LED matrix with msp430

[MSPLife 2]

Hi everyone,

I want to make circuit with 05 modules LED matrix.

Can I make it without using transistor? (by using TI's IC)

Thanks in advanced!

[enl 227]

I generally use a transistor array or LED constant current sink driver and run a matrix common cathode, using the microcontroller outputs for the anode drive. One of the go-to arrays I use is uln2804 (darlington array).

 

Unfortunately, few microcontrollers have the ability to either source or sink enough current to drive an array at significant brightness without external drivers.

[cubeberg 540]

@@MSPLife as @@enl says - It's generally not a good idea to run LEDs directly off of MCU pins, although you'll notice it done on the MSP430G Launchpad (although other LPs do actually use transistors).  However - that's only one LED per pin.  Doing anything more than that and you're risking burning out pins.  I did create a project that ran a charlieplexed matrix that only lit one LED at a time - but a common-anode or cathode matrix would probably be too much - you're better off with external drivers.  Shift Registers (595) and darlington-arrays (ULN280x) work great and are both in TI's parts collection.

[MSPLife 2]

thanks all