Serial-Input, Latched Source Drivers with Slew-Rate Limiting

June 26, 1998 - A new line of latched source drivers, the A6800 series, has been announced by Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Designed primarily to drive vacuum-fluorescent displays, the A6800 series features slew-rate limiting that keeps electrical noise and harmonic generation to a minimum.

The A6800 series features serial inputs with CMOS shift registers and latches that can be directly interfaced to a microprocessor. These ICs can achieve data rates of 33 MHz with either a 3.3 V or 5 V logic supply. For inter-digit blanking, all output drivers can be disabled and the sink drivers turned on with the BLANKING input.

Also featured in the new A6800 series are npn Darlington outputs with a 40 mA source capability and output structures that include active pull-downs for fast discharge of capacitive loads.

The A6800 series ICs are offered in DIP and PLCC packages. Use of copper lead frames, low logic-power dissipation and low output-saturation voltages allow these devices to drive most vacuum-fluorescent displays over the extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C for automotive applications. Commercial temperature range drivers are also available. The A6800 series is available in 10, 12, 20, and 32-bit versions.

About Allegro

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance power and Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design and applications centers located in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.

Editorial Contact:
Stephanie Fennelly
Director - Marketing Communications
Tel: (508) 854-5363
sfennelly@allegromicro.com