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The Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) is widely accepted as a superior display device because of it's self luminance and excellent readability. A reconfigurable graphic VFD consisting of 128 X 32 dots, with high luminance, has been developed. It is suitable as a multi function automotive message display. To realize a high luminance and reliable graphic VFD, the improved phosphor material, mechanical construction and driving condition have been studied. This paper discusses these considerations to achieve high luminance.

In 1976, Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD) were first used for automotive clocks. Through various technical improvements, VFDs have contributed to the advancement of electronic instrument systems for automobiles. At present, VFDs are the most widely used display device for the automotive market. Current applications include message centers, audio systems, temperature control systems, clocks and Head Up Displays (HUD). This paper reports the technical improvements attained and implemented to date. Latest developments are also included.

The Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), being a self-emissive display device featuring high luminance and excellent readability, has become widely used for automotive applications. The ability to drive it at 12V and to adjust the luminance with the duty cycle, give the VFD high consideration, especially for the display in the car audio system. The number of display segments for the car audio system has increased to more than 50. Adding new functions to the car audio system will increase the required number of display segments. In the 12V static drive system, the number of display segments determines, and equals, the number of driver integrated circuit (IC) output bits required. An increase in the number of anode terminals, required by the increase in display segments, will result in increases in system cost, assembly complexity, space-related problems, etc. This paper reports on attempts taken to solve these problems.