How Seven Segment Display Multiplexing with PIC Microcontroller for Electronic Sign

Hi there, today I’m gonna to give you some PIC interfacing circuit. We have already seen how to connect LCD display to PIC MCU which has a great role in electronic display board industry. By the way how do we interface 7 segment displays to PIC microcontroller? Some of you guys may already familiar with seven segment electronic displays and their interface with display driver ICs. For a single 7 segment unit the, process is quite simple, since there are 7+1=8 pins in a display unit. So how to connect 4 or 5 units together?, which is very common in digital display systems. Since we have limited pins (only 40) available in a PIC microcontroller.

How Seven Segment Display Multiplexing with PIC Microcontroller for Electronic SignTo overcome this situation we use a technique called Seven Segment Display Multiplexing based on the theory of ‘Persistence of Vision’ of our eyes. Human eye can’t notice that visual change if rate is 25 (or more) frames per second. Each display is turned ON for this period by continuous switching and our eyes will consider that the display is turned ON constantly.

In this way we are using simply 7+1 pins (A, B, C, D, E, F, G → Segments and DP → Period or Dot) to interface all of the display units.

Now let’s see logic behind seven segment display multiplexing in digital display boards.

  • There will be one ENABLE pin at each 7 segment digital display unit (it specifies common anode or common cathode). Time being we consider common cathode display (when the common pin receive LOW (0V) the unit will be active). Our aim to write 1 2 3 numbers on 3 display units respectively. The procedures are followed.

Seven-Segment-Multiplexing-Circuit-PIC.jpg

  • All the A, B, C, D, E, F, G, DP pins of 3 units are shorted each other and connected to the PORT B of PIC Microcontroller. (In my example I just skipped DP)
  • Send data 1 (0x06) to the shorted lines and enable 1st unit.
  • Send data 2 (0x5B) to the shorted line and enable 2nd unit.
  • Send data 3 (0x4F) to the shorted line and enable 3rd unit.
  • These processes will be very fast more than 25 times per second. Hence our eye consider the unit displaying 1 2 3 all time. This is Multiplexed 7 segment display.

Seven Segment Multiplexing Circuit Diagram

Circuit schematics for interfacing Seven Segment Display to PIC microcontroller is given below. In the following circuit I have used 4 Digit single display and it will be more easier.

 

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About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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