.
The modules have a 12mm profile with no components on the back allowing ease of handling and a compact front panel assembly. Sampling and production volumes are available now. Hardware options include capacitive touch keys with blue, green or pink optical filters and RC5 IR receiver for expanded user control.