NEW PRODUCT – MAX7219CNG LED Matrix/Digit Display Driver
NEW PRODUCT – MAX7219CNG LED Matrix/Digit Display Driver. When you need some help driving a lot of LEDs, the MAX7219 is the best friend you could hope for. Many of us know that if you want to control a lot of LEDs, you’ll want to use multiplexing, a technique that lets you control 64 LEDs (say) with only 16 pins (8×8). The annoying thing about ‘plexing is that you need to use 8 power transistors (or a power register/latch, that can supply over 100mA per pin) AND you have to constantly refresh the display to keep the image stable. If you need to get something together quickly, or don’t want to bother with writing all that code, and especially if you want clean wiring, this chip is the one-stop-solution!
The MAX7219 does all the control and refresh work for you in driving either an 8×8 matrix display or 8 x 7-segment displays (usually these also have a dot so its really an 8-segment display) – 64 LEDs total. All you have to do is send it serial commands via the 4-pin SPI interface and it will auto-magically take care of the rest. Wiring is simplified as well, you only need to set the current level for all LEDs with a single resistor instead of 8 and you can also dim the entire display digitally. It’s a thru-hole chip so you can use it in any breadboard, perfboard or other project, although if you’re soldering it in, we suggest using a socket.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7:30pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat and our Discord!
Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: A New Arduino MicroPython Package Manager, How-Tos and Much More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey
These are great chips. I’ve used them in many science museum exhibits. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The single external resistor sets the maximum current (brightness) for all outputs. The intensity register allows you to reduce that current in 15 steps. If you mix differnet color LEDs, on the same chip, they will all get the same current, but may be subjectively different brighness. So, if used with bi-color arrays, put all of the green LEDs on one chip and all of the reds on another.
These are 5V parts and can usually (in my experience) be controlled with 3.3V logic. But, the rated minimum logic low is unusually high at 3.5V. I’ve had problems controlling them with 3.3V logic over long (2′) wiring runs.
These are great chips. I’ve used them in many science museum exhibits. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The single external resistor sets the maximum current (brightness) for all outputs. The intensity register allows you to reduce that current in 15 steps. If you mix differnet color LEDs, on the same chip, they will all get the same current, but may be subjectively different brighness. So, if used with bi-color arrays, put all of the green LEDs on one chip and all of the reds on another.
These are 5V parts and can usually (in my experience) be controlled with 3.3V logic. But, the rated minimum logic low is unusually high at 3.5V. I’ve had problems controlling them with 3.3V logic over long (2′) wiring runs.