What are dot matrix LED displays?

4 min read
28 November 2023

A dot matrix LED display is made up of light-emitting diodes that are aligned in the shape of a matrix. It is often used on digital billboards to display time, temperature, news updates, and other information. Dot Matrix Displays are made in a variety of sizes, including 57, 89, 12816, 12832, and 12864, where the numbers denote LEDs in rows and columns, respectively.

What is a dot matrix LED?

The LEDs in the matrix pattern are arranged in one of two ways: row anode-column cathode or row cathode-column anode. The entire row is anode in the row anode-column cathode pattern, while all columns serve as cathode, and vice versa in the row cathode-column anode pattern. LED wafers are bonded to the bottom of the segments and light up when activated. The fascinating element is that SMD LED 5050 can be controlled via a pin combo. To power each LED, conductor tracks are strung out across the board. 

Although rectangles are the most frequent design for dot matrix displays, other shapes such as circles and triangles are also available for a variety of applications. Not only could the form of the dot matrix LED display alter, but so could the shape of each dot. Here are a few important applications of LED dot matrix display

  • Controls in the industrial sector
  • Medical supplies
  • Communication devices
  • Instrumentation for testing and measuring
  • Electronics for security
  • Life-Saving Equipment
  • Indicators for large panels
  • Meter readings
  • The display of information

How does it function? 

Most LEDs in a dot matrix display share an anode or cathode pin and are controlled by a driver IC. Normally, this driver IC is purchased separately from the LED dot matrix and supplied by the customer. Although the driver IC is often chosen by the client, the IC could reside on the customer's PCB board or LED dot matrix display module. This is entirely dependent on the needs of the consumer. Dot matrix LED display is a product that is extremely application/customer-driven. Aside from shape and pixels, the color(s) of each pixel varies greatly across different screens. In other words, the color(s) of each pixel are independent of one another. Here are the important components:

  • LED Segment: The 3-D structure of the SMD LEDs 5050 dots resemble a funnel, and are known as LED segments. The LED wafer is attached to the bottom of the LED segment. When an LED wafer is turned on, it emits light. The light is directed through the funnel-shaped portion, which serves as a diffuser and illuminates the dot. Plastic molding is used to secure all of the LED segments to a frame. The durable plastic molding protects the dot matrix display from dust, moisture, and other elements by acting as a protective shell.
  • Wafer LED: The LED wafer is a small golden glossy substance. It is a small LED that is difficult to identify with the naked eye.
  • LED Terminals: When the segments are removed, the LED terminals are revealed. The LEDs are powered by this terminal.
  • Bottom panel: After cutting the gadget in half, the bottom panel with all of the LED terminals is exposed.
  • Upper panel: The LED segments are carefully held in place by the upper panel. LED segments are inserted into these holes to create a matrix display pattern. These holes with the LED segment fit inside the bottom panel's curves. 
  • Conductor Tracks: SMD LED 5050 are connected via these internally conducting tracks. 

Based on the usage and place of employment one can choose the version of the dot matrix display. They are available at competitive prices in the market.

 

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
John Scott 2
Joined: 7 months ago
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up