8-bit hexadecimal display YouTube series

[akohlbecker]

Hi everyone,

I'm starting a new YouTube series on how to build an 8-bit hexadecimal display. I'll talk about 7-segment displays, ready-made decoders, how to replace the vintage MC14495 with programmable logic, and how I miniaturized an ATmega circuit to fit under the final display module. I think it will be a great way to display data on your computer builds.

Hope you'll find this interesting! First episode premieres tomorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUchJ3_3jS0

[Michael]

Your SMD layout work is awesome, Adrien. Looking forward to your videos...

Stay safe. Cheerful regards, Mike, K8LH

[akohlbecker]

Thank you Michael

[akohlbecker]

I've compiled a list of currently available dual-digit displays on Mouser. Looking at both .38" and .56" character sizes, as well as common anode and cathode. I wanted to see which category had the most choice, and also which category had the most efficient displays in order to reduce current requirements.

I'm currently using a DA04-11YWA and an HDSP-523Y which I drive at 10mA and both give a reasonable brightness. It follows that I should be comparing current values at around 2000ucd per segment.

It looks like the category with the most choice and efficiency is .56" common anode displays. Specifically, the DA56-11SURKWA (red, 0.83mA/seg), DA56-11SYKWA (yellow, 0.50mA/seg) and DA56-11CGKWA (green, 1.67mA/seg) look to be great choices.

That's a bummer, because I really liked the compactness of .38" displays on a breadboard. With a .56" module and headers on both sides, you only get two rows of empty space to plug wires.

Hope you find this info interesting!