SparkFun
SparkFun Large Digit Driver
The SparkFun Large Digit Driver is a chainable controller board that solders directly to the back of 6.5" 7-segment LED displays. It uses the TPIC6C596 shift...
The SparkFun Large Digit Driver is a chainable controller board that solders directly to the back of 6.5" 7-segment LED displays. It uses the TPIC6C596 shift register IC to drive individual segments, making it easy to build multi-digit scoreboards, lap timers, and large-format numerical displays visible from a distance.
The board attaches via 10 castellated pads at the bottom and 2 at the top. It requires dual power: 12V for the LED segments and 5V for the driver IC. Six input and six output pins (GND, LAT, CLK, SER, 5V, 12V) enable daisy-chaining multiple drivers together for multi-digit displays.
Key Features
- Chainable Design – Daisy-chain multiple drivers for multi-digit displays
- Direct Mount – Solders to the back of 6.5" 7-segment displays via castellated pads
- TPIC6C596 Driver – Shift register IC for serial segment control
- Dual Power Input – 12V for LEDs, 5V for driver IC
- 6-Pin I/O – GND, LAT, CLK, SER, 5V, 12V on both input and output
Specifications
- Driver IC – TPIC6C596
- IC Supply Voltage – 5V
- LED Supply Voltage – 12V
- Interface – Serial (Clock, Latch, Data)
- Mounting – Castellated through-hole pads
Ideal For
- Scoreboards and sports timers
- Lap counters and race displays
- Large-format clocks and countdown timers
- Any project needing digits visible from a distance
Package Contents
- 1× SparkFun Large Digit Driver Board
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- CLK
- CLK is the clock signal that times when SPI data bits are sent and read. A display needs this pin connected correctly so the controller and screen stay in step while data is transferred.
- 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.
Find this product in
Brands
Displays & Screens
SparkFun Large Digit Driver Schematic
Schematic · 72.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
TPIC6C596 Datasheet
Datasheet · 1.1 MB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 973.6 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
