on Orders $99+
on Orders $99+
First things first, what the heck is an LED matrix, and how does it work?
Simply put, an LED matrix is a grid of lights arranged into rows and columns. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, so like with other diodes, electricity flows through it in only one direction – from anode(+) to cathode(-); doing so illuminates the light.
By arranging the anodes (positive side) and cathodes (negative side) in a particular way, we can achieve a matrix and call upon each LED individually by sending high and low signals from our arduino device. Led matrices come in two arrangements. Common-row anode (left) and common-row cathode (right). The difference between these two configurations determine how you would call on a specific LED. With common-row anode (left), the current sources (positive voltage) are attached to rows A – D. Currents sinks (negative voltage, ground) are attached to columns 1 - 4.
Conversely, with common-row cathode (right) the current sinks (negative voltage, ground) are attached to rows A - D and currents sources (positive voltage) runs through columns 1 - 4. Applying this knowledge, to light the top-right LED (A,4) in a common-row cathode matrix you would feed positive voltage to column 4 and connect row A to ground. We will be building this arrangement of common-row cathode matrix in this tutorial.
To build this matrix, we will need a few things to get us started.
Some other essential supplies include: Soldering iron, Solder, Desoldering wire / rosin flux (just in case), wire (we recommend 2 different colors to stay organized), Heat shrink tubing (optional). We also recommend keeping a multimeter close by for testing purposes. This will get the matrix built, later we will discuss what's needed to get it running.
We're going to be using a total of 64 5mm Red LEDs, it never hurts to have some extra though. Circuit Specialists stocks a pack of 100 5mm red LEDs.
Make sure you note which side is the cathode(-) and the anode(+). Hint: it's the long side on bulbs from Circuit Specialists.
Or, you could always give it a quick test! Make sure you use a resistor!
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