16x16 LED display reference design speeds prototyping

9th June 2016

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

The MAXREFDES99# 16x16 display reference design from Maxim Integrated Products provides hobbyists and makers with greater flexibility and more options when developing LED signs. LEDs continue to dramatically transform signage and lighting. However, often LED displays today are 8x8 and cannot communicate many international alpha-numeric characters.

MAXREFDES99# integrates four MAX7219 LED drivers to provide designers a 16x16 display with 256 LEDs, allowing them to create signs in multiple languages. The MAX7219 driver simplifies the process of controlling multiple LEDs in matrix or numeric display form. For fast prototyping, software code developed for the MAXREFDES99# reference design works with both ARM mbed and Arduino platforms. Developers are encouraged to build upon and enhance the code base for more signage possibilities.

David Andeen, Director of Reference Designs, Maxim Integrated, commented: “16x16 displays are becoming more common building blocks and are the future of LED signage. With this new reference design and readily available code, sign developers and makers can immediately start displaying their LED creations.”

The MAXREFDES99# reference design is available for $49 from Maxim and select franchised distributors. Hardware and firmware design files, as well as test data, are provided free and available online.