The CAT5132 used for VCOM buffer control in a TFT LCD display

Traditionally, V_COM adjustment made use of mechanical potentiometers or trimmers in the voltage-divider mode. In recent years, however, panel makers have begun looking at alternative approaches because inexpensive mechanical trimmers don?t provide the manufacturing ease and desired reliability. The physical adjustment process on the assembly line also leads to inconsistent results from display to display. This adjustment is not only time-consuming, but also prone to field failures arising from human error and mechanical vibration. Additionally low cost mechanical potentiometers tended to be more vulnerable to environmental degradation over time causing long term reliability issues.

The CAT5132 high voltage/non-volatile digital potentiometer overcomes the limitations of mechanical potentiometers and DACs. The CAT5132 is a 7bit (128 position) all-silicon potentiometer with a non-volatile memory and capable of resistor terminal voltages as high as 16V. The CAT5132 solution maintains the simplicity of the mechanical potentiometer solution while providing the versatility and reliability of the DAC solution at a much lower cost.

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