VACUUM FLUORESCENT DISPLAY
MODULE
SPECIFICATION
MODEL： GU256X64F-9372
SPECIFICATION NO. : DS-1470-0001-00
DATA OF ISSUE : January 26, 2009
REVESION :
PUBLISHED BY
NORITAKE ITRON CORP. / Japan
This specification is subject to change without prior notice.
RoHS 2002/95/EC
This product complies with RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
GU256X64F-9372 1/15
1.General Description
1.1 Scope
This specification covers the operating requirements of vacuum fluorescent graphic display module
GU256X64F-9372.
Applied reliability spec: TT-99-3102
Applied production spec: TT-98-3413
1.2 Construction
The module consists of a 256x64 dot graphic CIG-VFD, refresh RAM, character generator, DC/DC
converter, display controller, and all necessary control logic.
The module can simultaneously display graphic patterns and /or characters in a screen of the VFD.
2. Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit
Power Supply Voltage VCC 0 - +5.5 VDC
Logic Supply Voltage VIN 0 - Vcc+0.3 VDC
3. Electrical ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit
Power Supply Voltage VCC 4.75 5.0 5.25 VDC
4. Electrical Characteristics
Measuring Conditions : TA (Ambient temperature) = 25degrees, VCC =5.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note
"H" VIH 0.7Vcc － Vcc VDC - -
Logic Input Voltage
"L" VIL － － 0.8 VDC - -
"H" VOH 4.2 － － VDC IOH=－40μA
Logic Output Voltage
"L" VOL － － 0.5 VDC IOL=1.6mA
ICC1 － 1.2 1.6 A - (1)
Power Supply Current
ICC2 － 0.9 1.2 A - (2)
Note
(1),(2) ICC1 shows the cuurent when all dots in the screen are on and ICC2 at all dots off. At power
on in rush, more than 2times current of above table should be expected. Provide the quick rise type
power supply (<100msec.).
After power-on, data and commands cannot be received for 80msec. Please wait 80msec minimum
before inputting data or commands.
GU256X64F-9372 2/15
5. Optical Specifications
Number of dots : 16384 (256x64)
Display area : 166.25 mm×41.45 mm (X×Y)
Dot size : 0.5 mm X 0.5 mm (X×Y)
Dot pitch : 0.65 mm X 0.65 mm (X×Y)
Luminance : 350 cd/m2 Min (500 cd/m2 Typ.)
Color of illumination : Green(Blue Green)
Weight : 310 (g)
6. Environmental Specifications
Operating temperature : -40 to +85℃
Storage temperature : -40 to +85℃
Operating humidity : 20 to 80 % R.H(Non Condensation)
Storage humidity : 20 to 80 % R.H(Non Condensation)
Vibration : 10-55-10Hz, all amplitude 1mm, 30Min., X-Y-Z(Non operating)
Shock : 539m/s2 (55G) 10mS(Non operating)
7. Functions of each terminal
Data Line Function
D0～D7 Data Bus(Input / Output)
WR Write Signal(Input)
RD Read Signal (Input)
CS Chip Select Signal (Input)
C/D
Command / Data Select Signal (Input)
C/D = "1" … Command C/D = "0" … Data
FRP Frame Signal (Output)
(1 output pulse per 1 display frame)
BL Display Blanking Signal (Input)
VCC Input Voltage
GND Ground
GU256X64F-9372 3/15
8. Construction and Major Functions
The module consists of 1 PC boards, control logics and DC/DC converter.
The display memory ( RAM ) has the capacity of 8k bytes and it can be memorized 4 screen pages at
graphic mode and 8 screen pages at character mode(see para.11).
The module can display graphic patterns and /or characters in a screen of the VFD.
The display screens can be alternative as the screen #1 for graphic only and the screen #2 for character
and graphic. Therefore, 4 different display combinations are available as follows.
・Graphic display only ( use the screen #1 or #2 )
・Character display only ( use the screen #2 )
・Merge 2 graphic displays such as OR/EX-OR/AND ( use the screen #1 and #2 )
・Graphic(use the screen #1)and Character(use the screen#2)displays such as OR/EX-OR/AND
The display pattern data can be written/read to/from the graphic screen and the display character code
can be written/read to/from the character screen using data bus
A character consists of 6 x 8 dots.
Since display start address can be set independently at both the screen #1 and #2, scrolling or page
rolling might be also available independently.
Within the graphic screen, left and right scroll by 1 line ( 1 dot ) unit is doable and the character screen
can be able the upper and lower scroll by 1 column(8dots)unit.
8.1 Block Diagram
D0-D7 DISPLAY
COTROLLER
BD-VFD
GND
Vcc(+5V)
DC
／
DC
CONVERTER
WR
RD
CS
C
／
D
BL
FRP
refresh
RAM
(8K)
RAM
ROM
(C .G)
Required VFD power
GU256X64F-9372 4/15
8.2 The Relationship of Display Memory and Command
(XXH show the commands which will be described hereafter)
OR Disp. (10H)
EX-OR Disp. (11H)
AND Disp. (12H)
Disp. ON/OFF SW
(00H-03H)
The Screen #1
Display start
address
Address
0AH
0BH
Cursor Address
( for Screen
#1 and #2 )
Address
04H, 05H
Screen
Luminance
(18H
～
1BH)
Data Address
0CH
0DH
The Screen #2
Display start
address
2k bytes
2k bytes2k bytes2k bytes
0000H
Disp
Memory
(RAM)
0007H
08H
09H
0EH, 0FH
1FF8H
1FFFH
The Screen #1
Graphic Pattern
Switch
Chr./
Graph Display
06H,07H
D0-D7
Character
Generator
(6X8 dot)
Graphic Pattern
Chr.
Code
The Screen #2
GU256X64F-9372 5/15
9.Commands
Command Table : Following table shows all commands and brief description of functions.
Command(C/D=”1”)
Setting Data(C/D=”0”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function
0 0 0 0 0 ― Both Screen
#1 & #2 are OFF
0 0 0 0 1 ― Only Screen #1 is ON
0 0 0 1 0 ― Only Screen #2 is ON
0 0 0 1 1 ― Both #1 & #2 are ON
0 0 1 0 0 ― Cursor increments
automatically
0 0 1 0 1 ― Cursor holds
0 0 1 1 0 ― Screen #2 sets to
“Character” disp.
0 0 1 1 1 ― Screen #2 sets to
“Graphic” disp.
0 1 0 0 0 X X X X X X X X Data write mode
0 1 0 0 1 X X X X X X X X Data read mode
0 1 0 1 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
Lower adrs. of disp. start
of #1
0 1 0 1 1 X X X A12 A11 A10 A9 A8
Upper adrs. of disp. start
of #1
0 1 1 0 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
Lower adrs. of disp. start
of #2
0 1 1 0 1 X X X A12 A11 A10 A9 A8
Upper adrs. of disp. start
of #2
0 1 1 1 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
Lower adrs. of cursor of
#1 & #2
0 1 1 1 1 X X X A12 A11 A10 A9 A8
Upper adrs. of cursor of
#1 & #2
1 0 0 0 0 ― OR Display of Screen #1
& #2
1 0 0 0 1 ― EX-OR Display of
Screen #1 & #2
1 0 0 1 0 ― AND Display of Screen
#1 & #2
1 1 0 0 0 ― Set brightness 100%
1 1 0 0 1 ― Set brightness 87.5%
1 1 0 1 0 ― Set brightness 75%
1 1 0 1 1 ― Set brightness 62.5%
The term “Cursor” means the writing or reading position.
Note 1/0: One bit data. X: Don’t care
CAUTION : When the command not indicated by the above table is set, display module may cause
operation trouble.
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9.1Screen Control
9.1.1 Screen ON/OFF Control
Command(C/D=”1”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function Default
Selection
0 0 0 0 0 Both Screen #1 and #2 are OFF X
0 0 0 0 1 Only Screen #1 is ON
0 0 0 1 0 Only Screen #2 is ON
0 0 0 1 1 Both Screen #1 and #2 are ON
The latest command is valid from above table. At power on, Screen#1 and #2 are set to OFF.
Therefore appropriate ON command should be written after writing of pattern data or character
codes. When uses screen#2 as graphic display, command 07Hex should be sent before screen
ON command.
9.1.2 OR/EX-OR/AND Display(Screen Merge)
Command(C/D=”1”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function Default
Selection
1 0 0 0 0 OR display of Screen #1 &#2 X
1 0 0 0 1 EX-OR display of Screen #1 & #2
1 0 0 1 0 AND display of Screen #1 & #2
The latest command is valid from above table.
These commands are only effective, when both screen#1 and #2 are turned on(command
03Hex).
If only one screen is selected, that screen is displayed without merge.
9.2 Automatic Increment/ Hold of Cursor address
Command(C/D=”1”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function Default
Selection
0 0 1 0 0 Cursor address is incremented automatically X
0 0 1 0 1 Cursor address is held
The cursor address which will be executed after Data Write or Data Read can be set to automatic
INCREMENT or HOLD by above commands.
The cursor address will be incremented one address count on the address map covering all RAM
area.
GU256X64F-9372 7/15
9.3 Character /Graphic Display
Command(C/D=”1”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function Default
Selection
0 0 1 1 0 Screen #2 is selected to Character Display X
0 0 1 1 1 Screen #2 is selected to Graphic Display
As described in para.8, the screen #1 is available graphic display only and where will be displayed
bit pattern as is written from external system.
The screen #2, however, is selectable to graphic or character display.
Within the graphic display in the screen #2 , the bit pattern will be displayed like as the screen #1.
When selects the character display in the screen #2 , the character which is corresponded to the
character code will be displayed. A character consists of 6x8 dots.
The character set is shown in the table(CFX001).
Since there are no control codes in the table, the writing position should be designated by the
Cursor Setting Commands (0EH, 0FH) from external system.
CFX001 (G68001)
0
0
0
0
0
0
１
0
0
１
0
１
0
２
0
0
１
１
0
３
0
0
0
１
４
0
１
0
１
５
0
0
１
１
６
0
１
１
１
７
１
0
１
0
A
１
0
0
0
８
１
１
１
0
１
１
0
９
0
１
0
0
１１
１
0
１１
１
１
１
１
0
１
１
F
B
CD
E
D７
D６
D５
D４
0000　0
0001　1
0010　2
0011　3
0100　4
0101　5
0110　6
0111　7
1000　8
1001　9
1010　A
1011　B
1100　C
1101　D
1110　E
1111　F
D３
D２
D１
D０
GU256X64F-9372 8/15
9.4 Data Write / Data Read
Command(C/D=”1”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function
0 1 0 0 0 Data (pattern or character ) Write
0 1 0 0 1 Data (pattern or character ) Read
After cursor setting command, above data write or data read command is given.
The one byte data shall be written or read sequentially.
The cursor address can be incremented automatically by one address after write or read data with
04Hex command.
If 05Hex command is given, cursor stays same address even after write or read data operation.
CAUTION : Within the data read mode, first byte ( right after " DATA READ COMMAND") is
invalid. The correct data will be read from the 2nd byte.
It is necessary a dummy read right after the "DATA READ COMMAND".
The correct data will be read from the 2nd byte.
0FH 09H
*
CS
WR
RD
C/D
D0
～
D7
Read data of RAM adrs.
N+1
Read data of RAM
adrs. N
Dammy
read
Write the data read
command
Write cursor upper address
(Upper byte of address N)
Write the cursor setting command for upper address
Write cursor lower address
(Lower byte of address N)
Write the cursor setting command for lower address
(N+1)(N)
N(U)
N(L)
0
E
H
GU256X64F-9372 9/15
9.5 Setting of Display Start Address
Command(C/D=”1”)
Setting Data(C/D=”0”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function
0 1 0 1 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
Lower adrs. of disp. start
of #1
0 1 0 1 1 X X X A12 A11 A10 A9 A8
Upper adrs. of disp. start
of #1
0 1 1 0 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
Lower adrs. of disp. start
of #2
0 1 1 0 1 X X X A12 A11 A10 A9 A8
Upper adrs. of disp. start
of #2
After writing of appropriate command from above, the display start address will be written into the
address register.
The display start address is always pointed to the RAM address where is stored the data will be
displayed at most left and the top line of the screen. Using with these commands, page rolling,
one-line-left/right scrolling ( one dot unit ) at graphics display or one-line-upper/lower scrolling(8
dot unit) at character display are available.
Since FRP signal is triggered at each frame of display refreshing, the most smooth scrolling can be
achieved by synchronizing of changing of the display address with the FRP.
CAUTION !: It is necessary to set lower address first, and set upper address
9.6 Cursor Address Set
Command(C/D=”1”)
Setting Data(C/D=”0”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function
0 1 1 1 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
Lower adrs. of cursor of
#1 & #2
0 1 1 1 1 X X X A12 A11 A10 A9 A8
Upper adrs. of cursor of
#1 & #2
The cursor address is written into cursor address counter with this command.
The cursor address is a address to read/write RAM data.
It is necessary to set cursor address before execution of data write command ( 08H ) or data read
command ( 09H ).
The cursor address is divided into the 2 portions as upper ( 5 bits ) and lower ( 8 bits ) address and
there are following restrictions.
Desire to change(set) the address both upper and
lower
First, set the lower and then upper address.
Desire to change(set) the lower address only Upper address set is required after setting of lower
address.
Desire to change(set) the upper address only Set the upper address. Not need to change (set) the
lower address.
9.7 Screen Luminance Control.
Command(C/D=”1”)
D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Function
1 1 0 0 0 Level 1 100.0%
1 1 0 0 1 Level 2 87.5%
1 1 0 1 0 Level 3 75.0%
1 1 0 1 1 Level 4 62.5%
Screen Luminance can be varied by above command.
At power on, Screen Luminance is set to 100%.
GU256X64F-9372 10/15
10.Blanking
Display will be turned off without changing any other register setting or modes, when BL is “0” level.
There are no change in the RAM during blanking, previous display will be recovered by BL=”1”.
11.Address Map
11.1 Graphic Display
< Above map shows in the case of 0000H of start address. >
11.2 Character Display
< Above map shows in the case of 0000H of start address. >
00FFH
037FH02FFH027FH017FH007FH
03FFH
0381H
0380H
03A9H
03AAH
01FFH
0301H0101H0081H0001H
0201H0181H
0281H
0300H0000H
0080H
0100H
0180H
0200H
0280H
0329H00A9H
02A9H0229H01A9H0129H0029H
032AH00AAH
02AAH022AH01AAH012AH002AH
one screen page(128columns)
display area(42columns,252dots)
64dots
07F9H
07FEH07FDH07FCH07FBH07FAH
07FFH07F8H
07F1H
07F6H07F5H07F4H07F3H07F2H
07F7H07F0H
0012H0011H0010H
0014H0013H
0015H
0016H
0017H
000AH0009H0008H
000CH000BH
000DH
000EH
000FH
0007H0006H0005H0004H0003H0002H0001H0000H
D0D1D2D3D4D5D6D7
256dots
64dots
GU256X64F-9372 11/15
12.Test Mode
Test Mode is set by keeping TEST low for more than 100mS at power on or initialize.
During Test Mode, all dots are on automatically, and no any data are acceptable.
13.Interfacing
CS
WR
RD
C/D
BL
Function
0 0→1 1 1 ― Command write(Host system→ Module)
0 0→1 1 0 ― Data Setting (Disp. data, Address)
(Host system → Module)
0 1 0 1 ― ………………………………
0 1 0 0 ― Display data read(Host system ← Module)
― ― ― ― 0 Display Blanking
Since data execution time of the module is 2us (Max.), there are no BUSY or READY output.
Therefore more than 2us time period is required between module access.
[An example of interfacing]
CAUTION : Because of adoption of C-MOS input logic in the module, shorter than 30cm cable
length between a host system and the module is kindly suggested for free from
permanent damages caused by noise.
HOST
SYSTEM
CPU
Z80etc
MODULE
Decoder CS
C/D
WR
RD
BL
FRP
Address
A0
～
A12
A0
WR
RD
Port
Port
Vcc
Data Bus D0~D7D0~D7
GU256X64
GND Vcc GNDVcc
G
ROUND
GU256X64F-9372 12/15
14.Timing Chart
14.1Write Operation
14.2 Read Operation
14.3 Output Timing of FRP
Min.
50ns
Min.
100ns
Min.
20ns
Min.
100ns
CS
WR
DATA
C
/
D
CS
WR
Min.
0nS
Min.
0ns
Min.
100ns
2
μ
s
Min.
2
μ
s
Min.
Min.
50ns
Min.
130ns
50ns
Min.
Max.
Min.
Min.
0ns
Min.
130ns
CS
RD
DATA
C/D
CS
RD
0ns
1
0ns
FRP
Typ.81
μ
s
Typ.10.4ms
GU256X64F-9372 13/15
15.Pin Assignment
15.1 Signal Connector
Pin No. Description Pin No. Description
1 D7 2 GND
3 D6 4 GND
5 D5 6 GND
7 D4 8 GND
9 D3 10 GND
11 D2 12 GND
13 D1 14 GND
15 D0 16 GND
17
WR 18 GND
19
C/D 20 GND
21
RD 22 GND
23
CS 24 GND
25 FRP 26
BL
15.2 Power Connector
Pin No. Description
1 +5V(VCC)
2 TEST
3 GND
CAUTION !: Supplying of VCC (+5V) is available from the connector 1 or connector 2 since VCC
and GND lines are tied in the module respectively, however, in the case of supplying
the VCC from the connector 1 only, the post header of connector 2 is exposed.
Careful handling around the connector 2 is required.
1PIN
2PIN
25PIN
26PIN
1PIN
2PIN
3PIN
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16. Outline Dimension
GU256X64F-9372 15/15
Notice for the Cautious Handling VFD Modules
Handling and Usage Precautions:
Please carefully follow the appropriate product application notes for proper usage, safety handling, and operation standards
for maximum performance.
[VFD tubes are made of glass]
• Because the edges of the VFD glass-envelop are not smooth, it is necessary to handle carefully to avoid injuries to
your hands
• Please avoid breaking the VFD glass-envelop to prevent injury from sharp glass particles.
• The tip of the exhaust pipe is fragile so avoid shock from impact.
• It is recommended to allow sufficient open space surrounding the exhaust pipe to avoid possible damage.
• Please design the PCB for the VFD-module within 0.3 mm warping tolerance to avoid any forces that may damage
the display due to PCB distortion causing a breakdown of the electrical circuit leading to VFD failure.
[High voltage]
• Avoid touching conductive electrical parts, because the VFD-module uses high voltage exceeding 30～100 volts.
• Even when electric power is turned off, it may take more than one minute for the electrical current to discharge.
[Cable connection]
• Do not unplug the power and/or data cables of VFD-modules during operating condition because unrecoverable
damage may result.
• Sending input signals to the VFD-module during a power off condition sometimes causes I/O port damage.
• It is recommended to use a 30 cm or shorter signal cable to prevent functional failures.
[Electrostatic charge]
• VFD-modules need electrostatic free packaging and protection from electrostatic charges during handling and
usage.
[Structure]
• During operation, VFD and VFD-modules generate heat. Please consider sufficient heat radiation dissipation using
heat sink solutions.
• We prefer to use UL grade materials or components in conjunction with VFD-modules.
• Wrap and twist motion causes stress and may break VFDs & VFD modules. Please adhere to allowances within
0.3mm at the point of attachment.
[Power]
• Apply regulated power to the VFD-module within specified voltages to protect from failures.
• Because some VFD-modules may consume in rush current equal to twice the typical current at power-on timing,
we recommend using a sufficient power capability and quick starting of the power regulator.
• VFD-module needs a specified voltage at the point of connection. Please use an adequate power cable to avoid a
decrease in voltage. We also recommend inserting a power fuse for extra protection.
[Operating consideration]
• Illuminating phosphor will decrease in brightness during extended operation. If a fixed pattern illuminates for an
extended period,( several hours), the phosphor efficiency will decrease compared to the non operating phosphor
causing a non uniform brightness among pixels. Please consider programming the display patterns to use all
phosphor segments evenly. Scrolling may be a consideration for a period of time to refresh the phosphor condition
and improve even illumination to the pixels.
• We recommend using a signal cable 30cm or less to avoid some possible disturbances to the signal.
[Storage and operating environment]
• Please use VFD-modules under the recommended specified environmental conditions. Salty, sulfur and dusty
environments may damage the VFD-module even during storage.
[Discard]
• Some VFDs contain a small amount of cadmium in the phosphor and lead in the solder. When discarding VFDs or
VFD-modules, please adhere to governmental related laws or regulations.
[Others]
• Although the VFD-module is designed to be protected from electrical noise, please plan your circuitry to exclude as
much noise as possible.
• Do not reconstruct or repair the VFD-module without our authorization. We cannot assure the quality or reliability of
unauthorized reconstructed VFD-modules.
Notice:
･We do not authorize the use of any patents that may be inherent in these specifications.
･Neither whole nor partial copying of these specifications are permitted without our approval.
If necessary, please ask for assistance from our sales consultant.
･This product is not designed for military, aerospace, medical or other life-critical applications. If you choose to use this
product for these applications, please ask us for prior consultation or we cannot take responsibility for problems that may
occur.