MAX7219 Digital Tube Display Control Module

MAX7219 Digital Tube Display Control Module is a versatile and compact solution for driving 7-segment and dot matrix LED displays. This module utilizes the powerful MAX7219 integrated circuit, which simplifies the process of controlling multi-digit displays. Instead of wiring dozens of pins to a microcontroller, you can drive up to eight 7-segment digits or a 64-LED dot matrix display with just three digital pins, thanks to its efficient SPI serial interface. This component is essential for builders who need a reliable and easy way to add a digital readout to their projects without consuming a lot of I/O pins.

Key Features:

• Single-Chip Solution: The MAX7219 IC handles all the complex driving logic, including BCD code-B decoding, multiplexing, and digit scanning.
• SPI Serial Interface: You can communicate with the module using a simple 3-wire interface, freeing up valuable microcontroller pins.
• Cascading Capability: Easily daisy-chain multiple modules to control a larger display of 16, 24, or more digits from the same three pins.
• Brightness Control: Offers both analog and digital brightness control, allowing you to easily adjust the display’s intensity.
• Individual Digit Control: You can independently update each digit without having to refresh the entire display.
• Low-Power Shutdown: Features a low-power shutdown mode that reduces current consumption to less than 150 µA.

Technical Specifications:

• Operating Voltage: 4.0 V to 5.5 V (typical 5 V)
• Interface: 3-wire SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
• Display Type: Common-cathode 7-segment LED display or 8×8 dot matrix
• Current Consumption: ~150 µA in shutdown mode; operating current varies with brightness
• Maximum Digits: Controls up to 8 digits
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +70 °C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Module Type: Breakout PCB with a soldered MAX7219 IC and display
• Connector: Male header pins for easy jumper wire connections
• Assembly: Designed for breadboard or permanent project integration
• Material: FR4 PCB with silkscreen labeling

Dimensions:

• Board Length: ~82 mm (for 8-digit module)
• Board Width: ~15 mm (for 8-digit module)
• Board Thickness: ~1.6 mm

Pinout and Wiring:

• VCC: Power supply (5 V typical)
• GND: Ground
• DIN: Data Input (Connects to MOSI on Arduino/microcontroller)
• CS: Chip Select / LOAD (Connects to SS/Slave Select)
• CLK: Clock (Connects to SCK on Arduino/microcontroller)
• Wiring Note: Connect VCC and GND to your power source, and wire DIN, CS, and CLK to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download the official Maxim Integrated MAX7219 datasheet for full electrical specifications, register details, and programming examples.

Applications:

• Digital Clocks: Build a clock that displays hours, minutes, and seconds.
• Counters: Create simple counters for sports, events, or production lines.
• Data Readouts: Display temperature, sensor readings, or other data from a microcontroller.
• Simple Message Boards: Use with a dot matrix display to show scrolling text.

Equivalent Models:

• TM1637: A smaller, simpler IC that drives up to 6 digits with a two-wire interface.
• HT16K33: A dedicated driver chip for 8×8 dot matrix displays, often used in breakout boards.

Package Includes:

• 1 x MAX7219 Digital Tube Display Control Module