4 Digit 7 Segment Display - Green

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

common-anode

A wiring arrangement where several LEDs or LED segments share a common positive (anode) terminal and are switched individually on their negative (cathode) side. Common-anode and common-cathode parts, such as RGB LEDs, seven-segment displays, matrices and strips, are not interchangeable without a suitable driver.

LED

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a small electronic component that emits light when current flows through it in the correct direction. Because it only conducts one way, its polarity matters, and a through-hole LED must be soldered the correct way around to light up.

Seven-segment display

A common numeric display made from seven LED bars arranged to form digits. It is good for numbers but limited for letters, so comparing it with a fourteen-segment display helps you judge what kind of text the product can show.

through-hole

A mounting style where the component leads pass through holes in a circuit board and are soldered on the other side. Through-hole parts are often easier to handle and solder by hand, which is useful for classroom and hobby projects.

wavelength

The distance between repeating peaks of a wave, often used to describe the colour of light in nanometres. For visible lasers and LEDs, wavelength tells you the approximate colour, such as red, green or blue.