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

Image of SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green
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Introduction

The SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display - Green is a user-friendly LED display module that provides a simple way to add a 4-digit numeric display to your projects. It can be controlled via a serial interface, making it compatible with microcontrollers like the Arduino UNO. This display is commonly used in digital clocks, electronic meters, and other devices where numerical data needs to be shown.

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

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Arduino UNO Controlled Display and Servomotor System
Image of nim: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green in a practical application
This circuit features an Arduino UNO microcontroller that interfaces with a seven-segment display and controls a servomotor and two LEDs (red and green). A LM7805 voltage regulator with accompanying capacitors provides a stable 5V power supply. The circuit's functionality is determined by the embedded code, which is currently a placeholder for further development.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino UNO Controlled Seven-Segment Display Counter
Image of Arduino Uno - Seven Segment Display (Sim-C): A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green 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.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino UNO Controlled LED and 7-Segment Display Circuit
Image of Beunen aan water: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green in a practical application
This circuit features an Arduino UNO controlling multiple blue LEDs and a 4-digit 7-segment display. The LEDs are configured with current-limiting resistors, and the display is interfaced with the Arduino for potential numeric or character output. The provided code for the Arduino is a template without specific functionality.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-Controlled OLED Display with Button Interface
Image of RRR: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green in a practical application
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller connected to a 0.96" OLED display and a green button. The ESP32 powers the OLED display and communicates with it via I2C (with SDA and SCK connected to pins D21 and D22, respectively). The green button is connected to the ESP32's digital input pin D4, allowing it to trigger actions when pressed.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

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

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of nim: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green in a practical application
Arduino UNO Controlled Display and Servomotor System
This circuit features an Arduino UNO microcontroller that interfaces with a seven-segment display and controls a servomotor and two LEDs (red and green). A LM7805 voltage regulator with accompanying capacitors provides a stable 5V power supply. The circuit's functionality is determined by the embedded code, which is currently a placeholder for further development.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Arduino Uno - Seven Segment Display (Sim-C): A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green 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.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Beunen aan water: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green in a practical application
Arduino UNO Controlled LED and 7-Segment Display Circuit
This circuit features an Arduino UNO controlling multiple blue LEDs and a 4-digit 7-segment display. The LEDs are configured with current-limiting resistors, and the display is interfaced with the Arduino for potential numeric or character output. The provided code for the Arduino is a template without specific functionality.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of RRR: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Green in a practical application
ESP32-Controlled OLED Display with Button Interface
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller connected to a 0.96" OLED display and a green button. The ESP32 powers the OLED display and communicates with it via I2C (with SDA and SCK connected to pins D21 and D22, respectively). The green button is connected to the ESP32's digital input pin D4, allowing it to trigger actions when pressed.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Digital clocks
  • Electronic counters
  • Scoreboards
  • Timers
  • Numeric displays for various projects

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

  • Display Color: Green
  • Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 6V
  • Current Consumption: 20-40mA (normal operation)
  • Communication: Serial interface
  • Baud Rate: Default 9600 bps

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number Name Description
1 VCC Power supply (3.3V to 6V)
2 GND Ground connection
3 RX Serial data input (TTL level)
4 TX Serial data output (not used in all applications)

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

  1. Powering the Display: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V to 6V power supply and the GND pin to the ground.
  2. Sending Data: Connect the RX pin to the TX pin of your microcontroller.
  3. Controlling Brightness: Send a serial command to adjust the brightness as needed.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating of 6V.
  • Always connect the ground of the display to the ground of the microcontroller to ensure a common reference point.
  • When sending serial data, ensure that the baud rate matches the display's default rate or the rate you have configured.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// RX and TX pins for software serial
#define DISPLAY_RX_PIN 10
#define DISPLAY_TX_PIN 11

// Set up a software serial port
SoftwareSerial displaySerial(DISPLAY_RX_PIN, DISPLAY_TX_PIN);

void setup() {
  // Start the software serial port at the baud rate of the display
  displaySerial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Send a test number to the display
  displaySerial.print("1234");
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second
  
  // Clear the display
  displaySerial.write(0x76); // Clear command for the display
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  • Display Not Lighting Up: Check the power connections and ensure the voltage is within the specified range.
  • Garbled or No Output: Verify that the baud rate of the microcontroller matches the display's baud rate.
  • Partial Display: Ensure that all segments are functioning by sending a test sequence to light up all segments.

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

  • If the display is not lighting up, double-check the wiring, especially the VCC and GND connections.
  • For garbled output, confirm that the serial communication settings are correct and that there are no loose connections.
  • To test all segments, send the command to display all segments (usually by sending a specific character, refer to the display's datasheet).

FAQs

Q: Can I change the baud rate of the display? A: Yes, the baud rate can be changed by sending a specific command to the display.

Q: How do I control individual segments of the display? A: Individual segment control is usually done through specific serial commands. Refer to the datasheet for the command set.

Q: Is it possible to daisy-chain multiple displays? A: Some 7-segment serial displays support daisy-chaining. Check the datasheet for your specific model to see if this feature is supported and how to implement it.

Remember, this documentation is a starting point. For more detailed information, always refer to the manufacturer's datasheet and technical resources.