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Component Documentation

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

Image of SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Blue

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Introduction

The SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display is a versatile and easy-to-use LED numerical display module. It features a bright blue LED display capable of showing numbers, some characters, and a few special symbols. This component is commonly used in digital clocks, electronic meters, and other devices that require a numerical display. Its serial interface simplifies the connection to microcontrollers, such as the Arduino UNO, making it a popular choice for hobbyists and educators alike.

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

Arduino UNO Controlled LED and 7-Segment Display Circuit

Image of Beunen aan water: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Blue 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.

Open 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-Blue 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 UNO 4-Digit 7-Segment Display Counter

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

This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to control a 4-digit 7-segment display. The Arduino is programmed to sequentially display the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the display by driving the appropriate segments and digits.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Nano-Based Pushbutton-Controlled Seven Segment Display

Image of dice: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Blue 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

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

Image of Beunen aan water: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Blue 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.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

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

Arduino UNO 4-Digit 7-Segment Display Counter

This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to control a 4-digit 7-segment display. The Arduino is programmed to sequentially display the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the display by driving the appropriate segments and digits.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of dice: A project utilizing SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display-Blue 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

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

Display Color: Blue
Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 6V
Maximum Current: 160mA
Communication: Serial (9600 bps by default)
Display Type: Common Anode
Brightness: Adjustable via serial command

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number	Name	Description
1	VCC	Power supply (3.3V to 6V)
2	GND	Ground connection
3	RX	Serial receive pin
4	TX	Serial transmit pin (not used)

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).

Programming the Display

To control the SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display with an Arduino UNO, you can use the following sample code:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// Create a software serial object
SoftwareSerial sevenSegSerial(2, 3); // RX, TX (TX not used)

void setup() {
  // Start serial communication at 9600 bps
  sevenSegSerial.begin(9600);
}

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

  // Clear the display
  sevenSegSerial.write(0x76); // Clear command
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed 6V to prevent damage.
When using multiple displays, make sure to provide adequate power to each.
Adjust the brightness to suit the ambient lighting conditions to improve visibility and reduce power consumption.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

Display not lighting up: Check the power connections and ensure that the serial communication is correctly established.
Garbled or incorrect characters: Verify that the baud rate of the serial communication matches the default rate of the display (9600 bps).

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

If the display is not responding, reset the power supply and check the connections.
For issues with serial communication, ensure that the correct pin is used for RX and that the Arduino's serial transmit pin is not conflicting with other tasks.

FAQs

Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple displays? A: Yes, multiple displays can be daisy-chained using the serial out pin, but this feature is not covered in this documentation.

Q: How do I change the baud rate of the display? A: The baud rate can be changed using a specific serial command; refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for detailed instructions.

Q: Can the display show letters as well as numbers? A: The display can show a limited set of characters and symbols. Refer to the character map in the datasheet for supported characters.

Remember to consult the SparkFun 7-Segment Serial Display datasheet for more detailed information and advanced features.