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I was going through multiple tutorials on how to create an Arduino clock with 7 segment displays. I planned to build one and purchased 4 large (4 inches) 7 segment 1 digit displays. The displays run on 12v. And moreover, I got Common Anone displays.

Could you please guide how I can power up 12v Common Anode 7 segment displays by multiplexing? I can write the code part of it and the clock logic. I need help to design the circuit part to drive the 12v Common Anode LEDs with Arduino.

Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: I precisely needed a circuit. A circuit which would be able to power up 4 pieces of 4 inch 7 segment LED display, and with the help of multiplexing I will employ my arduino to lit it up to display desired numbers. So definitely the circuit should consists of an Arduino Unit (Nano, Uno or anything bigger) and 4 numbers of 7 segment digit display. Hope this shortens the scope of the answer.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Did the tutorials not cover this? \$\endgroup\$
    – Transistor
    Apr 3, 2016 at 20:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ Can you add a link to the datasheet of the 7-segment LED display that you have. \$\endgroup\$
    – Steve G
    Apr 3, 2016 at 20:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ No, most of them are using Common Cathodes. Any none of them practically gave an idea of how to drive a higher power LED. \$\endgroup\$
    – sribasu
    Apr 3, 2016 at 21:15
  • \$\begingroup\$ I don't have the Manufacturer's datasheet available with me, I purchased it offline and got a printed copy of this: e-radionica.com/productdata/LD3361BS.pdf See Point #1.10 Common Anode 4.0 Inch (100.0mm) \$\endgroup\$
    – sribasu
    Apr 3, 2016 at 21:16
  • \$\begingroup\$ Any help on this? \$\endgroup\$
    – sribasu
    Apr 4, 2016 at 22:45

2 Answers 2

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Just use a voltage level converter after the multiplexer. As long as the display does not draw more current than the converter can handle, in which case you will nee to wire transistors instead. Here is an example with 12 channels: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Level-Shifter-Logic-Level-Converter-12-Channel-5V-to-12V-or-12V-to-5V-/251606065490

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Ah! I got this from Sparkfun https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13279 and it does exactly what I need. Well, I needed 4 of these drivers to drive 4 big digits.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ So then, it was just a shopping question? \$\endgroup\$
    – dim
    Jul 4, 2016 at 20:16
  • \$\begingroup\$ I didn't get a 'non-shopping' answer that helped me to solve the need :) ... I have figured out the circuit on the driver. Do you need it? I will be glad to share... \$\endgroup\$
    – sribasu
    Jul 4, 2016 at 20:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ Well, I don't need it myself. But if you develop your answer in this way, it will give more value to it, so don't hesitate to do so. \$\endgroup\$
    – dim
    Jul 4, 2016 at 20:33
  • \$\begingroup\$ Sure, I will share the diagram in my answer... \$\endgroup\$
    – sribasu
    Jul 4, 2016 at 20:39

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