MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix 8 Digit Digital Tube Display Control Module For Arduino

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

CLK

CLK is a clock line that times when bits are sent and read on a synchronous serial bus such as SPI. Any device using a clock line must have its CLK connected to the controller's clock output so the two stay in step while data is transferred.

CS

CS stands for chip select, a control pin used by SPI devices to tell which connected device should listen. It matters when you connect more than one SPI module to the same microcontroller, because each device usually needs its own CS pin.

DIN

As a pin label, DIN stands for 'data in', the input through which a device receives serial data from a controller, as found on SPI displays, LED drivers and other serial modules. DIN can also refer to the German standards body of that name, as in a round multi-pin DIN connector or DIN-rail mounting.

GND

GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.

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.

PCB

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.

VCC

VCC is the positive power-supply connection on a chip or module. Connecting it to the correct supply voltage is needed for the part to power on and helps avoid damaging the electronics.