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Adafruit 16x8 LED Matrix Driver Backpack - HT16K33 Breakout

We have ✅ 4 available of the AF-1427 in our Sydney warehouse.

Express post delivery (2-5 business days)

The Adafruit 16×8 LED Matrix Driver Backpack is a breadboard-friendly breakout for the HT16K33 multiplexed LED driver. Unlike the pre-configured LED backpacks, this version breaks out all 16 anode and 8 cathode pins, letting you wire up any LED matrix configuration you need — up to 128 individual LEDs.

Communication is over I2C using just 2 pins, with 8 selectable addresses allowing up to 8 boards on one bus for a total of 1,024 LEDs. The chip also supports reading a 3×13 keypad matrix for input applications.

Key Features

  • 16×8 LED Multiplexing – Drive up to 128 individual LEDs
  • HT16K33 Driver – I2C control with 8 selectable addresses
  • All Pins Broken Out – 16 anodes and 8 cathodes for custom wiring
  • Stackable – Up to 8 boards on one I2C bus (1,024 total LEDs)
  • Keypad Support – Can read a 3×13 keypad matrix (see datasheet)
  • Arduino and Python Support – Libraries available for both platforms

Ideal For

  • Custom LED matrix configurations
  • Driving non-standard matrix modules
  • LED signage and indicator arrays
  • Combined LED display and keypad input projects

Package Contents

  • 1× Adafruit HT16K33 16×8 LED Matrix Driver Backpack breakout
Note: LED matrix not included. You will need to wire the anodes and cathodes to match your chosen matrix module's pinout. The HT16K33 can turn LEDs on and off but does not support individual PWM dimming.

Specifications

  • Driver Chip – HT16K33
  • Matrix Capacity – 16×8 (128 LEDs)
  • Keypad Capacity – 3×13 matrix
  • Interface – I2C (8 selectable addresses)
  • Max Boards per Bus – 8 (1,024 total LEDs)

The Adafruit 16x8 LED Matrix Driver Backpack - HT16K33 Breakout appears in the following collections:

SKU AF-1427