Multipurpose Edge-Lit based Lixie Display

This paper reviews the process to manufacture a Lixie display and illustrates the results of Lixie, which is an LED alternative to Nixie tube [1]. Lixie is an edge- lit display, which works on the principle of internal reflection. Lixie is simply a modern spin on the old Nixie tubes, it includes 7 successively stacked acrylic sheets, and each engraved with a particular segment, hence making a complete 7-segment display. A certain number of RGB LEDs are powered up for displaying a particular number on the Lixie. In order to make a Lixie display, digital fabrication tools have been used, which include Laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control), electronics production, Interface programming and Input/Output Devices [2]. The paper further presents an overall comparison between Nixie tube and Lixie display in terms of cost, reliability, portability and power requirement. Conclusively, it has been shown through results that Lixie is cost-effective, reliable and low power (5V DC) technique which provides captivating display made on acrylic sheets. At the end of paper, several future prospects are discussed, which enhances the functionality of Lixie display making it suitable for a variety of display based applications.