PCF8579H/1:118

Overview

The PCF8579H/1,118 is a low-power CMOS LCD column driver designed for driving multiplexed dot-matrix displays with rates of 1:8, 1:16, 1:24, or 1:32. It provides 40 outputs capable of driving a 32 x 40 point matrix. The device features 1280-bit display RAM with automatic increment addressing and display bank switching to minimize communication overhead. It communicates via an I²C bus and supports cascading up to 16 units on a single bus using two slave addresses. Designed to pair with the PCF8578 row driver, the combination forms a chipset capable of driving displays up to 40960 points.

Feature Summary

• Provides 40 column outputs for driving multiplexed LCD matrices
• Integrates 1280-bit RAM with automatic increment addressing to reduce communication load
• Supports cascading multiple units for large-scale display applications
• Features I²C bus interface compatible with most microcontrollers

Applications

• Automotive information systems
• Telecommunication equipment
• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals
• Industrial computer terminals
• Instrumentation devices

Procurement Notes

Verify component status as the PCF8579 series is listed as discontinued in official documentation. Confirm availability through authorized distributors or support channels. Ensure design-in compatibility with existing system architectures if replacing active components. Review updated datasheets for any specification changes prior to final procurement decisions.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring dedicated column drivers for large dot-matrix LCDs. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the PCF8578 row driver to form a complete display control solution. Consider the I²C interface requirements and available address space when planning multi-device configurations. Verify power supply voltage ranges match the target application's logic and LCD drive requirements.

Part Context

The PCF8579 is part of NXP's LCD display driver family, specifically engineered to handle column driving duties in multiplexed graphic displays. It complements the PCF8578 row driver to create a scalable chipset architecture. This pairing allows designers to drive complex displays up to 40960 points efficiently. The device utilizes standard I²C communication protocols for integration with various microcontroller platforms.

Replacement Considerations

As the PCF8579 is discontinued, evaluate alternative LCD column drivers from current product lines. Check for functional equivalence in output count, multiplexing support, and I²C compatibility. Consult NXP technical support for recommended successor parts that maintain similar performance characteristics and pinout configurations.