HPDL 2416 Display Dimming

[RobNorthen]

In the datasheet on page 3-185, they write "Finally, dimming of the display through the blanking input (BL) is not recommended."

I was actually thinking of doing this, but as they advice against it, can it be harm full to the display??

Datasheet:
http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/64706/HP/HPDL2416.html

Best regards
Christian

[RobNorthen]

Anyone ??

[Gyro]

It's because the Blanking input resets the internal segment multiplex counter. If you toggle it at high speed you'll get an uneven or unreadable display at a guess. It's only intended for blanking or low speed flashing. It's unusual for it to reset the mux counter though, most displays allow dimming this way.

You could always try it. It's unlikely that it will cause damage unless you get one (set of) segment(s) much brighter than the others. They don't seem to specify the internal mux oscillator frequency but you might just find a frequency that is slow enough to work without flicker being too objectionable.

[RobNorthen]

Thank you Gyro, sounds good, i will try it out then.