Audio ICs
Fluorescent display tube level meter
driver, 16-point 2 channel, VU scale,
bar display
BA6803S
The BA6803S is a two-channel, 16-point fluorescent display tube driver for VU-scale bar-level meters. It uses a dynamicdrive system and has both AC and DC inputs.
The AC input mode has a peak hold circuit. The IC features a power-on mute, and the output block can directly drive
fluorescent display tubes, so few external components are required.
The grid output duty cycle is 1 / 8.
Applications
Level meters for all types of AV equipment
Features
1) Uses dynamic-drive system to display two 16-point
channels. 30-pin SDIP package.
2) AC and DC inputs provided. Switching function allows two-mode display .
3) Upper 12 points have peak hold function in AC mode
(two seconds typ.).
4) Power-on mute function.
5) Dynamic-drive system reduces the power dissipation of the fluorescent display tube power supply.
6) Square root compression amplifier built in.
Absolute maximum ratings (Ta = 25C)
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Audio ICs BA6803S
Block diagram
Electrical characteristics (unless otherwise noted, Ta = 25C)
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Audio ICs BA6803S
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Audio ICs BA6803S
Measurement circuit
Application example
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Audio ICs BA6803S
Circuit operation
(1) Input block
The AC input pins are pins 1 and 3, and the DC input pins
are pins 6 and 7. Pin 8 is used to switch between the AC
and DC inputs. When the input to pin 8 is “H”, AC input
is selected (pins 1 and 3).
Therefore, by using pin 8 to switch between the AC and
DC modes, the IC can do two jobs, using one fluorescent
tube. For example, pins 1 and 3 can be used for audio signal input, and pins 6 and 7 can be used as the input for
the signal meter output from a tuner (DC). The AC input
impedance of pins 1 and 3 is a low 250Ω (typ.), so connect potentiometers (VR
1 and VR2) in series with the in-
puts to adjust the sensitivity and ch1 and ch2 balance.
(2) Peak hold circuit
The BA6803S features a peak hold circuit that temporarily holds peak signal levels in AC input mode.
The peak hold function can be used with the upper 12
points (5 to 16). The peak hold time depends on the oscillator frequency . It is 2 sec. (typ.) for an oscillator frequency of 2kHz.
DC mode does not have a peak hold function.
(3) Grid output
The pin 10 and 11 grid outputs are open-collector NPN
transistors. The logic is active low (the fluorescent tube
lights when the output is “L”), so connect two PNP transistors Q
1 and Q2 as shown in the application example
circuit to drive the fluorescent tubes (see Fig. 3).
(4) Segment output block
Pins 12 to 28 are the segment outputs. The output circuits are open-collector PNP transistors. When grid 1 is
“L”, the ch1 level is output (pin 1 or 6 input level), and
when grid 2 is “L”, the ch2 level is output (pin 3 or 7 input
level). Refer to Fig. 4.
(5) Grid and segment output timing chart. The grid and
segment output timing is shown in Fig. 5.
(6) Attack and release times
The response characteristic for AC input signals is set by
resistor R
capacitor C
3 = 22µF , the attack time is about 4ms, and the release
C
1 and capacitor C3 for ch1 and resistor R2 and
4 for ch2 (pins 2 and 4). When R1 = 47kΩ and
time is about 1sec. (same for ch2).
Attack time : Time for the voltage on pins 2 and 4
to rise from 1V to 2.5V when the input goes from no input to 2.6Vrms,
then back to no input.
Release time : T ime for the voltage on pins 2 and 4
to fall from 2.5V to 1V when the input
goes from 2.6Vrms to no input.
(7) Oscillator frequency
The resistor R
26 and capacitor C5 connected to pin 30 de-
termine the oscillator frequency . The oscillator frequency
osc) and grid output period (T) are related as follows:
(f
T (ms) = 16 / f
osc (kHz)
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Audio ICs BA6803S
Timing chart
BA6803S (when oscillator frequency is 2kHz)
Attached components (refer to “Circuit operation”)
C
1 and C2 : input coupling capacitors.
1 and VR2 : AC sensitivity adjustment and balance ad-
VR
justment (3kΩ recommended).
C
3, R1, C4 and R2 : set the response characteristics with
respect to the AC input signal. In the example given, the
attack time is about 4mS and the release time is about
1sec.
3 : Pullup resistor for the input switching terminal (pin 8).
R
6 an d R7 : resistor for the grid leak current path
R
Gleak).Set so that IGleak x R6 (R7) < 0.6V.
(I
R
4 and R5 : base bias resistors for Q1 and Q2.
Conditions for base bias current (IB) flow are V
F = 0.6V:
and V
R4
R
5*0.6
<
6
0.6
= 7.3
CC = 5V
the base current is given by the following formula.
IB (mA)
B >
I
Set resistors R
1 and Q2 : grid output inverting transistors. Use transis-
Q
tors for which V
8 to R25 : Resistors that reverse bias the segments and
R
5*0.6
4 (kΩ)
R
Fluorescent tube grid current
4 and R6 (R5 and R7) so that
CEO > VCC ) VEE.
0.6
*
R
6 (kΩ)
FE
h
grid when the fluorescent tube is not lit. The application
example given is for general cases. Select the resistors
to suit the characteristics of the fluorescent tube used.
C
5 and R26 : set the oscillator frequency.
Capacitor C
5 should be a component with good tempera-
ture characteristics.
Operation notes
1) Adjust the potentiometers VR
1 and VR2 (connected
to pins 1 and 3) to adjust the 0dB input level and the dispersion of ch1 and ch2.
2) The temperature characteristic for the lighting limit
for the 16th LED is shown in Fig. 6.
3) The external resistor R
26 connected to the oscillator
(pin 30) should be in the range of 20kΩ and 100kΩ. If it
is outside this range, oscillation may stop due to the influence of temperature (see Fig. 7).
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Audio ICs BA6803S
Electrical characteristics curves
External dimensions (Units: mm)
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