Switching the anodes is what multiplexing does, the advantage being that you can share the cathode logic across several tubes. But with savings, there is also a hidden cost: You must run the anode current higher for multiplexed operation versus direct-drive. If the tube is specifically designed to support higher peak-current for multiplexing, then there's minimal risk; I recall some Burroughs tubes state in the datasheet not to use multiplexing.
I've done a number of clock designs, all of them direct-drive. Cost is a secondary concern; maximizing the life of the almost- irreplaceable nixie tube is the overriding goal. With direct-drive, you dont need to switch the anode. However, I have some designs that use anode current-regulators which is basically a switch that is not fully-on. Ghosting only occurs with a muliplexed display, so if you are concerned about it, be sure that your design has programmable blanking-time, refresh-rate, and on-time. You will have to experiment to get the best results. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/8be0d1bf-7d4b-4c67-980f-0fa3671c296e%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
