Vacuum Fluorescent Display Module

Hardware Specification

Model: GU512X32H-3xxx series

(GU512X32H-3xx0, 3xx1 series)

Specification No: DS-967-0001-04

Date Of Issue: February 11, 2003 (00)

Revision: March 03, 2003 (01)

April 25, 2003 (02)
September 18, 2003 (03)
February 21, 2005 (04)

Published by
NORITAKE ITRON Corp. / Japan
http://www.noritake-itron.jp/

This specification is subject to change without prior notice.

 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

Index.
1 General Description.........................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Scope ...........................................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Construction ................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 Outline..........................................................................................................................................................2
1.4 Block Diagram ............................................................................................................................................3
1.4.1 For 3xx0 series .....................................................................................................................................3
1.4.2 For -3xx1 series ....................................................................................................................................3
2 General Purpose I/O port................................................................................................................................4
3 Electrical specification....................................................................................................................................4
3.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings ......................................................................................................................4
3.2 Electrical ratings .........................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Electrical Characteristics...........................................................................................................................5
4 Optical Specifications .....................................................................................................................................7
5 Environmental Specifications .......................................................................................................................7
6 Interface ..............................................................................................................................................................8
6.1 Type of interface .........................................................................................................................................8
6.2 Interface timing ...........................................................................................................................................8
6.2.1 RS-232 Asynchronous serial interface timing ......................................................................................8
6.2.2 Parallel interface timing........................................................................................................................9
6.2.3 USB Interface timing............................................................................................................................9
7 Setup....................................................................................................................................................................9
7.1 DIP-Switch (SW1) ......................................................................................................................................9
8 Connector.........................................................................................................................................................10
8.1 For -3xx0 Series .......................................................................................................................................10
8.1.1 Power connector (CN6) ......................................................................................................................10
8.1.2 RS-232 Interface & Power connector (CN2).....................................................................................10
8.1.3 Parallel interface & Power connecter (CN5) .....................................................................................10
8.1.4 I/O Port connector (CN1) ..................................................................................................................10
8.2 For -3xx1 Series .......................................................................................................................................11
8.2.1 Power connector (CN6) ......................................................................................................................11
8.2.2 USB connector (CN3) .......................................................................................................................11
8.2.3 I/O Port connector (CN1) ..................................................................................................................11
8.3 Connectors ................................................................................................................................................12
8.3.1 For -3xx0 series ..................................................................................................................................12
8.3.2 For -3xx1 series ..................................................................................................................................12
9 Outline Drawing ..............................................................................................................................................13
9.1 For -3xx0 series........................................................................................................................................13
9.2 For -3xx1 series........................................................................................................................................14
Notice for the Cautious Handling VFD Modules .............................................................................................15
Revision Note ..........................................................................................................................................................16

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

1 General Description
1.1 Scope
This specification covers the hardware and its requirements of the vacuum fluorescent graphic
display module GU512X32H-3xx0,3xx1 series.
1.2 Construction
The module consists of a 512 x 32dot graphic BD-VFD, refresh RAM, character generator, DC/DC
converter, display controller, and all necessary control logic. The module can simultaneously
display graphic patterns and/or characters on the screen.
1.3 Outline
Power supply: + 5 VDC (VCC1) & + 24 VDC (VCC2)
Interface: 3xx0 Series: Parallel interface, RS-232 Asynchronous Serial interface
3xx1 Series: USB interface (USB 1.1 compatible)
I/O port: 12bits General purpose I/O port available
8bit Input/Output port (Port 0), 4bit Input port (Port 1)
Protocol: Direct mode
Packet mode
Function: Character display
Graphic display
Control command
Display action command
Draw command
Window function
General Purpose I/O port control
Macro, Program Macro function
Character and Bit Image download function
Memory SW

For more detail;

Refer to specification:
DS-967-0005-xx: for 512x32dot, -31xx series “General function” software spec
DS-967-0003-xx: for 512x32dot, -39xx series “General function” software spec
DS-954-0003-xx: “Program Macro” software spec

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

1.4 Block Diagram

1.4.1 For 3xx0 series

For 3xx0 series

Controller BD-VFD
Parallel IF Parallel

Connecter IF IC

RS-232 IF RS-232

Connecter IF IC FROM
16Mbit

Firm
I/O
Font
Port
Connector
Memory SW
DIP-SW

VCC1 Anode/Grid
DC/DC
VCC2 F1 Filament
GND Converter F2 Filament

1.4.2 For -3xx1 series

For 3xx1 series Controller BD-VFD

USB IF USB

Connecter IF IC

FROM
I/O
16Mbit
Port
Connector
Firm
Font
Memory SW
DIP-SW

VCC1 Anode/Grid
DC/DC
VCC2 F1 Filament
GND Converter F2 Filament

Please note that the re-writable

time of the FROM is approximately
100,000 times.

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

2 General Purpose I/O port

+5V +5V
VCC1
General purpose I/O Port 47kΩ
47Ω GND
Port0-b7
Input/Output port
47kΩ
x8
47Ω
Port0-b0
47kΩ CPU
47Ω
Port1-b3

Input port
47kΩ
x4
47Ω
Port1-b0

VCC1
GND
GU512X32H-3xxx
Refer to 3.3 Electrical Characteristics “General purpose I/O port supply Voltage for -3xx0, -3xx1 series.”
For controlling, refer to 512x32dot “General function” software spec., “I/O Port Input/Output setting”, “I/O Port
Output”, “I/O Port Input”.

3 Electrical specification
3.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
Power Supply Voltage for -3xx0, -3xx1 series.

Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Note

VCC1 -0.3 - +6.0 VDC -

Power Supply Voltage
VCC2 -0.3 +28.0 VDC -

Logic Supply Voltage for -3xx0 series.

Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Note

Parallel I/F D0 -D7 /WR VpIN -0.3 - Vcc+0.3 VDC

RS-232
RXD, DSR VsIN -25 +25 VDC
Serial I/F
Logic Supply Voltage for -3xx1 series.

Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Note

USB I/F D+, D- USB 1.1 compatible

I/O port supply Voltage for -3xx0, -3xx1 series.

Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Note

I/O port Port 0, Port 1 ViIN -0.3 - Vcc+0.3 VDC

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

3.2 Electrical ratings

Power Supply Voltage for -3xx0, -3xx1 series.

Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Note

VCC1 4.75 5.0 5.25 VDC -

Power Supply Voltage
VCC2 22.8 24.0 25.2 VDC -

All driving voltage for the VFD is converted from the DC/DC converter on board.

3.3 Electrical Characteristics

Logic input/output condition for -3xx0 series.
Measuring Conditions: Ambient temperature = 25degrees, VCC1 =5.0VDC, VCC2 =24.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note
Logic input current IpIH - - 1.0 uADC - -
D0 - D7, /WR IpIL - - -200 uADC - -
Logic input voltage VpIH 0.8VCC VCC VDC - -
Parallel I/F
D0 - D7, /WR VpIL 0 0.2VCC VDC - -
Logic output voltage VpOH 3.5 VCC VDC IOH=-10uA
(1)
RDY VpOL 0 0.6 VDC IOL=4mA
Logic input voltage VsIH 3 - 15 VDC - -
RXD, DSR VsIL -15 - -3 VDC - -
Logic output voltage VsOH 5 - - VDC -
RL=3KΩ
RS-232 I/F TXD, DTR VsOL - - -5 VDC -
Logic input
Impedance RsIN 3 - 7 KΩ -
RXD, DSR
(1) “RDY” is open collector terminal. (Pull up by 47Kohm) Vcc
Module
R 47K

RDY
Display
Controller
TR

Logic input/output condition for -3xx1 series.

Measuring Conditions: Ambient temperature = 25degrees, VCC1 =5.0VDC, VCC2 =24.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note
Logic input/output
USB I/F USB 1.1 compatible
voltage D+, D-

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

General purpose I/O port supply Voltage for -3xx0, -3xx1 series.
Measuring Conditions: Ambient temperature = 25degrees, VCC1 =5.0VDC, VCC2 =24.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note

Logic input current IiIH - - 1.0 uADC - -

Port 0, 1
IiIL - - -200 uADC - -

Logic input voltage ViIH 2.0 - VCC VDC - -

General purpose Port 0 ViIL 0 - 0.8 VDC - -
I/O port Logic output voltage ViOH VCC-0.6 - - VDC IOH=-200uA
-
Port 0 ViOL - - 0.5 VDC IOL=1.6mA
Logic input voltage ViT- 1.0 - - VDC - -
Port 1 ViT+ - - 0.7VCC VDC - -
(Schmidt Trigger input) ViT+ - ViT- 0.4 - - VDC - -
General purpose I/O port output permissible current for -3xx0, -3xx1 series.
Measuring Conditions: Ambient temperature = 25degrees, VCC1 =5.0VDC, VCC2 =24.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note
Output permissible IiOH － － 1.5 mADC - -
current Port 0, 1
(per 1 terminal) IiOL － － 8 mADC - -
General purpose
I/O port Output permissible IiOH － － 8 mADC - -
current Port 0, 1
(The Sum of all I/O IiOL － － 30 mADC - -
terminal)
Output current should not be exceeded from the value of above table.
In case of driving the LED or some other device directly, please be sure to insert current limiter into
an output line.

Power Supply condition for -3xx0 series.

Measuring Conditions: Ambient temperature = 25degrees, VCC1 =5.0VDC, VCC2 =24.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note

Power Supply Current 1 ICC1 - 80 120 mADC

ICC2-1 270 350 mADC (2)

Power Supply Current 2
ICC2-2 - 210 310 mADC (3)
Power Supply condition for -3xx1 series.
Measuring Conditions: Ambient temperature = 25degrees, VCC1 =5.0VDC, VCC2 =24.0VDC
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition Note

Power Supply Current 1 ICC1 - 90 140 mADC

ICC2-1 270 350 mADC (2)

Power Supply Current 2
ICC2-2 - 210 310 mADC (3)
Note
(2),(3) ICC2-1 shows the cuurent at all dots in the screen are lighted and ICC2-2 at all dots off. At power on rush,
more than 2times current of above table should be expected. Provide the quick rise type power supply
(<100msec.).
The power supply current at the Display power OFF specified by the Display power ON/OFF command will be
only power supply current 1 (ICC1). Refer to 512x32dot “General function” software spec.,“Display power
ON/OFF” command.

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

4 Optical Specifications
Number of dots: 16,384（512 x 32）
PCB Size: 372.0 mm x 49.0 mm (X x Y)
Display area: 307.0mm x 25.4mm(X x Y)
Dot size: 0.4mm x 0.6mm(X x Y)
Dot pitch: 0.6mm x 0.8mm (X x Y)
Luminance: 350cd/m2 Min. (800cd/m2 Typ.)
Color of illumination: Green (Blue Green)

5 Environmental Specifications
Operating temperature: -40 to +70degrees C (-20 to +70 degrees C in case of -3xx1 series)
Storage temperature: -40 to +85degrees C
Storage humidity: 20 to 80 % R.H(Non Condensing)
Vibration: 10-55-10Hz, all amplitude 1mm, 30Min., X-Y-Z (Non operating)
Shock: 392m/s2 (40G) 9mS X-Y-Z (Non operating)

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

6 Interface
6.1 Type of interface
The following interfaces are available on this module;
-3xx0 series: Parallel interface, RS-232 Serial interface
-3xx1 seires: USB (USB 1.1 Compatible)

6.2 Interface timing

6.2.1 RS-232 Asynchronous serial interface timing

0
RXD
1
Max. Min.
2Bytes 0μs
READY
DTR
BUSY

0
TXD
1
Max. Min.
2Bytes 0μs
READY
DSR
BUSY

The above timing is RS-232 level. The logical value is inverted from above level.
Interface: Baud rate 19,200 or 38,400bps (Selectable by DIP SW)
Parity Non parity
Format Start (1bit)＋Data (8bit)＋(Parity)＋Stop (1bit)
Handshake DTR, DSR

Buffer Capacity

Receiving buffer 256byte

Sending buffer 128byte
DTR signal change timing

DTR change 1 (Ready)→0(Busy) 0(Busy) →1(Ready)

When the rest of receiving buffer and
When the rest of receiving buffer or
Condition sending buffer size more than
sending buffer size less than 32bytes.
64bytes.

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

6.2.2 Parallel interface timing

Min.
100ns
1
/WR
0
Min. Min.
50ns 10ns
1
D0-D7
0
Max. TDWR
500ns
READY
RDY
BUSY

TDWR = Normal command mode: Min 1μS

Graphic DMA Mode: Min 15μS
*RDY=0(BUSY) is output every 1 byte.

This module has 256 bytes of receiving buffer internally, and after data is inputted, RDY
signal is set to RDY=0(BUSY) until it is stored into the receiving buffer.
If data is inputted when receiving buffer is full, RDY signal is set to RDY=0(BUSY) until
space for 1 byte will be available in receiving buffer.
It changes, and is variable depending on the command contents, or data writing frequency at user
side.
Due to above reason, RDY line should be always checked for data writing.

6.2.3 USB Interface timing

USB 1.1 Compatible, Refer to USB 1.1 standard.

7 Setup
7.1 DIP-Switch (SW1)
SW No. Function Default
1 Off
2 Display address select Off
3 (For multi connection) Off
4 Off
5 Baud Rate select Off
6 Command mode select Off
7 Operating Mode select Off
8 Protocol select Off

Detail of setup for DIP SW, refer to 512x32dot “General function” software spec.,“Setup”

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

8 Connector
8.1 For -3xx0 Series

8.1.1 Power connector (CN6)

Pin No. Signal name Function Direction
1 VCC1 Power supply (5V) Input
2 GND Ground Input
3 VCC2 Power supply (24V) Input
4 GND Ground Input
5 TEST * Test (Factory use only) Input
* Internally connected. (Be sure to leave this pin open)

8.1.2 RS-232 Interface & Power connector (CN2)

Pin No. Signal name Function Direction
1 RXD Data receive Input
2 DTR Display busy Output
3 DSR Host busy Input
4 TXD Data send Output
5 NC Non connection -
6 VCC1 Power supply (5V) Input
7 GND Ground Input

8.1.3 Parallel interface & Power connecter (CN5)

Pin Signal Pin Signal

Function Direction Function Direction
No. name No. name
1 D7 Data input Input 2 D6 Data input Input
3 D5 Data input Input 4 D4 Data input Input
5 D3 Data input Input 6 D2 Data input Input
7 D1 Data input Input 8 D0 Data input Input
9 GND Ground Input 10 /WR Data write Input
11 GND Ground Input 12 RDY Display READY Output
13 GND Ground Input 14 GND Ground Input
15 VCC Power supply (5V) Input 16 VCC Power supply (5V) Input

8.1.4 I/O Port connector (CN1)

Signa
Pin Signal Pin
Function Direction l Function Direction
No. name No.
name
1 Bit7 8 Bit0 Port 0 Input/Output
2 Bit6 9 Bit3
3 Bit5 10 Bit2 Input
Input/Output Input
4 Bit4 Input/Output 11 Bit1 Port 1
Port 0
5 Bit3 12 Bit0
6 Bit2 13 VCC Power supply (5V) Input
7 Bit1 14 GND Ground Input

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

8.2 For -3xx1 Series

8.2.1 Power connector (CN6)

Pin No. Signal name Function Direction
1 VCC1 Power supply (5V) Input
2 GND Ground Input
3 VCC2 Power supply (24V) Input
4 GND Ground Input
5 TEST * Test (Factory use only) Input
* Internally connected. (Be sure to leave this pin open)

8.2.2 USB connector (CN3)

Pin No. Signal name Function Direction
1 Vbus * VBus Input
2 D+ + Data Input/Output
3 D- - Data Input/Output
4 GND Ground Input
The power supply from Vbus can not be used for power supply for module driving.
The power supply for module driving should be inputted from Power connector.

8.2.3 I/O Port connector (CN1)

Pin Signal Pin Signal

Function Direction Function Direction
No. name No. name
1 Bit7 8 Bit0 Port 0 Input/Output
2 Bit6 9 Bit3
3 Bit5 10 Bit2 Input
Input/Output Input
4 Bit4 Input/Output 11 Bit1 Port 1
Port 0
5 Bit3 12 Bit0
6 Bit2 13 VCC1 Power supply (5V) Input
7 Bit1 14 GND Ground Input

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

8.3 Connectors
15pin 1pin
8.3.1 For -3xx0 series
1pin 7pin

PCB
PCB 16pin 2pin
RS-232 I/F connector Parallel I/F connector
JST: B7B-XH-A or equivalent IRISO: IMSA-9032B-16P or Equivalent
13pin 1pin
1pin 5pin

PCB PCB
Power connector 14pin 2pin
JST: B5B-XH-A or equivalent
I/O port connector
IRISO: IMSA-9032B-14P or Equivalent

8.3.2 For -3xx1 series

13pin 1pin
1pin 4pin

PCB PCB
14pin 2pin
USB connector
JST: B4B-XH-A or equivalent I/O port connector
IRISO: IMSA-9032B-14P or Equivalent

1pin 5pin

PCB

Power connector
JST: B5B-XH-A or equivalent

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

9 Outline Drawing
9.1 For -3xx0 series

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

9.2 For -3xx1 series

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

Notice for the Cautious Handling VFD Modules

Handling and Usage Precautions:
Please carefully follow the appropriate product application notes for proper usage, safety handling, and operation standards for
maximum performance.

[VFD tubes are made of glass]

• Because the edges of the VFD glass-envelop are not smooth, it is necessary to handle carefully to avoid injuries to
your hands
• Please avoid breaking the VFD glass-envelop to prevent injury from sharp glass particles.
• The tip of the exhaust pipe is fragile so avoid shock from impact.
• It is recommended to allow sufficient open space surrounding the exhaust pipe to avoid possible damage.
• Please design the PCB for the VFD-module within 0.3 mm warping tolerance to avoid any forces that may damage
the display due to PCB distortion causing a breakdown of the electrical circuit leading to VFD failure.
[High voltage]
• Avoid touching conductive electrical parts, because the VFD-module uses high voltage exceeding 30～100 volts.
• Even when electric power is turned off, it may take more than one minute for the electrical current to discharge.
[Cable connection]
• Do not unplug the power and/or data cables of VFD-modules during operating condition because unrecoverable
damage may result.
• Sending input signals to the VFD-module during a power off condition sometimes causes I/O port damage.
• It is recommended to use a 30 cm or shorter signal cable to prevent functional failures.
[Electrostatic charge]
• VFD-modules need electrostatic free packaging and protection from electrostatic charges during handling and
usage.
[Structure]
• During operation, VFD and VFD-modules generate heat. Please consider sufficient heat radiation dissipation using
heat sink solutions.
• We prefer to use UL grade materials or components in conjunction with VFD-modules.
• Wrap and twist motion causes stress and may break VFDs & VFD modules. Please adhere to allowances within
0.3mm at the point of attachment.
[Power]
• Apply regulated power to the VFD-module within specified voltages to protect from failures.
• Because some VFD-modules may consume in rush current equal to twice the typical current at power-on timing,
we recommend using a sufficient power capability and quick starting of the power regulator.
• VFD-module needs a specified voltage at the point of connection. Please use an adequate power cable to avoid a
decrease in voltage. We also recommend inserting a power fuse for extra protection.
[Operating consideration]
• Illuminating phosphor will decrease in brightness during extended operation. If a fixed pattern illuminates for an
extended period,( several hours), the phosphor efficiency will decrease compared to the non operating phosphor
causing a non uniform brightness among pixels. Please consider programming the display patterns to use all
phosphor segments evenly. Scrolling may be a consideration for a period of time to refresh the phosphor condition
and improve even illumination to the pixels.
• We recommend using a signal cable 30cm or less to avoid some possible disturbances to the signal.
[Storage and operating environment]
• Please use VFD-modules under the recommended specified environmental conditions. Salty, sulfur and dusty
environments may damage the VFD-module even during storage.
[Discard]
• Some VFDs contain a small amount of cadmium in the phosphor and lead in the solder. When discarding VFDs or
VFD-modules, please adhere to governmental related laws or regulations.
[Others]
• Although the VFD-module is designed to be protected from electrical noise, please plan your circuitry to exclude as
much noise as possible.
• Do not reconstruct or repair the VFD-module without our authorization. We cannot assure the quality or reliability of
unauthorized reconstructed VFD-modules.

Notice:
･We do not authorize the use of any patents that may be inherent in these specifications.
･Neither whole nor partial copying of these specifications are permitted without our approval.
If necessary , please ask for assistance from our sales consultant.
･This product is not designed for military, aerospace, medical or other life-critical applications. If you choose to use this product
for these applications, please ask us for prior consultation or we cannot take responsibility for problems that may occur.

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 GU512X32H-3xxx Series Hardware Specification

Revision Note

SPEC number Date Revision

DS-967-0001-04 Feb. 21,2005 8.2.2 Pin Assingment has been corrected.
Incorrect Correct
1. VBUS VBUS
2. D- D+
3. D+ D-
4. GND GND

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