Maxim Integrated MAXREFDES99# 16x16 display reference design

Using the MAXREFDES99# 16x16 display reference design from Maxim Integrated Products, hobbyists and makers have added flexibility and options when developing LED signs.

LEDs are transforming signage and lighting. However, often LED displays are 8x8 and cannot communicate many international alphanumeric characters. MAXREFDES99# integrates four MAX7219 LED drivers to provide designers a 16x16 display with 256 LEDs, allowing them to create signs in multiple languages.

The MAX7219 driver simplifies the process of controlling multiple LEDs in matrix or numeric display form. For fast prototyping, software code developed for the reference design works with both ARM mbed and Arduino platforms. Developers are encouraged to build on and enhance the code base for more signage possibilities.

The reference design is flexible, providing 16x16 dot matrix displays for signs in multiple languages. The integration of the LED drivers ensures long-life signage. It is compatible with Arduino and ARM mbed platforms for quick prototyping.