5 x 7 dot matrix led driver needed

[simon]

Bit of a tall order but here goes...

I need to display a fixed message on sixteen 5x7 dot matrix led
displays. My question; is there a chip(s) that will handle alphanumeric
decoding and multiplexing in order to keep current consumption to a
minimum?

Thanks for any advice.
Simon.

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

Bit of a tall order but here goes...

I need to display a fixed message on sixteen 5x7 dot matrix led
displays. My question; is there a chip(s) that will handle alphanumeric
decoding and multiplexing in order to keep current consumption to a
minimum?

Use a microcontroller. This can be done with the microcontroller, 3-10
driver chips and some MOSFETs. Current consumption will be dependent
on average LED current (and therefore the desired brightness for a
given display type), which has little to do with the drive circuitry.

Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany

 

[simon]

Yep, the MAX6952 (contains everything for 4 characters, SPI bus
interface, can be daisy-chained for more chars.) is worth a look.


Two words: component count

Yes, I could have done the job with a microcontroller but I was after a
dedicated IC - if such a thing existed. I'll give the Maxim part a look
- thanks!

Simon.

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

Yes, I could have done the job with a microcontroller but I was after a
dedicated IC - if such a thing existed. I'll give the Maxim part a look
- thanks!

Most often, when I look at the price and availability on these kind of
things, sadly, they cannot be justified. Perhaps this one is
different, but being Maxim, it would be something of a first... hmm..
I don't see it even listed at Digikey, which isn't a good sign.

You'll still need the microcontroller, obviously, regardless of the
kind of driver used.

The only (reasonable) way I can think of to avoid using a micro would
be to play around with EPROMs and address counters and oscillators,
and for this amount of memory the micro will be the better choice.

Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany

 

[Wouter van Ooijen]

Yep, the MAX6952 (contains everything for 4 characters, SPI bus

...
Two words: component count

and two words about the MAX6952:
- price
- availability

it scores on both accounts



Wouter van Ooijen

-- ------------------------------------
http://www.voti.nl
PICmicro chips, programmers, consulting

 

[Wouter van Ooijen]

I don't see it even listed at Digikey, which isn't a good sign.

Use www.findchips.com
It shows only on newark, as special order item.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- ------------------------------------
http://www.voti.nl
PICmicro chips, programmers, consulting

 

[simon]

and two words about the MAX6952:
- price
- availability

it scores on both accounts



Wouter van Ooijen

-- ------------------------------------
http://www.voti.nl
PICmicro chips, programmers, consulting

Oh dear, that's a shame - the 6952 was exactly what I was looking for
(
I must have a device that is readily available - looks like I'll have to
design a system myself.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice.
Regards,
Simon.

 

[A E]

Bit of a tall order but here goes...

I need to display a fixed message on sixteen 5x7 dot matrix led
displays. My question; is there a chip(s) that will handle alphanumeric
decoding and multiplexing in order to keep current consumption to a
minimum?

Thanks for any advice.
Simon.

Used to be Allegro made chips for that. UCN5832 IIRC. But they are hard to find.

 

[Wong Sy Ming]

You can order them directly from Maxim. Good service from them.