ICM7228AIPI - 8-Digit LED Display Driver, 28-PDIP | Intersil
MPN: ICM7228AIPI ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.16 | $5.16 |
| 10 | $4.62 | $46.20 |
| 100 | $4.01 | $401.00 |
| 500 | $3.55 | $1,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.1 | $3,100.00 |
ICM7228AIPI Overview
An LED display driver is a specialized integrated circuit that decodes numeric or alphanumeric data from a parallel microprocessor bus into the segment and digit signals required by a 7-segment LED display, while also performing the time-division multiplexing that drives multiple digits from a single driver. It belongs to the broader family of PMIC display drivers (Power Management IC > Display Driver), which also includes LCD segment drivers, OLED drivers, and vacuum-fluorescent drivers. By integrating the multiplexing counter and decoder, the ICM7228 eliminates the software overhead and external logic that would otherwise be required for refresh, freeing the host CPU for other tasks.
The ICM7228AIPI variant provides an 8-bit bidirectional data bus interface and supports the standard multiplexed 7-segment common-cathode LED architecture. According to the Renesas/Intersil datasheet, the device features on-chip 8-bit segment current drivers and on-board multiplex counter, with software-configurable digit count. Operating supply voltage is 5 V nominal with an operating temperature range of -20 C to +85 C (industrial grade, denoted by the I suffix). Compared with the predecessor ICM7218 family, the ICM7228A/B adds a single-digit access mode for indicator-style displays.
The CMOS process technology provides low power dissipation, suitable for instrumentation, panel meters, and industrial front-panel readouts. The driver interfaces directly with 8-bit microprocessors and supports either BCD or hexadecimal decoding via the mode-select pin, allowing the same chip to drive both decimal numeric and hexadecimal alphanumeric displays without hardware changes.
Typical applications include digital panel meters, frequency counters, multimeter readouts, scoreboard displays, instrumentation front panels, and industrial control human-machine interface (HMI) panels where a numeric or hexadecimal LED readout is required. The 28-PDIP package remains a preferred choice for through-hole prototype, hobby, and legacy industrial designs where socketed or hand-solderable parts are valued over SMD alternatives.
When designing with the ICM7228AIPI, ensure that the segment current-setting resistor (RSET) is calculated against the LED forward voltage and desired average segment current; the on-chip multiplex counter drives one digit per time slot, so peak segment current is roughly N times the average current for an N-digit display. Always observe the absolute maximum supply voltage and segment voltage ratings stated in the manufacturer datasheet to avoid catastrophic failure of the CMOS output stages.
Drop-in alternatives for ICM7228AIPI — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ICM7228AIPI (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Display Type, Package, Interface, Manufacturer, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ICM7228BIPI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ICM7228CIPI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →ICM7228AIPIZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →ICM7228AIPI-Y8J
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ICM7218AIJI
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ICM7228AIPI Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | 8-Digit LED Display Decoder Driver |
| Display Type | 7-segment common-cathode LED, multiplexed |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V nominal |
| Number of Digits | 1 to 8 (software-selectable) |
| Interface | Parallel 8-bit microprocessor bus |
| Decoding Modes | BCD and Hexadecimal (mode-select) |
| Special Feature | Single-digit access mode (vs ICM7218) |
| On-chip Functions | Segment drivers, digit multiplex counter, BCD/Hex decoder |
| Operating Temperature | -20 C to +85 C |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (Plastic DIP, through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Grade | Industrial (I suffix) |
| Polarity / Family | ICM7228A series (ICM7228A vs ICM7228B variants) |
| Manufacturer | Intersil (acquired by Renesas Electronics) |
ICM7228AIPI Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SEG a — Segment a driver output |
| Pin 2 | SEG b — Segment b driver output |
| Pin 3 | SEG c — Segment c driver output |
| Pin 4 | SEG d — Segment d driver output |
| Pin 5 | SEG e — Segment e driver output |
| Pin 6 | SEG f — Segment f driver output |
| Pin 7 | SEG g — Segment g driver output |
| Pin 8 | DP / SEG h — Decimal point or segment h driver output |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | DGT1 — Digit 1 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 11 | DGT2 — Digit 2 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 12 | DGT3 — Digit 3 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 13 | DGT4 — Digit 4 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 14 | DGT5 — Digit 5 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 15 | DGT6 — Digit 6 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 16 | DGT7 — Digit 7 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 17 | DGT8 — Digit 8 driver (active-low for common-cathode) |
| Pin 18 | VCC — +5 V supply |
| Pin 19 | DB0 — Data bus bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | DB1 — Data bus bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | DB2 — Data bus bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | DB3 — Data bus bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | DB4 — Data bus bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | DB5 — Data bus bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | DB6 — Data bus bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | DB7 — Data bus bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | MODE / CTRL — Decode mode select / control input |
| Pin 28 | RSET — Segment current set resistor |
Typical Applications
ICM7228AIPI is suitable for 7 applications: Digital Panel Meter Readout, Frequency Counter Display, Digital Multimeter Front Panel, Industrial Process Indicator, Scoreboard and Timer Display, HMI Numeric Keypad-Display Modules, Legacy Avionics and Test Bench Readouts.
Digital Panel Meter Readout
The ICM7228AIPI is well-suited to digital panel meters because it integrates an 8-digit multiplex counter and 7-segment decoder that offload refresh from the meter MCU. With a 5 V supply, BCD/Hex decoding, and -20 to +85 C industrial temperature range, it drives common-cathode LED displays reliably in metrology front panels. Compared with discrete transistor multiplex designs, the ICM7228AIPI reduces BOM count by integrating segment drivers, the decode ROM, and digit strobe logic. Place a single 0.1 uF bypass capacitor near VCC and an RSET resistor sized against the LED forward voltage to set segment current.
Recommended
Frequency Counter Display
In frequency counters and time-interval meters, the ICM7228AIPI accepts BCD or hexadecimal data from the counting logic and drives up to 8 common-cathode 7-segment digits without CPU intervention. Its on-chip multiplex counter handles the digit refresh at the standard LED multiplex rate, while the parallel 8-bit interface is straightforward to wire to gate-array or FPGA front-end counters. Industrial temperature grade supports benchtop and rack-mount instrument environments. Designers can use the single-digit access mode (added over the older ICM7218) to indicate units, gate status, or overflow flags.
Recommended
Digital Multimeter Front Panel
The ICM7228AIPI drives the main numeric readout of handheld and benchtop digital multimeters, displaying voltage, current, and resistance readings from the meter's ADC front-end. Its 8-digit capacity covers 4-1/2 digit to 6-1/2 digit meter resolutions when paired with a precision ADC. The 5 V CMOS interface is logic-compatible with the meter's microcontroller, and the on-chip decoder eliminates a display-refresh ISR in the firmware. Industrial temperature grade ensures stable operation across lab and field environments.
Recommended
Industrial Process Indicator
Industrial process indicators (temperature, pressure, flow, level) frequently use 7-segment LED readouts, where the ICM7228AIPI simplifies firmware by removing the multiplex ISR burden. The parallel 8-bit data bus is easy to map onto PLC or microcontroller I/O ports, and the BCD mode lets the indicator show process values with a single chip and a handful of current-limit resistors. Industrial grade temperature rating and through-hole 28-PDIP package suit factory-floor panels where socketed parts and hand-repair are valued. The hexadecimal mode also enables diagnostic/alphanumeric displays.
Recommended
Scoreboard and Timer Display
The ICM7228AIPI suits scoreboard, sports-timer, and event-countdown displays where 6-8 digit 7-segment readouts are common. The on-chip multiplex counter scans digits automatically while the host writes score or countdown values over the 8-bit parallel bus, simplifying the timing-controller firmware. Industrial temperature rating tolerates gymnasium and outdoor-kiosk environments, and the CMOS design keeps quiescent power low. Hexadecimal mode also supports alphanumeric indicators such as time-of-day clocks.
Recommended
HMI Numeric Keypad-Display Modules
Human-machine interface (HMI) modules combine a 4x4 keypad with an 8-digit 7-segment LED; the ICM7228AIPI drives the display side while the host MCU scans the keypad. The single 5 V supply simplifies power design in field I/O modules, and the parallel 8-bit interface requires only a single port on the MCU. The on-chip single-digit access mode (vs the older ICM7218) makes it straightforward to drive indicator LEDs (units, alarm flags) on the same panel without an additional driver.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and Test Bench Readouts
Through-hole 28-PDIP LED drivers like the ICM7228AIPI remain common in legacy avionics, military test benches, and educational laboratory instruments where socketed DIP packages are preferred over SMD for ease of replacement and field repair. The industrial temperature range supports avionics-bay and ground-test environments, and the CMOS process keeps power dissipation low. The 8-digit capacity suits frequency counters, signal-generator readouts, and navigation display panels used in those segments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ICM7228AIPI — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ICM7228BIPI | ICM7228CIPI | ICM7228AIPIZ | ICM7228AIPI-Y8J | ICM7218AIJI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-PDIP | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-CDIP - same DIP footprint, ceramic |
| Brand | Intersil | Intersil | Intersil | Renesas Electronics | Intersil | Maxim Integrated |
| Function | 8-digit LED driver | 8-digit LED driver (inverse polarity) | 8-digit LED driver (variant) | 8-digit LED driver (lead-free) | 8-digit LED driver (same die) | 8-digit LED driver (no single-digit access) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C |
| Bus Polarity | A-version | B-version (inverse) | C-version | A-version | A-version | A-version (different digit-mode) |
| Single-Digit Access Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 8-digit multiplex counter and BCD/Hex decoder (vs ICM7218AIJI (Maxim))
- Same-family variant for design margin (vs ICM7228BIPI)
- Lead-free RoHS-compliant variant available (vs ICM7228AIPI-Y8J (packaging code))
Design Notes
The ICM7228AIPI requires a clean +5 V supply with a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin to suppress logic-noise transients generated by the multiplexed LED segment drivers. Add a 10 uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor on the supply rail if the source impedance is high (e.g., long cable from a bench supply), because digit-multiplex switching can pull 50-100 mA peak current pulses that cause VCC droop and display flickering.
Route the 8 data-bus lines (DB0-DB7) as a parallel bus with matched lengths where possible to minimize skew between the host MCU and the ICM7228AIPI. Keep the segment output traces (SEG a-g, DP) physically separated from the bus lines and digit-driver traces to reduce capacitive coupling that can ghost-display digits. For 28-PDIP through-hole layout, place the LED display connector on the same board edge to keep digit-driver traces short - long traces increase EMI and voltage spikes on the digit commons.
Do not forget the RSET segment-current resistor: peak segment current is set by RSET and the LED forward voltage, and average current is roughly peak divided by the number of digits multiplexed (8 here), so a display set for 5 mA average may see 40 mA peak - derate accordingly against the LED's peak-pulsed current rating. Also note that the ICM7228A bus polarity differs from the ICM7228B; firmware written for the B version will not drive the A version's digit patterns. When migrating from the older ICM7218 family, verify single-digit access mode behavior, since the ICM7218A/B may be software-incompatible per the Renesas datasheet.
At 8-digit multiplex with peak segment currents of 20-40 mA, the ICM7228AIPI can dissipate up to 200-400 mW internally. Estimated: with 7 segments per digit on at 30 mA peak and 0.5 V VCE(sat) on the segment driver, dissipation per digit is ~105 mW; with 8 digits sequential, average dissipation is ~105 mW x (2-digit current/8 digits) ~ 26 mW average plus digit-driver dissipation. The 28-PDIP package has a theta_JA around 70 C/W, so the junction rises ~2-3 C above ambient - well within the 85 C industrial limit - but adequate PCB copper around the GND pins improves thermal performance.
Compliance Information
RoHS/lead-free status not explicitly confirmed in provided web data; the Z-suffix variant (ICM7228AIPIZ) is lead-free. AEC-Q100 not applicable - industrial-grade LED driver, not automotive-qualified. Refer to Renesas ICM7228 datasheet for full compliance details.
