The colours on this web page may not be the same as the actual colours of the VFD. The contents of this document are subject to copyright and may not be amended or included in other documents or media without the express permission of Noritake Co., Limited, Japan. Revised 29th July 2001.
1. Structure and Operation |
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Rib Grid Vacuum Fluorescent Displays are unique VFDs having the grid electrode formed from layers of thick film printing. Since the grid electrode is printed directly onto the anode plate and fired, they offer a number of significant features and advantages.
Rib Grid VFDs are constructed similar to the conventional VFD, with a cathode (filaments), anodes and grids. The structural uniqueness relates to the grid electrode where three dimensional rib walls are formed by thick film printing in contrast to a conventional VFD which uses a metal grid mesh electrode. The rib grid consists of two layers, a base insulated layer and a conductive layer on the top.
This structure makes Rib Grid VFDs free from grid deformation caused by heat or vibration. They can be driven in a stable fashion regardless of grid size even under severe conditions caused by high current and voltages required to achieve high luminance or due to a high vibration environment.
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| Fig. 1 Rib-Grid VFD Structure |
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The Rib Grid VFD can be driven by a CPU or drive IC designed for a conventional VFD. Freedom from constraints caused by grid mesh separation in conventional VFDs, enables an optimum anode / grid layout which assures the use of the minimum number of lead terminals. |
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2. Pattern Design |
More Space is Available for the Display Pattern
The minimum gap between each segment in the grid split section is substantially reduced. (Fig. 2)
Therefore, Rib Grid VFDs offer a more compact and intricate display space within a given area, or make it possible to achieve the same display content as mesh grid VFDs in smaller VFD packages.
Freedom of Pattern Designing
Since no metal grid mesh is used, any grid form can be selected. Issues like mesh tension and leg position need not be considered.
Excellent Display Quality
The minimum space between each separate anode segment is also reduced to 0.14mm so any letters or symbols which may be composed of a combination of segments are more visible and uniform. (Fig.4) Also, since there is no mesh grid interfering with light emission, a more clear-cut display is visible. |
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Fig. 3 |
3. Chip In Glass Driver Rib Grid VFD |
The introduction of CIG to rib grid technology has enabled even greater flexibility in pattern design and unique multiplexing and static drive combinations to produce previously only dreamed of solutions.
The CIG chips can be mounted under the filament supports or along the pattern edge as shown in the example below.
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5. Graduated Colour Phosphor VFD |
 This patented new technique allows an incredible array of colours within the same anode pattern or over a combination of anodes producing an appearance and brightness probably unattainable by any other display technology. The fine colour graduation across an icon can enhance it's overall impact when it is illuminated compared to the single colour type. Many audio-video equipment manufacturers are already designing new and exciting designs. This process can be used in combination with the others shown on this page.
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6. Your Custom Design |
Consumer products use Rib Grid technology to provide vivid colour and fine pattern displays. New applications in graphic and dot matrix displays are evolving due to the simplicity of the grid construction and the demand for fine pitch. Please refer to our custom design application note and request form to formulate your ideas and send them to your local Noritake Itron representative. |
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