![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adrian-smith31.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Red_closeup.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTo keep costs down I decided against using external drivers with a MAX7219 and instead went with a chain of shift registers using TPIC6B595’s as their open drain outputs can sink up to 500mA (shared between all 8 outputs) and up to 50V – ideal for the large LED displays that have a forward voltage of 8.4V. The PCB would have to be powered from 12V due to the higher voltage displays so a 7805 regulator provides the 5V power for the shift registers and the input buffer which also translates 3.3V logic levels to 5V required by the shift registers.<\/p>\n
The board is suitable for electronics hobbyists and it provides ultra bright LED’s o The board was also designed with through hole components for ease of assembly and features a reverse polarity protection diode and a 5V output for powering an Arduino or similar. Current consumption with all digits and segments on is around 700mA. A 12V regulated power supply rated at 2A is needed to power this board.<\/p>\n I will be selling these on eBay as I build them and also maybe as kits – please see my listings to the right.<\/p>\n This project was sponsored by NextPCB.com<\/a> who kindly made the PCB’s for them. They are good quality and are made with black soldermask. As this project is no longer being made by me and sold on eBay I have released the Gerber files.<\/p>\n Demo code<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>n the data input lines to indicate input signal status. With input signals that have a very low duty cycle the status LED’s would not light hence why ultra bright LED’s were used. Ideal for testing and development use and for use in a final, one off project. It runs off 12 volts and has an onboard regulator for the IC’s. It is compatible with 3.3V and 5V logic level inputs on the data connector.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n