Adafruit
Adafruit 16x8 LED Matrix Driver Backpack - HT16K33 Breakout
The Adafruit 16×8 LED Matrix Driver Backpack is a breadboard-friendly breakout for the HT16K33 multiplexed LED driver. Unlike the pre-configured LED backpack...
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
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)
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- LED driver
- An LED driver is a control chip or circuit that supplies and switches power to LEDs. For a display board, it reduces the number of microcontroller pins needed and handles tasks like lighting the right segments and adjusting brightness.
- PWM
- Pulse Width Modulation is a way for a digital pin to simulate variable output power by switching on and off very quickly. It matters for controlling things like LED brightness, motor speed, or servo-style signals from a microcontroller pin.
Find this product in
Brands
Displays & Screens
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
