4 Digit 7 Segment Display (4×1) Common Cathode

Key Features

• Common Cathode Configuration: This 4-digit 7-segment display features a common cathode design, allowing for easier connection and control of each segment. Each digit can be illuminated independently by driving the corresponding anodes high, while the common cathode pin connects to ground.


• High Brightness: Using bright LED technology, this display ensures clear visibility from a distance, making it suitable for a variety of applications including clocks, meters, and more.


• Multiple Colors: Available in various colors, including red, green, blue, and yellow, which provides versatility in design and application.


• Compact Size: The 4×1 configuration allows for space-efficient designs, perfect for compact electronic projects or installations where space is a constraint.


• Long Lifespan: With a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, this display is ideal for long-term usage without concerns of frequent replacements.

Applications

• Clocks and Timers: Widely used in digital clocks and timers where precise time display is essential. The ability to display numbers clearly and brightly makes it an excellent choice.


• Measurement Instruments: Employed in voltmeters, multimeters, and other measuring devices for displaying numerical values accurately.


• Game Consoles: Often seen in arcade machines and various gaming devices for score displays.


• Traffic Indicators: Can be utilized in electronic signage to display numbers and status information effectively.


• Industrial Equipment: Utilized in industrial settings for displaying operational metrics such as speed, temperature, and pressure.

Energy

The 4 digit 7 segment display operates at a low voltage, generally between 2V to 3.5V per segment for optimal performance. Typically, with a forward current rating of 20 mA per segment, it offers efficient energy consumption, contributing to overall energy savings in designs, especially in battery-operated devices. It’s essential to consider the resistors to limit the current, ensuring longevity and reliability.

How to Use

To utilize the 4 Digit 7 Segment Display (4×1) Common Cathode, begin by connecting the common cathode pin to ground. Each segment of the display has its own respective pin connected to the microcontroller or driver. To light up a segment, send a HIGH signal (logic 1) from the microcontroller to the specific segment pin. For instance, to display the number '0', activate segments a, b, c, d, e, and f, while leaving g inactive. It is essential to reference the pin layout in the datasheet for accurate connections.

Unipolar driving circuits can be used for driving the display, avoiding the need for complex drivers. For multiplexed applications, it is possible to enable each digit one at a time rapidly, thereby creating the illusion that all are lit simultaneously due to persistence of vision.

Overall, whether designing an electronic scoreboard or a digital clock, familiarity with the display's pin configuration and its driving logic is crucial for effective implementation.

For more technical specifications and data, please refer to the datasheet.