This is the indispensable accessory for 7-segment LED arrays, now available in breadboard compatible format. The HT16K33 is a small chip that has the ability to drive a 16x8 multiplexed array (128 individual LEDs). The communication protocol is I2C so it uses only 2 pins, and you can have up to 8 selectable I2C addresses for a total of 8 arrays, each controlling 16x8 LEDs for a total of 1024 LEDs.

Unlike matrix backpack/ LED segments, this breakout has no holes for an existing LED module. Instead, the 16 anodes and 8 cathodes as well as the I2C and power pins are exploded. You will have to wire the anodes and the cathodes by checking the technical sheet of your matrix and by aligning the pins. Wire any matrix you want and use the handy library to write on the screen as you wish. Note that the driver can turn the LEDs on and off but does not have the ability to drive them individually in PWM. This chip is rock solid, with an example of Arduino & Pi code written for it and is easy to use.

The chip also supports the reading of a 3x13 keyboard matrix but we do not have an example code in our library, consult the technical sheet for more details on keyboard functionality.

fetaures

Dimensions: 35.77mm / 1.4" x 20.37mm / 0.8" x 4.03mm / 0.15"

Documentation

Arduino Code

Raspberry Code