The MAX6921/MAX6931 are 20-output, 76V, vacuum-fluorescent display (VFD) tube drivers that interface a multiplexed VFD tube to a VFD controller, such as the MAX6850–MAX6853, or to a microcontroller. The MAX6921/MAX6931 are also ideal for driving static VFD tubes or telecom relays.Data is input using an industry standard 4-wire serial interface (CLOCK, DATA, LOAD, BLANK), compatibile with either Maxim's or industry-standard VFD driver and controller.For easy display control, the active-high BLANK input forces all driver outputs low, turning the display off, and automatically puts the MAX6921/MAX6931 into shutdown mode. Display intensity can also be controlled by directly pulse-width modulating the BLANK input.The MAX6921 has a serial interface data output, DOUT, allowing any number of devices to be cascaded on the same serial interface.The MAX6931 has a negative supply voltage input, VSS, allowing the drivers' output swing to be made bipolar to simplify filament biasing in many applications.The MAX6921 is available in 28-pin TSSOP, SO, and PLCC packages. The MAX6931 is available in a 28-pin TSSOP package.Maxim also offers 12-output VFD drivers (MAX6920) and 32-output VFD drivers (MAX6922/MAX6932).ApplicationsAutomotiveAvionicsGaming MachinesIndustrial ControlIndustrial WeighingInstrumentationSecurityTelecomVFD ModulesWhite Goods