How long do vacuum fluorescent displays last?
The choice of color (which determines the nature of the phosphor) and display brightness significantly affect the lifetime of the tubes, which can range from as low as 1,500 hours for a vivid red VFD to 30,000 hours for the more common green ones.
How do vacuum fluorescent screens work?
Vacuum fluorescent displays work kind of like a CRTs where accelerated electrons are bombarded on a layer of phosphor which then emits this typical blue-greenish light. VFDs are driven with much lower voltages compared to CRTs which is why they are often found in small consumer equipment predating the LCD-era.
What were Nixie tubes used for?
A Nixie tube (English: /ˈnɪk. siː/ NIK-see), or cold cathode display, is an electronic device used for displaying numerals or other information using glow discharge.
Are VFDs still used?
Although VFDs have been widely replaced by LCDs in applications such as pocket calculators and handheld games, they’re still used in microwave ovens, audio equipment, and car dashboard displays.
How are vacuum fluorescent displays made?
A vacuum fluorescent display is comprised of a filament, insulation layer, anode electrode, wiring pattern and grid. Filament is the cathode for the vacuum fluorescent display and usually is made of alkaline-coated tungsten wires, which help in emitting light.
Who invented fluorescent screen?
Edmund Germer’s development of the fluorescent lamp and the high-pressure mercury-vapor lamp increased the efficiency of lighting devices, allowing for more economical lighting while producing less heat than incandescent light. Germer was born in Berlin, the son of an accountant.
Why is VFD needed?
Why use a VFD? Primary function of a VFD in aquatic applications is to provide energy savings. By controlling speed of a pump rather than controlling flow through use of throttling valves, energy savings can be substantial. In addition to energy savings, impeller, bearing and seal life is greatly improved.
What does VFD stand for?
A variable frequency drive (VFD) is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage of its power supply.
Is there another kind of vacuum tube clock?
Another kind of Vacuum Tube Clock is called the Ice Tube Clock. Unlike the Nixie Clock, this clock must be assembled…there is no option to purchase one that’s been already made for you.
What are the features of an ice tube clock?
Some of the features of the Ice Tube Vacuum Tube Clock: It has an alarm function! A vacuum fluorescent tube in glowing blue and with 8 digits, a PM dot and alarm on/off indicator The brightness and alarm volume are adjustable
What happens when you put a number on a vacuum tube?
When an electric current is applied to the area directly in front of one of the cathodes displaying a number, the gas covering that number dissipates a bit, resulting in a glowing orange light surrounding the number. Though the tubes are filled with gas they’re not technically vacuums (as aforementioned)…ahh, but who cares?
What kind of gas is used to fill a vacuum tube?
Finally, neon mixed with other gases (including a small amount of mercury) is used to fill up the tube containing the cathodes and anode.