Interfacing MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display with Arduino

LED displays are a popular way to display information in a visually appealing and easy-to-read format. The MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display is a versatile and powerful display that can be easily interfaced with an Arduino microcontroller. With its ability to display text, graphics, and animations, the MAX7219 is perfect for projects that require a display that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

In this article, we will explore how to interface the “MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display” with an Arduino and provide a sample code to get you started.

What is MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display?

The MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display is a powerful display driver that can control up to 64 individual LEDs arranged in an 8×8 matrix. It can display text, graphics, and animations, making it a versatile and popular choice for a wide range of applications, including digital clocks, scoreboards, and information displays. The MAX7219 is designed to be easily interfaced with microcontrollers such as the Arduino and provides a flexible and easy-to-use way to add dynamic and visually appealing displays to your projects. Its compact size and low power consumption make it a popular choice for portable or battery-powered devices as well.

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Hardware Components

To interface a MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display with Arduino, you’ll need the following hardware components to get started:

Components	Value	Qty
Arduino UNO	–	1
USB Cable Type A to B	–	1
DC Power for Arduino	–	1
LED dot matrix	MAX7219	1
Jumper Wires	–	1

MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display Pinout

Pin Name	Pin Description
VCC	VCC Pin
GND	Ground Pin
DIN	Data Input Pin
DOUT	Data Output Pin
CS	Chip Select
CLK	Clock Pin

MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display Circuit

Make connections according to the circuit diagram given below.

Wiring / Connections

Arduino	Dot Matrix
5V	VCC
GND	GND
D11	DIN
D3	CS
D13	CLK

Installing Arduino IDE

First, you need to install Arduino IDE Software from its official website Arduino. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to install Arduino IDE“.

Installing Libraries

Before you start uploading a code, download and unzip the following libraries at /Program Files(x86)/Arduino/Libraries (default), in order to use the sensor with the Arduino board. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to Add Libraries in Arduino IDE“.

Basic Arduino example code to print text

Now copy the following code and upload it to Arduino IDE Software.

// Include the required Arduino libraries:
#include <MD_Parola.h>
#include <MD_MAX72xx.h>
#include <SPI.h>

// Define hardware type, size, and output pins:
#define HARDWARE_TYPE MD_MAX72XX::FC16_HW
#define MAX_DEVICES 4
#define CS_PIN 3

// Create a new instance of the MD_Parola class with hardware SPI connection:
MD_Parola myDisplay = MD_Parola(HARDWARE_TYPE, CS_PIN, MAX_DEVICES);

// Setup for software SPI:
// #define DATAPIN 2
// #define CLK_PIN 4
// MD_Parola myDisplay = MD_Parola(HARDWARE_TYPE, DATA_PIN, CLK_PIN, CS_PIN, MAX_DEVICES);

void setup() {
  // Intialize the object:
  myDisplay.begin();
  // Set the intensity (brightness) of the display (0-15):
  myDisplay.setIntensity(0);
  // Clear the display:
  myDisplay.displayClear();
}

void loop() {
  myDisplay.setTextAlignment(PA_CENTER);
  myDisplay.print("Center");
  delay(2000);
  myDisplay.setTextAlignment(PA_LEFT);
  myDisplay.print("Left");
  delay(2000);
  myDisplay.setTextAlignment(PA_RIGHT);
  myDisplay.print("Right");
  delay(2000);
  myDisplay.setTextAlignment(PA_CENTER);
  myDisplay.setInvert(true);
  myDisplay.print("Invert");
  delay(2000);
  myDisplay.setInvert(false);
  myDisplay.print(1234);
  delay(2000);
}

Code Explanation

This is an Arduino code that uses the MD_Parola library to control a multi-module LED matrix display. The code sets up the hardware configuration, creates an instance of the MD_Parola class, initializes the display, and defines several display modes to run in the loop.

In the setup function, the code initializes the MD_Parola object and sets the intensity of the display to the lowest level. Then it clears the display to ensure there is no old data on it.

In the loop function, the code sets the text alignment to center, left, and right, and then displays the corresponding text for two seconds each. Then, it sets the invert mode to true and displays the “Invert” text for two seconds, and then sets the invert mode to false and displays the number 1234 for two seconds.

Overall, this code demonstrates how to control an LED matrix display using the MD_Parola library and the Arduino platform.

Scrolling text Arduino example code

// Include the required Arduino libraries:
#include <MD_Parola.h>
#include <MD_MAX72xx.h>
#include <SPI.h>

// Define hardware type, size, and output pins:
#define HARDWARE_TYPE MD_MAX72XX::FC16_HW
#define MAX_DEVICES 4
#define CS_PIN 3

// Create a new instance of the MD_Parola class with hardware SPI connection:
MD_Parola myDisplay = MD_Parola(HARDWARE_TYPE, CS_PIN, MAX_DEVICES);

// Setup for software SPI:
// #define DATA_PIN 2
// #define CLK_PIN 4
// MD_Parola myDisplay = MD_Parola(HARDWARE_TYPE, DATA_PIN, CLK_PIN, CS_PIN, MAX_DEVICES);

void setup() {
  // Intialize the object:
  myDisplay.begin();
  // Set the intensity (brightness) of the display (0-15):
  myDisplay.setIntensity(0);
  // Clear the display:
  myDisplay.displayClear();
  myDisplay.displayText("Scrolling text", PA_CENTER, 100, 0, PA_SCROLL_LEFT, PA_SCROLL_LEFT);
}

void loop() {
  if (myDisplay.displayAnimate()) {
    myDisplay.displayReset();
  }
}

Code Explanation

This is an Arduino code that also uses the MD_Parola library to control a multi-module LED matrix display. The code sets up the hardware configuration, creates an instance of the MD_Parola class, initializes the display, and sets up scrolling text to run in the setup function.

In the setup function, the code initializes the MD_Parola object, sets the intensity of the display to the lowest level, and clears the display. It then sets up scrolling text with the message “Scrolling text“, positioned in the center, with a delay of 100 milliseconds between shifts, and scrolling left.

In the loop function, the code checks whether the displayAnimate function returns true, which indicates that the text has finished scrolling. If the function returns true, the code calls displayReset to reset the display for the next scrolling text.

Overall, this code demonstrates how to set up scrolling text on an LED matrix display using the MD_Parola library and the Arduino platform.

Applications

Here are some applications of MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display:

Scoreboards for sports events
Advertising displays
Information displays in public places (e.g. airports, train stations, etc.)
Indoor and outdoor displays for events and concerts
Clocks and timers
Temperature and humidity displays
Electronic message boards
DIY projects and prototypes
Interactive installations and art projects
Gaming displays
Audio spectrum analyzers
Weather forecast displays

Conclusion

The MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Display with an Arduino is a simple and fun way to add a powerful and versatile display to your projects. With its ability to display text, graphics, and animations, the MAX7219 is perfect for projects that require a display that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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