SN75518FN replacement

[RichardDiag]

Had someone ask me about an issue with a VFD (vacuum fluorescent display) on an HP/Agilent 33120 function generator.  The issue being a dot in the ';' always being on.  This suggested the driver chip, a SN75518FN was likely the issue.  It also seems that several HP/Agilent equipment uses this part.  Finding a replacement SN75518 was not looking good.  After a few hours of searching, I did finally find two parts that appear to be possible replacement parts.  I thought I would relay that info for someone else whom my be looking.

It appears that Microchip HV518 and Analog Devices MAX6934 are compatible parts for the discontinued SN75518; both available from Digikey.  This includes the PLCC package used in the HP/Agilent equipment.

Hopes this helps someone else out there.