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A seven-segment display is a group of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arrange in a figure 8 pattern. The understand how the display works lets investigate how an LED works
LED
When charge carriers flow through a diode, the electrons flow one direction, here to the left, and the holes or positive charge in the opposite direction, here to the right, see Figure 1.
The higher energy electrons travel in the higher energy conduction band of the diode. The holes travel in the lower energy valance band. The negative charge of the electrons is attracted to the positive charge of the hole. When the electron falls into the hole, recombination has occurred, see Figure 2. From modern physics, we have learned to be at the lower energy level of the valance band the electron must be given up energy.
This energy release is in the form of a photon, see Figure 3. The higher the energy given up, the high the frequency of the wave. We observe this energy in our eyes as the color of the light.
1 2
Our eyes are only sensitive to a limited range of frequency. Lower energy waves are perceived as red, see Figure 4. The higher energy waves are perceived as violet.
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11
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9 8
3 4
The various segments may be light up to form the numeric digits from 0 to 9 (see Figure 6).
Or a slightly corrupted alphabet may be used (see Figure 7). Displays with more segments yield a much more realistic alphabet. The seven segment display does not allow true descenders on letters such as g, j, p, q, and y. It also does not allow diagonal strokes on letters. The boxy nature of the seven-segment display would also make letters such as O and D and the number 0 indistinguishable.
The voltage drop across an LED segment is typically in the 2 volt range. The output from a display driver is in the range of 5 volts. A 220 to 330 resistor is commonly placed in series to limit the current and provide a voltage drop in the 3 volt range.
Laboratory Exercise
In this laboratory exercise the common anode (pin 3 or pin 14) will be connected to the positive terminal of the 6 volt lantern battery. Then each segment that is to be illuminated will be grounded through a resistor to the negative terminal of the 6 volt lantern battery. As an example the circuit for the digit 8 is shown in Figure 11. Interior Holes In Proto Board
2 3 4 5 6 7
Jumper Wire
14 13 12 11 10 9 8