SparkFun Large Digit Driver

The SparkFun Large Digit Driver is a versatile controller backpack designed to be soldered directly to the back of SparkFun's large 16.51cm 7-segment displays. These large numerical displays are an excellent feature for any project that requires distant visibility, such as scoreboards or lap timers.

The Large Digit Driver is easy to attach to the back of the 7-segment display. It requires soldering of 10 castellations pins at the bottom of the board and two additional ones at the top. The Driver needs both 12V for the LEDs and 5V for the onboard TPIC6C596 IC. It is equipped with six input pins and six output pins, enabling the driver to be chained together.

This driver features eight inline 15 Ohm resistors to limit the current through each segment on the 15.24cm display to 20mA. For each digit in your display, you will need approximately 160mA of current at 12V.

The SparkFun Large Digit Driver has been used in the AVC Battle-Bot Arena to display times and scores, exemplifying its practical application.

Key features of the SparkFun Large Digit Driver include its design to attach directly to the 16.51cm 7-Segment Display, an IC Operating Voltage of 5V, the ability to sink up to 250mA per channel, being chainable to another Large Digit Driver, and having castellated mounting holes.

Relevant documents for the SparkFun Large Digit Driver include the Schematic, Eagle Files, Hookup Guide, a guide on how to solder castellated mounting holes, the Datasheet for the TPIC6C596, the SparkFun Speed Trap Wishlist, and the GitHub repository for Design Files & Example Code.