Vacuum Fluorescent Display - History

History

The first VFD was the single indication DM160 by Philips in 1959. It could easily be driven by transistors, so was aimed at computer applications as it was easier to drive than a neon and had longer life than a light bulb. This was made obsolete by LEDs. The 1962 Japanese single digit seven segment display in terms of anode was more like the Philips DM70 / DM71 Magic Eye as the DM160 has a spiral wire anode. The Japanese seven segment VFD meant that no patent royalties needed to be paid on desk calculator displays as would have been the case using Nixies or Planaplex neon digits. In the UK the Philips designs were made and marketed by Mullard (almost wholly owned by Philips even before WWII). The Russian iv-15 VFD tube is very similar to the DM160. The DM160, DM70/DM71 and Russian iv-15 can like a VFD panel be used as triodes. The DM160 is thus the smallest VFD and smallest Triode valve. The iv-15 is slightly different shape. Photo of DM160 and iv-15.

Of the three prevalent display technologies, VFD, LCD, and LED, the VFD was the first to be developed. It was used in early handheld calculators. LED displays displaced VFDs in this use as the very small LEDs used required less power, thereby extending battery life, though early LED displays had problems achieving uniform brightness levels across all display segments. Later LCD's displaced LEDs with significantly lower power requirements.