CU-U Series
LCD Replacement VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) Modules
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Code Library Available
Add-On Library Available
Demo Files Available
Overview
LCD Relpacement Modules
CU16025-UW6J
- Display Size: 16 x 2 characters
- Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet
Module Videos
CU20045-UW5J
- Display Size: 20 x 4 characters
- Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet
CU40045-UW1J
- Display Size: 40 x 4 characters
- Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet
High Brightness Module
CU20025-UX1J
- Display Size: 20 x 2 characters
- Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet
Module Videos
Features
CU-U Series Product Concept
The CU-U series displays are all built with LCD compatible dimensions and HD44780 command sets. These displays are easy to read due to high contrast, have wide viewing angles and are easier to read at short and long distances. Additionally, VFD displays have a quick display response within the module’s temperature range of -40C to +85C. Noritake offers long term supply and engineering support with their products.
LCD Replacement Modules
The majority of the CU-U series modules have the same footprint as their LCD counterpart. This means that the PCB and pount holes are the same size for the following character grid sizes:
16×2, 20×2, 24×2, 20×4, 40×2 and 40×4
Extra Features
The CU-U series includes modules with a brightness control feature and all modules have a high speed response time.
Interface Options
- Serial Interface
- 4/8 bit Parallel Interface
Brightness Boost Model
Great in high ambient light conditions with a brightness boost of up to 200%.
Applicable models:
- CU16025-UX6J
- CU16025-UX6A
- CU20025-UX1J
Compact Model
Space saving models for an enclosure/front panel. These displays have a slim PCB height of less than 1” and brightness boost.
Applicable models:
- CU16024-UX3J
- CU20024-UX3J
Built-in Controller VFD (BC-VFD): A Flexible Solution
Built-in HD44780 controller without the need of a PCB saves money and space. The BC-VFD has 16 levels of brightness along with a selectable font table and synchronous serial interface.
CU-U Code Library
There is currently a code library that provides access to the basic functionality of the CU-U series modules using 8-bit Atmel AVR. This library is intended for use with the following modules:
- CU******-UW**
- CU******-UX**
- DS2045G
≫ Noritake_VFD_CUU
≫ Noritake_VFD_CUU_Graph
≫ Noritake_VFD_CUU_BrightnessDemo
≫ Noritake_VFD_CUU_BarGraphDemo
CU-U Code Library
- Covers all display commands.
- Written in standard C++ for AVR Studio 4 and Atmel Studio 6.
- Example programs can be downloaded separately.
Specifications
| Part Number | Character Number | Character Format | Character Size
(mm)
(in)
|
Display Area
(mm)
(in)
|
PCB Size
(mm)
(in)
|
Power Typical | Weight
(g)
(lb)
|
Datasheet | Code Library | 3D CAD Data Download | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU16025-UW30J | 16 x 2 |  |
2.27 x 4.75
0.09 x 0.19
|
51.40 x 11.40
2.02 x 0.45
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
3.3 V / 200 mA |
35.00
0.08
|
 simplified |
|
– | – |
| CU16025-UW2J | 16 x 2 | |
2.28 x 4.76
0.09 x 0.19
|
51.40 x 11.40
2.02 x 0.45
|
84.00 x 44.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 150 mA |
35.00
0.08
|
simplified |
|
Yes |  |
| CU16025-UW6J | 16×2 | |
2.27 x 4.75
0.09 x 0.19
|
51.40 x 11.40
2.02 x 0.45
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 150 mA |
35.00
0.08
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU16025-UW6A | 16×2 | |
2.27 x 4.75
0.09 x 0.19
|
51.40 x 11.40
2.02 x 0.45
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 150 mA |
35.00
0.08
|
|
Yes | |
|
| CU16025-UX6J | 16×2 | |
2.27 x 4.75
0.09 x 0.19
|
51.40 x 11.40
2.02 x 0.45
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 180 mA |
35.00
0.08
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU16025-UX6A | 16×2 | |
2.27 x 4.75
0.09 x 0.19
|
51.40 x 11.40
2.02 x 0.45
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 180 mA |
35.00
0.08
|
|
Yes | – | |
| CU16029-UW1J | 16×2 | |
3.85 x 8.00
0.15 x 0.31
|
82.70 x 19.00
3.26 x 0.75
|
122.00 x 44.00
4.80 x 1.73
|
5 V / 340 mA |
61.00
0.13*
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU20025-UW1J | 20×2 | |
2.40 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
70.80 x 11.50
2.79 x 0.45
|
116.00 x 37.00
4.57 x 1.46
|
5 V / 150 mA |
40.00
0.09
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU20025-UX1J | 20×2 | |
2.40 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
70.80 x 11.50
2.79 x 0.45
|
116.00 x 37.00
4.57 x 1.46
|
5 V / 210 mA |
40.00
0.09
|
simplified |
|
Yes | – |
| CU20029-UW1J | 20×2 | |
3.80 x 9.20
0.15 x 0.36
|
102.60 x 18.80
4.04 x 0.74
|
146.00 x 43.00
5.75 x 1.69
|
5 V / 340 mA |
70.00
0.15
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU20045-UW4J | 20×4 |  |
2.40 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
70.80 x 20.90
2.79 x 0.82
|
98.00 x 60.00
3.86 x 2.36
|
5 V / 250 mA |
67.00
0.15
|
simplified |
|
Yes | – |
| CU20045-UW5J | 20×4 | |
2.40 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
70.80 x 20.90
2.79 x 0.82
|
98.00 x 60.00
3.86 x 2.36
|
5 V / 250 mA |
67.00
0.15
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU20045-UW5A | 20×4 | |
2.40 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
70.80 x 20.90
2.79 x 0.82
|
98.00 x 60.00
3.86 x 2.36
|
5 V / 250 mA |
67.00
0.15
|
|
Yes | |
|
| CU20045-UW7J | 20×4 | |
2.35 x 4.84
0.09 x 0.19
|
73.60 x 30.97
2.90 x 1.22
|
100.00 x 61.00
3.94 x 2.40
|
5 V / 300 mA |
70.00
0.15
|
simplified |
|
– | – |
| CU20049-UW2J | 20×4 | |
3.65 x 8.8
0.14 x 0.35
|
99.60 x 37.60
3.92 x 1.48
|
146.00 x 62.50
5.75 x 2.46
|
5 V / 650 mA |
160.00
0.35
|
|
Yes | |
|
| CU24025-UW1J | 24×2 | |
2.40 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
85.20 x 11.50
3.35 x 0.45
|
118.00 x 36.00
4.92 x 1.42
|
5 V / 165 mA |
47.00
0.10
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU40025-UW6J | 40×2 | |
2.30 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
138.80 x 11.50
5.46 x 0.45
|
182.00 x 33.50
7.17 x 1.32
|
5 V / 300 mA |
80.00
0.18
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU40025-UW6A | 40×2 | |
2.30 x 4.70
0.09 x 0.19
|
138.80 x 11.50
5.46 x 0.45
|
182.00 x 33.50
7.17 x 1.32
|
5 V / 300 mA |
80.00
0.18
|
|
Yes | |
|
| CU40045-UW1J | 40×4 | |
2.07 x 4.89
0.08 x 0.19
|
137.35 x 23.16
5.41 x 0.91
|
190.00 x 54.00
7.48 x 2.13
|
5 V / 520 mA |
140.00
0.31
|
simplified |
|
– | |
Compact / High Bright Product Specification
| Part Number | Character Number | Character Format | Character Size
(mm)
(in)
|
Display Area (
(mm)
(in)
|
PCB Size
(mm)
(in)
|
Power Typical | Weight
(g)
(lb)
|
Datasheet | Code Library | 3D CAD Data Download | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU16024-UX3J | 16×2 | |
2.1 x 3.6
0.0815 x 0.141
|
46.54 x 7.65
1.83 x 0.30
|
86.6 x 23.00
3.41 x 0.91
|
5V / 135 mA |
23
0.051
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
| CU20024-UX3J | 20×2 | |
2.1 x 3.6
0.0815 x 0.141
|
58.4 x 7.65
2.30 x 0.30
|
98.00 x 23.00
3.86 x 0.91
|
5V / 140 mA |
26
0.057
|
simplified |
|
Yes | |
Visual Reference
Readable Distance >
| Character height (mm) |
|---|
 |
Why is VFD Easier to Read Than Other Displays? >
| Wavelength (nm) |
|---|
| It’s because the vibrant green light illuminating from the VFD shares similar spectrum as one of the three color-sensing cone cells. |
 |
Discontinue Notice
Please refer to the latest information on the Discontinued items and recommended replacements page
Product Comparisons
16×2 Comparisons >
| Features | CU16025-UW30J | CU16025-UW2J | CU16025-UW6J | CU16025-UW6A | CU16025-UX6J | CU16025-UX6A | CU16029-UW1J |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 3.3 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| PCB Size |
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
84.00 x 44.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
122.00 x 44.00
4.80 x 1.73
|
| Font Table | LCD | LCD or International Selectable by jumper |
LCD | International | LCD | International | LCD or International Selectable by jumper |
| Brightness Boost | – | – | – | – | Yes | Yes | – |
| Character Height | 5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | 9 mm |
20×2 Comparisons >
| Features | CU20025-UW1J | CU20025ECPB-W1J | CU20029-UW1J | CU20029ECPB-W1J |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character Height |
4.70 mm
0.19 in
|
4.70 mm
0.19 in
|
9.20 mm
0.36 in
|
9.20 mm
0.36 in
|
| Interface | TTL 4/8 bit parallel CMOS synchronous serial |
TTL 4/8 bit parallel | TTL 4/8 bit parallel CMOS synchronous serial |
TTL 4/8 bit parallel |
20×4 Comparisons >
| Features | CU20045-UW4J | CU20045-UW5J | CU20045-UW5A | CU20045-UW7J | CU20049-UW2J | CU20049-UW2A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character Height |
4.70 mm
0.19 in
|
4.70 mm
0.19 in
|
4.70 mm
0.19 in
|
4.84 mm
0.19 in
|
8.8 mm
0.35 mm
|
8.8 mm
0.35 mm
|
| Font Table | LCD | LCD | International | LCD | LCD | International |
20×4 DD RAM Address Comparisons >
| Part Number | DDRAM Address | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU20045-UW4J |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| CU20045-UW5A CU20045-UW5J CU20045-UW7J CU20049-UW2J |
|
24×2 Comparisons >
| Features | CU24025-UW1J | CU24025ECPB-W1J |
|---|---|---|
| PCB Size |
118.00 x 36.00
4.92 x 1.42
|
125.00 x 36.00
4.92 x 1.42
|
| Power Typical | 5V / 165 mA | 5V / 155 mA |
| Interface | TTL 4/8 bit parallel CMOS synchronous serial |
TTL 4/8 bit parallel |
40×2 Comparisons >
| Features | CU40025-UW6A | CU40025-UW6J |
|---|---|---|
| Font Table | International | LCD |
1U Rack Height Models
Available Models >
| Part Number | Character Number | PCB Size
(mm)
(in)
|
Power Typical |
Font Table | Brightness Boost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU16025-UW2J | 16×2 |
84.00 x 44.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 150 mA | LCD | – |
| CU16025-UW6J | 16×2 |
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 150 mA | LCD | – |
| CU16025-UW6A | 16×2 |
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 150 mA | International | – |
| CU16025-UX6J | 16×2 |
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 180 mA | LCD | Yes |
| CU16025-UX6A | 16×2 |
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
5 V / 180 mA | International | Yes |
| CU16025-UW30J | 16×2 |
80.00 x 36.00
3.15 x 1.42
|
3.3 V / 200 mA | LCD | – |
| CU20025-UW1J | 20×2 |
116.00 x 37.00
4.57 x 1.46
|
5 V / 130 mA | LCD | – |
| CU24025-UW1J | 24×2 |
118.00 x 36.00
4.92 x 1.42
|
5 V / 165 mA | LCD | – |
| CU40025-UW6J | 40×2 |
182.00 x 33.50
7.17 x 1.32
|
5 V / 300 mA | LCD | – |
| CU40025-UW6A | 40×2 |
182.00 x 33.50
7.17 x 1.32
|
5 V / 300 mA | International | – |
 |
|||||
Technical Information
≫ Compare: All VFD module selection guide
≫ Application Note and Code Library
CU-U versus LCD
CU-U Series versus LCD
Click on the image to the right to view the VFD Advantages presentation >>
More advantages can be seen in the demo videos.
Difference Between CU-U Series and LCD
Module Reliability >
| Features | CU-U Series | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) | Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) |
| Product availability | 10+ years | Limited |
| Footprint | LCD compatible | – |
| Viewing angle | All directions, XYZ axis |
Front, X axis |
| Surface durability | Durable | Weak |
| Display response time | Fast | Slow |
Optical Characteristics : Emissive High Bright Display >
| Features | CU-U Series | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Illumination type | Emissive | Backlight |
| Illumination | Vibrant and bright | – |
| Brightness | 700 cd/m2 Typical Brightness Boost |
– |
| Brightness control | 4 steps by command | – |
Variety of Interface :4/8 bit, Serial >
| Features | CU-U Series | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | LCD compatible | – |
| 4 or 8 bit parallel | Both | 4 or 8 |
| M68 or i80 parallel | Both | M68 or i80 |
| Serial | CMOS synchronous | – |
| Logic level | CMOS TTL |
TTL |
Font >
| Features | CU-U Series | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Number of characters | LCD compatible | – |
| Font table | LCD compatible or international | LCD standard |
Commands >
| Features | CU-U Series | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Initialization | Required, LCD compatible | Required |
| Commands | LCD compatible plus Brightness Level | – |
Environmental Conditions >
| Features | CU-U Series | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental conditions | All | Limited |
| Temperature range | -40° C to +85° C | -20° C to +70° C |
| Effects of below 0° temp. | No change in material | Liquid crystal freezes |
Display Response Time Comparison
Difference >
| How different is the display response? |
|---|
 |
| Learn More > |
| Response time is more noticeable in below 0° conditions. VFD performs better while LCD freezes. |
How VFD Works >
| Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) |
|---|
 |
| The VFD responds at the speed of light. VFD illuminates by the electron moving at the speed of light through the grid to the anode in a vacuum environment. Since VFD is vacuum inside, VFD is not effective by below 0° condition. Instead VFD performs better at below 0° condition. Learn More > |
How LCD Works >
| Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) |
|---|
 |
| The display response time for LCD is determined by the time it takes for the liquid crystal molecules to untwist and straighten out. Unlike the VFD, LCD freezes at below 0° condition causing the LCD to perform very slow. |
CU-U Series vs Other LCD Replacement VFD :CU-Y,GU-7000 Series
Display >
| Features | CU-U Series | Y Series | 7000 Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display type | Character | Character | Dot matrix |
| Display characters | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display graphics | No | No | Yes |
| Character height |
5.00 mm
8.00 mm
9.00 mm
|
3.00 mm
7.00 mm
|
2.00 mm
5.00 mm
8.00 mm
|
| Viewable range | All directions, XYZ | All directions, XYZ | All directions, XYZ |
| Custom characters | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Custom character format | 5×7 | 5×8 | 5×7 7×8 |
| Font table | LCD International |
ASCII Extended ASCII International ASCII |
ASCII Extended ASCII International ASCII Chinese Japanese Korean |
| Font size | 5×7 | 5×8 5×16 10×16 |
5×7 8×16 |
| Horizontal scale | – | – | 100% 200% 300% 400% |
| Vertical scale | – | – | 100% 200% |
| Letter spacing | Fixed width | Fixed width | Fixed width Proportional |
| Space positions | – | – | 2 spaces after the character 1 space before and after the character |
LCD Compatibility >
| Features | U Version | Y Series | 7000 Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulated controller | HD44780 HD66712 |
– | – |
| Footprint & Mounting Hole | All | CU20027-Y1A / Y100 CU24043-Y1A / Y100 |
GU112X16G-7000 / 7003 / 7900 GU140X16G-7000 / 7003 / 7040A / 7900 / 7903 GU140X16J-7000 / 7003 GU140X32F-7000 / 7003 / 7032 / 7900 / 7903 GU280X16G-7000 / 7003 |
| Number of characters | 16×2 20×2 20×4 24×2 40×2 40×4 |
20×2 24×4 in 20×2 footprint |
16×2 20×2 20×4 40×2 |
Hardware >
| Features | U Version | Y Series | 7000 Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power supple | 5 V 3.3 V |
5 V | 5 V 3.3 V |
| Temperature range | -40° C up to +85° C | -40° C up to +85° C | -40° C up to +85° C |
Interface >
| Features | CU-U Series | Y Series | 7000 Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| M68 parallel | Yes | – | – |
| i80 parallel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4-bit parallel | Yes | – | – |
| 8-bit parallel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8-bit parallel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Synchronous serial | CU16025-UW30J CU16025-UW2J CU16025-UW6J / UX6J CU20045-UW4J CU20045-UW5J / UW5A |
Yes | Yes |
| SPI | – | – | 7000B |
| UART/I2C | – | UART | Yes |
| Logic level | CMOS TTL |
CMOS | CMOS |
Commands >
| Features | CU-U Series | Y Series | 7000 Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness control | 4 | 8 | 8 |
| Individual character brightness control |
– | 8 | – |
| Brightness boost x2 High Bright x4 |
CU16025-UX6J CU16025-UX6A |
CU20027-Y1A / Y100 CU24043-Y1A / Y100 CU24063-Y1A / Y100 |
– |
| Power saver mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom windows | – | – | Base + 4 user defined |
| Font Magnify/Proportion | – | Yes Magnify | Yes Magnify, Proportion |
Value Added Services
Color Filters
Available in many colors and sizes
Noritake Itron offers 5 colors (gray, blue, green, aqua and rose) in 11 popular VFD module display sizes. Additional colors and sizes are available upon request
Do you need connectors, cables, and/or color filters?
Let us pre-assemble and inspect the quality for you. We follow the IPC standards and nothing leaves the door unless the quality meets Class 2 or higher. Not only can you cut down on the extra cost associated with subcontracting the secondary operation, it’s one less thing you have to worry about.
