SmartNixie
I²C bus Display and Support modules
SmartNixie Gallery
Module Lineup
Basic Wiring
TubeClockDB
HVPS Comparison
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• 100kbps I²C control interface.
• Slave base address ranges from 0x10-0xEE via on board DIP switch (See datasheet or table below)
• Character and Bit-map control modes:
  • Nixie Character 1 of 10 decoded display:  "0" to "9" and Display blank with independent control of Spare1, Spare2 driver channels.
  • Numitron Character 7 segment decoded display: "0" to "9", "A" to "F" and Display blank with independent control of Spare1, Spare2 and Decimal Point driver channels.
  • Bit-map: 12 bit binary code drives any combination of channels simultaneously.
• Free run counter in either Nixie or Numitron decoded display (Overrides flash mode).
• Programmable dimming from 5 to 100%, 100Hz flicker free update rate.
• Display flash with rate programmable from 0.39Hz to 100Hz, 50% duty cycle (Overrides counter mode).

• Free run Counter Mode-0 programmable from 0.39Hz to 100Hz for tube burn in, defaults to 10Hz.  Mode-0 counts in 1 of 10 Nixie output control and (Mode 1) counts in 7 segment Numitron output control.
• Stand alone Ripple Counter Mode-5 with clock in and divide by 10 clock output.  (Mode 5) counts in 1 of 10 Nixie output control and (Mode 6) counts in 7 segment Numitron output control.
• RS232 data stream with module build date and firmware information.
• Clock master Mode-9:
  • 1 to 6 digit clock master using selectable line frequency input; 1/10/50/60/100/120Hz and Free run.
  • 12/24 hour selectable with and without leading zero blanking.
  • Dimming from 5 to 100% in 5% steps.
  • Colon display and blink control
  • 1Hz clock generator Circuit / Source code
  • DC supply line ripple clock extraction circuit.
  • Bottom view -IN12 mode 9 clock showing DIP switch settings:  Here
  • Nixie / Numitron selectable via setting switches.
  • All settings stored in EEPROM.
• Clock master Mode-10:  
  • 1 to 6 digit clock/calendar based on PCF8563 RTC.
  • 2 year backup with 17mA-H coin cell, see application note for charging circuit.
  • 12/24 hour selectable with and without leading zero blanking.
  • Dimming from 5 to 100% in 5% steps.
  • Colon display and blink control
  • Nixie / Numitron selectable via setting switches.
  • All settings stored in EEPROM.

• Logic supply from 3.0 to 5.5VDC.
• Supply current:     2.5mA Max,  Vdd = 5.5VDC
                             2.0mA Nom, Vdd = 5.0VDC
                             1.0mA Nom, Vdd = 3.0VDC
• All cathode drivers are rated 240V/100mA, less than 100nA leakage current at 240V for no inter digit "Bleed".
• Module Address (A0-A3), I²C (SCL and SDA) and all driver pins tested on automated equipment to verify functionality in all operating modes. (Typical test screen)
• Modules with tubes installed are fully burned in and ready to use!
• SmartNixie IN4/IN12/IN18 for Pin Base Tubes:
  • 8 pin 0.100" SIP header for logic power, address and communication.
  • 4 pin 0.100" SIP header for high voltage input and spare cathodes.
  • 2 mounting holes at corners for 4-40 screws.
  • On board 1W metal oxide film current limit resistor, 20K nominal.
  • "Spare1" and "Spare2" cathode drivers connected to the 4 pin SIP header for driving external lamps, i.e. colon and Am/Pm for clocks.  For tubes with a decimal point or comma cathode, "Spare1" connects to the tubes as well as the 4 pin header.
• SmartNixie-IN17a for wire leaded tubes
  • 0.400" x 1.000" board size.
  • 20 pin 0.050" pitch SIP board connector for logic power, address, communication, high voltage and cathodes.
  • Pads with 0.020" diameter holes for display leads.
• SmartNixie-IN17b for wire leaded tubes
  • 0.650" x 0.800" board size.
  • 12 pin 0.100" pitch 2x6 DIP header for logic power, address, communication, high voltage and spare cathodes. (Pinout)
  • Pads with 0.030" diameter holes for display leads (Pinout).
  • On board 1W metal oxide film current limit resistor, 20K nominal.

• One year repair or replacement from date of purchase for materials and workmanship.
• Warranty does not cover user abuse, modification or reprogramming of modules.
• Critical firmware changes updated at no charge including shipment back to customer (No customer FW updates).

• Module Schematics
  • SmartNixie-IN4
  • SmartNixie-IN12
  • SmartNixie-IN17a (Small outline driver for wire leaded tubes)
  • SmartNixie-IN17b (Small outline driver for wire leaded tubes)
  • SmartNixie-IN18
  • SmartNixie-IN12 Clock Backplane
  • SmartNixie Basic Wiring