A 7-segment display is a typical electrical component that displays numerical digits.
It is made up of seven LEDs grouped in a certain way to represent numerals and basic alphabets.
Interfacing it with an Arduino allows us to programmatically control the displayed digits.
This tutorial will walk you through the steps of attaching a 7-segment display to an Arduino UNO and showing different numbers.
7-segment displays are the cheapest way to show numbers.
You see them a lot on counters and store signs.
If you want to show letters or symbols, you need a more expensive LCD screen.
That is why most people use 7-segment displays for simple things like numbers.
Coding with Explanation:
#define a 2
#define b 3
#define c 4
#define d 5
#define e 6
#define f 7
#define g 8
void setup() {
pinMode(a, OUTPUT);
pinMode(b, OUTPUT);
pinMode(c, OUTPUT);
pinMode(d, OUTPUT);
pinMode(e, OUTPUT);
pinMode(f, OUTPUT);
pinMode(g, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
displayNumber(0);
delay(1000);
displayNumber(1);
delay(1000);
// ... other numbers
}
void displayNumber(int num) {
// Code to set pins based on the desired number
}- Pin definitions section defines the pins that link each part of the display.
- Setup configures the designated pins as outputs.
- Loop repeats the display number method to show different numbers.
- Display number accepts a number as input and sets the pins required to show the number on the 7-segment display.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino UNO | 1 |
| Resistors 1/4 watt 470Ω | 7 |
| IC 7809 | 1 |
| 7-segment common cathode display | 1 |
In this article the code loops over various integers, executing the display number function for each.
Within display number, the mechanism for controlling the segments for the given number is implemented.
Different numbers can be shown by activating and deactivating various section combinations.
Assume you wish to show numbers 0–9 on a 7-segment display.
Your code is just a collection of Arduino instructions. It directs it to:
Go through the numbers from 0 to 9.
For each number, call the display number function.
Inside display number, determine which lights (segments) on the show must be turned on or off to generate that number.
Turn on the appropriate lights to display the number.
How to Build:
To build a Interfacing a 7-Segment Display Circuit with Arduino UNO you need to follow the below mentioned steps for connections:
- Connect the common cathode of the 7-segment display to ground.
- Connect each segment (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) to the corresponding Arduino pins through a resistor 470 ohms
- Connect a regulated IC 7809 to provide a regulated 9V DC to the Arduino board.
Conclusion:
To conclude, an essential project for beginners is to interface an Arduino with a 7-segment display circuit.
The course offers a strong basis for comprehending digital electronics and programming microcontrollers.
You may make a variety of displays, counters and digital clocks by developing this project further.
References:
How to connect common anode 7 segment display to arduino uno