These displays get their name because of the controller chip attached to the back of them like a backpack.
7 segment led ht16k33 backpack.
The 7 segment displays normally require 16 pins to drive.
The ht16k33 is a neat little chip that has the ability to drive a multiplexed 16x8 matrix that s 128 individual leds.
There are maker friendly modules available with 7segment leds 14segment leds dot matrix and even blank pcb als simple backpacks for your own project.
Matrices like these are multiplexed so to control all the seven segment leds you need 14 pins.
The functions included in this demo sketch should be all that s needed to control the ht16k33 s led matrix from an arduino.
For the demo sketch i m using a 16 bit buffer which makes each array element correspond to all outputs for a given com pin you could also use an 8 bit buffer which would make things easier if i only had 7 segment displays.
As the ht16k33 communicates via i2c you only need two gpios.
With 2 leds per segment these make a gorgeous and impressive display.
These 7 segment displays normally require 13 pins 5 characters and 8 total segments each this backpack solves the annoyance of using 13 pins or a bunch of chips by having an i2c constant current matrix controller sit neatly on the back of the pcb.
879 what s better than a single led.
This version of the led backpack is designed for these big bright 7 segment displays.
Adafruit industries unique fun diy electronics and kits adafruit 0 56 4 digit 7 segment display w i2c backpack yellow id.
The ht16k33 led driver chip can control up to 16 x 8 leds.
A fun way to make a small display is to use an 8x8 matrix or a 4 digit 7 segment display.
This is the magic sauce in our 7 segment and matrix backpacks now available in breadboard friendly breakout board format.
This backpack uses an i2c constant current matrix controller on the back of the pcb so you only need 2 pins to drive it.
Adafruit led backpack library for our 8x8 matrix and 7 segment led backpacks adafruit adafruit led backpack.