PCF8545BTT - 320-Segment 1:8 Multiplex LCD Driver | NXP
MPN: PCF8545BTT ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.31 | $13.10 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.05 | $525.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PCF8545BTT Overview
A multiplex-rate LCD driver is a type of display driver IC that sequentially drives multiple rows (backplanes) and columns (segments) of a passive-matrix liquid crystal display; the PCF8545 belongs to the segment-driver IC family, which sits within display drivers > LED & Optoelectronics > semiconductors. Compared to character-matrix LCD controllers, segment drivers give the designer freedom to implement arbitrary graphic icons, alphanumeric fields, or numeric 7-segment digits on a custom glass, and they are commonly used in white goods, audio equipment, metering, and small automotive clusters.
Key features include 80 character × 4 line drive capability, software-selectable multiplex rates from 1:1 to 1:8, integrated temperature compensation, low-power mode, and a programmable frame frequency. The PCF8545BTT/AJ variant is qualified to AEC-Q100 for automotive applications, and the device retains all electrical characteristics across the industrial -40C to +85C operating range.
From an architectural standpoint, the PCF8545 stores the displayed pattern in an internal 320-bit display RAM and refreshes the panel autonomously. Communication overheads are minimized using auto-incremented addressing, allowing the host MCU to write sequential RAM bytes without re-issuing column addresses. An on-chip bias generator produces the required bias voltages so the system needs only a single external capacitor to stabilize the charge pump.
Typical applications include metering instrumentation (electricity, gas, water meters), white-goods human-machine interfaces, audio equipment displays, small automotive instrument clusters, point-of-sale terminals, and any embedded product requiring a custom LCD glass. The wide supply range and low power consumption make the PCF8545BTT particularly attractive for battery-powered devices.
When designing with the PCF8545BTT, ensure the SPI bus speed does not exceed the 5 MHz maximum and that the OSC pin capacitor selection matches the desired frame frequency. The /RES pin must be toggled during power-up to place the device into a known state before any SPI transactions begin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, including EOL context and pin-compatible upgrade options for the PCF8545BTT family.
Drop-in alternatives for PCF8545BTT — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PCF8545BTT/AJ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCF8545BTT/AY
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCF8545ATT/AY
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCF8576DT/2,118
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCF8536BT/1,118
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCA8536BT/Q900/1,1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCF8545BTT Specifications
| Display Type | LCD, multiplexed up to 1:8 |
| Number of Segments | 320 segments |
| Number of Backplanes | Up to 8 |
| Interface | 3-wire SPI (PCF8545B variant) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Supply Current (typ.) | 30 uA |
| Configuration | 20 characters x 4 lines, or 40 characters x 4 lines, or 320 elements |
| Multiplex Rate | 1:1 to 1:8 (software-selectable) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 56-pin TSSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| On-chip RAM | 320-bit display RAM with auto-increment |
| Temperature Compensation | Yes, internal |
| Low-power Mode | Yes |
| AEC-Q100 (AJ variant) | Qualified |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PCF8545BTT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | BP0 — Backplane output 0 |
| Pin 2 | BP1 — Backplane output 1 |
| Pin 3 | BP2 — Backplane output 2 |
| Pin 4 | BP3 — Backplane output 3 |
| Pin 5 | BP4 — Backplane output 4 |
| Pin 6 | BP5 — Backplane output 5 |
| Pin 7 | BP6 — Backplane output 6 |
| Pin 8 | BP7 — Backplane output 7 |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VLCD — LCD supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | S0 — Segment output 0 |
| Pin 13 | S1 — Segment output 1 |
| Pin 14 | S2 — Segment output 2 |
| Pin 15 | S3 — Segment output 3 |
| Pin 16 | S4 — Segment output 4 |
| Pin 17 | S5 — Segment output 5 |
| Pin 18 | S6 — Segment output 6 |
| Pin 19 | S7 — Segment output 7 |
| Pin 20 | S8 — Segment output 8 |
| Pin 21 | S9 — Segment output 9 |
| Pin 22 | S10 — Segment output 10 |
| Pin 23 | S11 — Segment output 11 |
| Pin 24 | S12 — Segment output 12 |
| Pin 25 | S13 — Segment output 13 |
| Pin 26 | S14 — Segment output 14 |
| Pin 27 | S15 — Segment output 15 |
| Pin 28 | S16 — Segment output 16 |
| Pin 29 | S17 — Segment output 17 |
| Pin 30 | S18 — Segment output 18 |
| Pin 31 | S19 — Segment output 19 |
| Pin 32 | S20 — Segment output 20 |
| Pin 33 | S21 — Segment output 21 |
| Pin 34 | S22 — Segment output 22 |
| Pin 35 | S23 — Segment output 23 |
| Pin 36 | S24 — Segment output 24 |
| Pin 37 | S25 — Segment output 25 |
| Pin 38 | S26 — Segment output 26 |
| Pin 39 | S27 — Segment output 27 |
| Pin 40 | S28 — Segment output 28 |
| Pin 41 | S29 — Segment output 29 |
| Pin 42 | S30 — Segment output 30 |
| Pin 43 | S31 — Segment output 31 |
| Pin 44 | S32 — Segment output 32 |
| Pin 45 | S33 — Segment output 33 |
| Pin 46 | S34 — Segment output 34 |
| Pin 47 | S35 — Segment output 35 |
| Pin 48 | S36 — Segment output 36 |
| Pin 49 | S37 — Segment output 37 |
| Pin 50 | S38 — Segment output 38 |
| Pin 51 | S39 — Segment output 39 |
| Pin 52 | CLK — External clock input / oscillator pin |
| Pin 53 | SYNC — Frame sync / cascade input |
| Pin 54 | /RES — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 55 | SCL — SPI clock input |
| Pin 56 | SDI — SPI data input |
Typical Applications
PCF8545BTT is suitable for 6 applications: Electricity Meter LCD Display, White-Goods Human-Machine Interface, Audio Equipment Display, Small Automotive Instrument Cluster, Point-of-Sale Terminal Display, Industrial Process Meter.
Electricity Meter LCD Display
The PCF8545BTT is ideal for single-phase and polyphase electricity meter displays where 6 to 8 digit numeric fields plus iconographic indicators (kWh, V, A, power factor) must be rendered on a custom glass. The 320-segment capacity with 1:8 multiplex lets the meter designer combine the main kWh readout, tariff indicator, status icons, and historical bar graph on one chip without an external segment driver. The 30 uA typical supply current keeps quiescent draw within IEC 62053-21 meter power budgets, and the wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct battery or super-cap backup during line-power outages. The SPI bus simplifies connection to energy-meter metrology MCUs that already expose an SPI peripheral.
Recommended
White-Goods Human-Machine Interface
Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators rely on segment LCDs that combine 7-segment digits with custom icons for cycle, temperature, and status indication. The PCF8545BTT's 320-segment capacity supports a complete appliance front panel including program name, spin speed, remaining time, and 16+ status icons. The on-chip temperature compensation keeps contrast consistent across the cold-to-hot range of a kitchen environment, and the software-selectable multiplex rate lets one driver IC serve multiple appliance families with different glass designs. The AEC-Q100 qualified /AJ variant supports laundry equipment with extended thermal profiles.
Recommended
Audio Equipment Display
Hi-fi amplifiers, receivers, and portable audio players often use segment LCDs to show volume, source, frequency, and track information. The PCF8545BTT drives a typical audio front panel with VU-meter bars, source labels (CD/AUX/BT), and a 16-character alphanumeric readout, all from a single 56-pin TSSOP. The 30 uA supply current is negligible compared to the audio chain, and the on-chip bias generator eliminates external boost capacitors that would otherwise increase BOM cost. The auto-incremented display RAM keeps SPI traffic low so the audio DSP can keep bandwidth for sample-rate conversion.
Recommended
Small Automotive Instrument Cluster
Motorcycles, e-bikes, and small EVs use compact instrument clusters that combine a speedometer, fuel/battery gauge, odometer, and warning icons on a single LCD glass. The PCF8545BTT/AJ automotive-qualified variant supports the AEC-Q100 temperature range and delivers 320 segments at 1:8 multiplex, enough for a full motorcycle cluster on one chip. The SPI bus interfaces directly to automotive MCUs like the S32K1 family, and the on-chip temperature compensation is critical for outdoor cluster contrast stability from -40C cold-start to +85C summer sun. The TSSOP-56 footprint drops into existing PCF8545BTT layouts for cost-down migration.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Display
POS terminals and handheld payment devices use compact segment LCDs to show transaction amount, item count, and status indicators. The PCF8545BTT drives a typical 12-digit amount field plus 24 icons (WiFi, battery, signature OK, contact/contactless) in one IC, simplifying PCB layout in space-constrained handheld enclosures. The wide supply range (2.5 V to 5.5 V) supports both rechargeable Li-ion and coin-cell backup scenarios, and the 30 uA quiescent current preserves battery life between transactions. The SPI bus allows direct connection to the secure-element MCU that already handles EMV transactions.
Recommended
Industrial Process Meter
Industrial panel meters for temperature, pressure, flow, and level measurement use segment LCDs to display measured value, engineering units, and alarm status. The PCF8545BTT drives a typical 4.5-digit process display plus bar graph and alarm icons, fitting the standard 96x96 mm DIN panel cutout. The -40C to +85C industrial operating range supports outdoor panel installations, and the on-chip charge pump removes the need for an external boost supply in 3.3 V systems. The TSSOP-56 footprint allows the same PCB to be reused for different process variables by changing only the metrology front-end.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PCF8545BTT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PCF8545BTT/AJ | PCF8545BTT/AY | PCF8545ATT/AY | PCF8576DT/2,118 | PCF8536BT/1,118 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 56-pin TSSOP | 56-pin TSSOP - same | 56-pin TSSOP - same | 56-pin TSSOP - same | 56-pin TSSOP - same | 56-pin TSSOP - same |
| Interface | 3-wire SPI | 3-wire SPI | 3-wire SPI | 2-wire I2C | 2-wire I2C | 2-wire I2C / SPI |
| Number of Segments | 320 segments | 320 segments | 320 segments | 320 segments | 160 segments (-50%) | 160 segments (-50%) |
| Multiplex Rate | 1:1 to 1:8 | 1:1 to 1:8 | 1:1 to 1:8 | 1:1 to 1:8 | 1:1 to 1:4 | 1:1 to 1:4 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Automotive Grade (AEC-Q100) | No (BTT only) | Yes (AEC-Q100) | Yes (AEC-Q100) | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | Yes (PCA8536BT/Q900) |
| Unit Price (qty 1, USD, as of 2026-10-09) | $1.45 | $1.60 (est.) | $1.41 | $1.30 (est.) | $1.80 (est.) | $1.50 (est.) |
Key Differentiators
- 320-segment capacity with 1:8 multiplex in single TSSOP-56 chip (vs PCF8576DT/2,118)
- AEC-Q100 automotive-grade option in same footprint (vs PCF8545BTT (non-automotive))
- On-chip charge pump eliminates external boost components (vs Discrete segment driver with external boost)
Design Notes
The PCF8545BTT draws a typical 30 uA supply current but peaks higher during SPI write bursts and during charge-pump switching. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and add a 1 uF bulk capacitor at the IC supply pin. The on-chip bias generator only requires a single 100 nF capacitor on VLCD; do not omit this capacitor or the LCD contrast will be unstable. For battery-backed applications, the VLCD pin can be tied to VDD to disable the charge pump and reduce current to approximately 5 uA.
Route the SPI bus (SCL, SDI, /RES) as short matched traces to minimize ringing; keep them away from the LCD segment outputs to avoid coupling noise into the display. The 56-pin TSSOP has a thermal pad (or center lead frame) that should be soldered to a copper pour for mechanical reliability, even though the chip dissipates minimal power. Place the VLCD bypass capacitor directly at the VLCD pin and use a wide ground pour under the entire IC for stable bias generation. Keep the segment and backplane traces short and balanced to maintain uniform LCD contrast across the glass.
Do not exceed the SPI clock frequency of 5 MHz, or display RAM corruption can occur. Always toggle the /RES pin low then high during power-up before the first SPI transaction, otherwise the device may not initialize correctly. When migrating between PCF8545BTT (SPI) and PCF8545ATT (I2C), verify that the host firmware uses the correct command set - the RAM addressing scheme is the same but the bus protocol differs. The PCF8545BTT is in last-time-buy status per NXP's product page, so new designs should select the AEC-Q100 qualified /AJ variant to ensure long-term supply.
Compliance Information
PCF8545BTT base part is RoHS and REACH compliant but not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PCF8545BTT/AJ suffix for AEC-Q100 automotive grade. Halogen-free per NXP packaging materials disclosure.
