Some displays are row anode, column cathode. Column anode means that the anode of each LED is connected to a column trace. Row cathode means that the cathode of each LED is connected to a row trace. The 1088AS LED matrix is a row cathode, column anode display. The pin numbers might be different if you’re using a different display. For example, to turn on the LED in row 3, column 7, you would set pin 8 low and set pin 15 high. The LEDs can be controlled individually by setting a particular pin high and another pin low. The numbers in red are the row and column numbers of the LED that each pin controls. The numbers in blue are the LED matrix pins. Here’s the schematic for a 1088AS LED matrix: There should be at least one pin number under the resin backing.

If you’re not sure which pins are which, check the back of your display. In my 1088AS display, there’s an “A” printed on the side of the display next to pin 8. In the 1088AS LED matrix there are 8 rows and 8 columns of LEDs: LED matrixes have multiple rows and columns of LEDs. Based on commands from the Arduino, the MAX7219 will output high or low signals to turn each LED on and off: How LED Matrixes Work The Arduino will connect to the MAX7219 and send commands to it with the SPI communication protocol. The LED driver we will use is a chip called the MAX7219: On the back side of the board there is another set of pins that can be used to connect additional displays. There are also breakout boards with the MAX7219 already connected: The 1088AS has a number one underneath the resin on the bottom side of the display to indicate pin 1: The 1088AS a stand alone matrix, so we’ll have to connect it to an LED driver.įiguring out the pin numbers on stand alone displays can be a little tricky. We will use the 1088AS 8×8 LED matrix in this article. Some even let you control the color of each LED individually. Most LED matrixes have red LEDs, but they are also available with green or blue LEDs. This display has a total of 64 LEDs in 8 rows and 8 columns:

LED matrixes consist of an array of LEDs arranged in a grid. It includes all of the parts, wiring diagrams, code, and step-by-step instructions for 58 different robotics and internet of things projects that are super fun to build! What is an LED Matrix? The 3-in-1 Smart Car and IOT Learning Kit from SunFounder has everything you need to learn how to master the Arduino.

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