CU-U Series
LCD Replacement VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) Modules

CU-U Series: LCD Replacement Modules

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Overview

LCD Relpacement Modules

CU16025-UW6J

CU16025-UW6J

  • Display Size: 16 x 2 characters
  • Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet
Module Videos
  • Noritake VFD: Readability part 1 - Viewing angle

CU20045-UW5J

CU20045-UW5J

  • Display Size: 20 x 4 characters
  • Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet

CU40045-UW1J

CU40045-UW1J

  • Display Size: 40 x 4 characters
  • Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet

High Brightness Module

CU20025-UX1J

CU20025-UX1J

  • Display Size: 20 x 2 characters
  • Interfaces include: Serial and 4/8 bit Parallel
Datasheet
Module Videos
  • LCD vs Noritake VFD : HD44780 + code library

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.

≫ Download Brochure

CU-U Series Product Concept

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

LCD Replacement Modules

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
Interface Options

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
Compact Model

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.

Built-in Controller VFD (BC-VFD): A Flexible Solution

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

  1. Covers all display commands.
  2. Written in standard C++ for AVR Studio 4 and Atmel Studio 6.
  3. Example programs can be downloaded separately.

Specifications

Change Units:

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 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16025-UW30J specifications
CU16025-UW2J 16 x 2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16025-UW2J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU16025-UW6J 16×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16025-UW6J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU16025-UW6A 16×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
Download CU16025-UW6A specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU16025-UX6J 16×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16025-UX6J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU16025-UX6A 16×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
Download CU16025-UX6A specifications Yes
CU16029-UW1J 16×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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*
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16029-UW1J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU20025-UW1J 20×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU20025-UW1J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU20025-UX1J 20×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU20025-UX1J specifications Yes
CU20029-UW1J 20×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU20029ECPB-W1J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU20045-UW4J 20×4 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU20045-UW4J specifications Yes
CU20045-UW5J 20×4 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU20045-UW5J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU20045-UW5A 20×4 5x7 Character format with underline
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
Download CU20045-UW5A specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU20045-UW7J 20×4 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU20045-UW7J specifications
CU20049-UW2J 20×4 5x7 Character format with underline
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
Download CU20049-UW2J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU24025-UW1J 24×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU24025-UW1J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU40025-UW6J 40×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU40025-UW6J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU40025-UW6A 40×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
Download CU40025-UW6A specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU40045-UW1J 40×4 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU40045-UW1J specifications 3D CAD Data Download

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 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16024-UX3J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download
CU20024-UX3J 20×2 5x7 Character format with underline
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
PDF file Download
simplified
Download CU16024-UX3J specifications Yes 3D CAD Data Download

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
1 20
Line 1 0x00 0x13
Line 2 0x20 0x33
Line 3 0x40 0x53
Line 4 0x60 0x73
CU20045-UW5A
CU20045-UW5J
CU20045-UW7J
CU20049-UW2J
1 20
Line 1 0x00 0x13
Line 2 0x40 0x53
Line 3 0x14 0x27
Line 4 0x54 0x67

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
CU-U 1U Rack Height Models Available

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.

VFDs are sperior to LCD

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
VFD vs LCD Viewing Angle
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?
VFD vs LCD Display Response Time
Learn More >
Response time is more noticeable in below 0° conditions. VFD performs better while LCD freezes.

How VFD Works >

Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)
How VFD Works
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)
How LCD Works
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

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

≫ Color Filters

Noritake Standard Acrylic Color Filters video

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.

≫ Value Added Services

Value Added Services

LCD Touch Screen ModulesLCD Touch Screen Modules