MAX7219 4-Channel Dot Matrix Display Panel

Power

The panel operates at 5V DC, drawing around 320mA when all LEDs are fully lit. A stable power supply is recommended to avoid flickering, especially when using multiple panels in a chain.

Input and Output

• Input: Digital signals from the microcontroller for data, chip select, and clock.
• Output: Visual display of text, numbers, or simple graphics on the 8×32 LED grid.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Approximately 32mm x 128mm.
• LED Matrix: Four 8×8 LED matrices, each with a red LED.
• Weight: Light and easy to mount,  around 40g.
• Material: The module is built with a durable PCB and a protective acrylic or plastic casing.

Technical Specifications

• Voltage: 5V DC.
• Current: Approximately 320mA when all LEDs are on.
• Controller: MAX7219.
• LED Type: Red, high-brightness LEDs.
• Communication Protocol: SPI-like interface (uses Data, Clock, and Chip Select lines).
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C, suitable for most indoor environments.

Additional Features

• Adjustable Brightness: The brightness of the display can be adjusted programmatically, allowing for different lighting conditions.
• Built-in Decoders: The MAX7219 chip includes BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) decoders for displaying digits directly.
• Daisy-Chaining: You can connect multiple MAX7219 modules end-to-end, allowing for extended displays controlled by a single microcontroller.

How to Use

1. Connect the Panel:
   • .Connect VCC to 5V and GND to ground on your microcontroller.
   • .Connect DIN, CS, and CLK to corresponding digital pins on your microcontroller.
2. Install Libraries:
   • .If using Arduino, install the “LedControl” library to simplify the programming.
3. Write Code:
   • .Use the library functions to initialize the panel, set brightness, and display text or patterns.
4. Upload and Run:
   • .Upload the code to your microcontroller. The panel should display your programmed content.
5. Chain Multiple Panels (Optional):
   • .Connect the DOUT of the first panel to the DIN of the next panel. Repeat for additional panels.
   • .Adjust the code to handle multiple panels, and upload it to see the expanded display.

This MAX7219 4-Channel Dot Matrix Display Panel is a versatile and straightforward solution for adding dynamic visual output to your projects. Whether you need to show scrolling text, simple graphics, or numeric data, this module provides an easy-to-use interface and flexible setup.