One of the new and most advanced blocks in the R8C family is an LCD controller. This subsystem is incorporated in the R8C/Lx series of products and consists of multiple blocks with analog and digital circuits. A key component of this LCD controller is an internal voltage booster. Most 8-bit controllers available in the market today require an external voltage pump to drive the typical LCD glasses. The R8C/Lx devices can operate down to 1.8V and still be capable of driving a 3V or 5V LCD glass by using its internal circuits. This reduces component cost and simplifies design complexity significantly. The Lx LCD controller can drive up to 52 segments and 8 common lines simultaneously for a maximum of 416 LCD segments or dots. The block can be configured to use up to 56 segment lines if required. This is very uncommon for a general purpose LCD microcontroller providing great options for advanced user interfaces. Other key features of this peripheral include an Automatic Blink Function for each segment independently. By using such features, designers can eliminate and simplify code required for blinking LCD segments in an application such as thermostats which typically blink while showing the time of day.