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Component Documentation

How to Use SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White

Design with SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display is a versatile and easy-to-use LED numerical display module. It is designed to show numerical information in projects where data visualization is needed. This white LED display is perfect for clocks, timers, counters, or any other project requiring a bright, easy-to-read display. The serial interface simplifies the connection to microcontrollers, such as Arduino, and reduces the number of required I/O pins.

Explore Projects Built with SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White

Arduino UNO Controlled Seven-Segment Display Counter

Image of Arduino Uno - Seven Segment Display (Sim-C): A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to control a seven-segment display, displaying digits from 0 to 9 with a one-second delay between each digit. The Arduino drives the segments of the common anode display by setting the corresponding pins to LOW, as defined in the provided sketch code.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Nano-Based Pushbutton-Controlled Seven Segment Display

Image of dice: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

This circuit features an Arduino Nano microcontroller interfaced with a seven-segment display and a pushbutton. The Arduino controls the segments of the display to show numbers or characters, while the pushbutton can be used to trigger actions or change the display content.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino UNO Controlled Seven Segment Display with Pushbutton Interaction

Image of ghghghghgh: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

This is a user-interactive circuit where an Arduino UNO microcontroller drives a seven-segment display and reads input from two pushbuttons. The display's segments are individually controlled by the Arduino, and the pushbuttons are set up to provide user input, potentially to change the displayed digit or trigger other actions.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino UNO Controlled Seven-Segment Display

Image of 7 seg test - simulation: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to control a seven-segment display. The Arduino sets pin D7 to HIGH and pin D6 to LOW, which correspond to the COM.1 and A pins of the display, respectively, to manage the display segments.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White

Image of Arduino Uno - Seven Segment Display (Sim-C): A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

Arduino UNO Controlled Seven-Segment Display Counter

This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to control a seven-segment display, displaying digits from 0 to 9 with a one-second delay between each digit. The Arduino drives the segments of the common anode display by setting the corresponding pins to LOW, as defined in the provided sketch code.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of dice: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

Arduino Nano-Based Pushbutton-Controlled Seven Segment Display

This circuit features an Arduino Nano microcontroller interfaced with a seven-segment display and a pushbutton. The Arduino controls the segments of the display to show numbers or characters, while the pushbutton can be used to trigger actions or change the display content.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of ghghghghgh: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

Arduino UNO Controlled Seven Segment Display with Pushbutton Interaction

This is a user-interactive circuit where an Arduino UNO microcontroller drives a seven-segment display and reads input from two pushbuttons. The display's segments are individually controlled by the Arduino, and the pushbuttons are set up to provide user input, potentially to change the displayed digit or trigger other actions.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of 7 seg test - simulation: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-White in a practical application

Arduino UNO Controlled Seven-Segment Display

This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to control a seven-segment display. The Arduino sets pin D7 to HIGH and pin D6 to LOW, which correspond to the COM.1 and A pins of the display, respectively, to manage the display segments.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

Digital clocks and timers
Counter displays
Scoreboards
Readouts for sensors
Simple text display

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

Display Color: White
Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 7V
Maximum Current: 160mA
Communication: Serial (9600 baud by default)
Dimensions: 41mm x 23mm

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number	Name	Description
1	VCC	Power supply (3.3V to 7V)
2	GND	Ground connection
3	RX	Serial data input (TTL level)
4	TX	Serial data output (not used in one-way communication)

Usage Instructions

Connecting to an Arduino UNO

Connect the VCC pin to the 5V output on the Arduino.
Connect the GND pin to one of the GND pins on the Arduino.
Connect the RX pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pin 2).

Arduino Code Example

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// Create a software serial port on pins 2 (RX) and 3 (TX)
SoftwareSerial sevenSegSerial(2, 3);

void setup() {
  // Begin serial communication at a baud rate of 9600
  sevenSegSerial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Send a number to the display
  sevenSegSerial.write('4');
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed 7V.
Avoid driving the display at its maximum current for extended periods to prolong its lifespan.
Use a current-limiting resistor if you are powering the display at a voltage significantly higher than 3.3V.
When sending serial data, ensure that the baud rate matches the display's default baud rate (9600) or the rate you have configured.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

Display not lighting up: Check the power connections and ensure that the voltage is within the specified range.
Garbled or incorrect characters: Verify that the baud rate of the serial communication matches the display's settings.
Display flickering: Ensure that the power supply is stable and can provide sufficient current.

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

Double-check wiring connections to ensure they are secure and correct.
Use a multimeter to verify the voltage at the display's power pins.
If using a breadboard, ensure that there are no loose connections or short circuits.
If the issue persists, try connecting the display to a different digital pin on the Arduino.

FAQs

Q: Can I control multiple displays with one Arduino? A: Yes, you can control multiple displays by connecting their RX pins to different digital pins on the Arduino and creating multiple SoftwareSerial instances.

Q: How do I display different characters or symbols? A: The display accepts ASCII characters over the serial interface. Refer to the ASCII table for the corresponding values of different characters and symbols.

Q: Can I adjust the brightness of the display? A: The brightness can be controlled by sending specific commands over the serial interface. Refer to the SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display datasheet for the command set.

Q: Is it possible to chain multiple displays together? A: This specific model does not support daisy-chaining. Each display must be individually controlled by the microcontroller.

For further assistance, consult the SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display datasheet or contact SparkFun's technical support.