Circuit architecture

Hello! This is the second post related to the Nixie clock project.

Here we will set the architecture of our system.

Basically, in order to have a proper clock, from end to start:

#1: display device => Nixie tubes
#2: cathode driver (in order to select the figure to display) => K555ID1 microchip
#3: anode driver (in order to select the tube to switch on) => MPSA42 & MPSA92
#4: oscillator (quartz)
#5: controller => PIC 16F1828
#6: interface for setting time on the clock
#7: power supply (at least +170V are requested for the tubes and +5V for the different microchips)

#3 is requested as we want to have multiplexed Nixie:

Multiplexing Nixie means control several tubes with only 1 cathode driver (the straight design would request one driver per tube).
This way, one chip will switch on the same cathode on 2 or more tubes.
It is necessary then to select which tube to apply voltage on, through the anode driver.

Circuit architecture can be summarised as follow:

So now that the architecture is clear, we can move on to the next step.

To be fully honest, I am a real newbie with regards to electronics.

This project is therefore a real challenge! :)

Anyway, if you were to find something erroneous, please let me know so that I can correct it.
Merci!

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