Summary of 48 Channel Mono / 16 Channel RGB LED Controller using PIC18F2550 microcontroller
The Chromation Systems 48 Channel Mono/16 Channel RGB LED Controller independently manages up to 48 mono-color or 16 RGB LED groups using a PIC 18F2550 microcontroller running at 48MHz. It employs three TLC5940 drivers via a modified SPI interface with 8-bit PWM and a 1.5kHz frequency. The device supports direct soldering, screw terminals, or headers for connections and is primarily controlled by ColorMotion software, though sample code for basic control is available.
Parts used in the 48 Channel Mono / 16 Channel RGB LED Controller:
- PIC 18F2550 microcontroller
- TLC5940 LED driver (x3)
- USB connectivity module
- Screw down terminal blocks
- Headers/housings
- Direct soldering points
48 Channel Mono / 16 Channel RGB LED Controller
The 48 Channel Mono/16 Channel RGB LED Controller by Chromation Systems can be used to independantly control 48 groups/channels (up to 120ma per group) of mono-color LEDs or 16 groups/channels of common anode RGB LEDs. It utilizes 3x TLC5940 LED drivers controlled with a PIC 18F2550 microcontroller. The PIC runs at 48mhz, has USB connectivity and controls the drivers through a modified SPI interface. The default firmware uses 8-bit PWM(256 brightness levels) and has a 1.5khz PWM frequency. All LED anodes are connected in parallel and the cathodes are connected to the controller as the outputs sink current. There are 3 connection options for the LEDs, direct soldering, screw down terminal blocks, and headers/housings.
The primary firmware for this device is ColorMotion compatible, which works with the Chromation Systems ColorMotion Software. ColorMotion is used for creating and uploading RGB patterns to the device. The source code for ColorMotion Compatible Firmware is not available, but a few variations of sample code, including basic RGB LED control and USB communication is available in the project files below.
For more detail: 48 Channel Mono / 16 Channel RGB LED Controller using PIC18F2550 microcontroller
- How many channels can this controller manage?
It can control 48 groups of mono-color LEDs or 16 groups of common anode RGB LEDs. - What microcontroller is used in the project?
The device utilizes a PIC 18F2550 microcontroller that runs at 48mhz. - Does the controller support USB connectivity?
Yes, the PIC microcontroller includes USB connectivity for communication. - What is the PWM frequency of the default firmware?
The default firmware operates with a 1.5khz PWM frequency. - Can I use different connection methods for the LEDs?
Yes, there are three options: direct soldering, screw down terminal blocks, and headers/housings. - Which software is compatible with the primary firmware?
The primary firmware is compatible with the Chromation Systems ColorMotion Software. - Is the source code for the ColorMotion Compatible Firmware available?
No, the source code for the ColorMotion Compatible Firmware is not available. - How much current can each group handle?
Each group or channel can handle up to 120ma.
