Vacuum fluorescent display

Vacuum Fluorescent Display

A vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) is a type of display device used commonly in consumer electronics, such as video cassette recorders, car radios, and microwave ovens. Unlike liquid crystal displays, a VFD emits a very bright light with high contrast and can support a wide range of colors.

A typical vacuum fluorescent display

History

The VFD was invented in 1959 by Noritake Itron Corporation, a Japanese company. The first commercial VFD was introduced in 1967 and was used in the Sharp EL-8, one of the first electronic calculators.

Display of the Sharp EL-8 calculator

Construction and Operation

A VFD consists of a cathode filament, anodes, and grids encased in a vacuum-sealed glass envelope. The cathode is heated to emit electrons, which are accelerated towards the anodes by the grid. The anodes are coated with phosphor, which emits light when struck by electrons.

Close-up of a VFD showing the filament and grid structure

Applications

VFDs are used in a variety of applications due to their brightness and ability to display multiple colors. They are commonly found in automobile dashboards, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.

VFD used in a car dashboard

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• High brightness and contrast
• Wide viewing angle
• Fast response time
• Ability to display multiple colors

Disadvantages

• Higher power consumption compared to LCDs
• More expensive to manufacture

Related Pages

• Liquid crystal display
• Light-emitting diode
• Display device

References

• "Vacuum Fluorescent Display." Noritake Itron Corporation. Accessed October 2023.
• "History of VFDs." Sharp Corporation. Accessed October 2023.

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