Display Modules - LED Dot Matrix and Cluster

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1821 Adafruit	1.2 8X8 MATRIX SQUARE PIXEL - WH	0
4732 Adafruit	64X64 RGB LED MATRIX - 3MM PITCH	0
2974 Adafruit	LED CHARLIEPLEXED MATRIX - 9X16	45
2947 Adafruit	LED CHARLIEPLEXED MATRIX - 9X16	1
1819 Adafruit	LED MATRIX 8X8 SQUARE YELLOW	0
1857 Adafruit	SMALL 1.2 8X8 ULTRA BRIGHT SQUAR	0
1817 Adafruit	1.2 8X8 MATRIX SQUARE PIXEL - BL	0
1855 Adafruit	SMALL 1.2 8X8 ULTRA BRIGHT SQUAR	0
1853 Adafruit	SMALL 1.2 8X8 ULTRA BRIGHT SQUAR	0
2278 Adafruit	64X32 RGB LED MATRIX - 4MM PITCH	0
3162 Adafruit	LED CHARLIEPLEXED MATRIX - 9X16	0
1623 Adafruit	LED MATRIX 8X8 SQUARE GREEN	0
2277 Adafruit	64X32 RGB LED MATRIX - 5MM PITCH	14
1856 Adafruit	SMALL 1.2 8X8 BRIGHT SQUARE PURE	0
2973 Adafruit	LED CHARLIEPLEXED MATRIX - 9X16	21
2026 Adafruit	32X32 RGB LED MATRIX PANEL 5MM P	36
2972 Adafruit	LED CHARLIEPLEXED MATRIX - 9X16	0
1854 Adafruit	SMALL 1.2 8X8 ULTRA BRIGHT SQUAR	0
2279 Adafruit	64X32 RGB LED MATRIX - 3MM PITCH	0
2276 Adafruit	64X32 RGB LED MATRIX - 6MM PITCH	83

Display Modules - LED Dot Matrix and Cluster

1. Overview

LED Dot Matrix and Cluster Display Modules are semiconductor-based optoelectronic devices that utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for visual information presentation. These modules consist of arrays of individual LEDs arranged in predefined patterns (dot matrices) or functional clusters (numeric/alphabetic segments). Their importance stems from their energy efficiency, durability, and versatility in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation. Dot matrices enable pixel-based graphics, while clusters specialize in numeric/character displays with standardized segment configurations.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Single-color Dot Matrix	Monochromatic LED arrays (e.g., red/green), simple control, low cost	Basic information displays in appliances
Bi-color Dot Matrix	Two-color LEDs (e.g., red/green) for dynamic color switching	Industrial status indicators
Full-color Dot Matrix	RGB LEDs for 16.7M color capability, complex image/video display	Video walls, advertising screens
7-segment Cluster	Standard numeric display with 7 segments + decimal point	Digital clocks, meters
14/16-segment Cluster	Alphanumeric capability with extended segments	Industrial control panels
Smart LED Matrix	Integrated drivers/controllers (e.g., MAX7219), programmable patterns	Architectural lighting

3. Structure and Composition

Typical physical structure includes:

PCB Substrate: FR-4 or flexible PCB for LED mounting
LED Packaging: 0805/1206 SMD LEDs or through-hole packages
Driver Circuitry: Constant-current drivers (e.g., TLC5916) or multiplexing controllers
Optical Components: Diffusers for uniform light distribution
Connectors: 0.1" pitch headers or FPC interfaces

Technical composition:

LED Materials: GaAsP (red), InGaN (blue/green) for wavelength-specific emission
Control Architecture: SPI/I C interfaces or direct GPIO control
Thermal Management: Metal-core PCBs for high-power variants

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance	Typical Values
Pixel Pitch	Determines resolution and viewing distance	2.3mm-10mm
Luminous Intensity	Affects visibility in ambient light	50-5000 mcd
Refresh Rate	Prevents visible flickering	100Hz-10kHz
Viewing Angle	Defines acceptable viewing positions	60 -140
Power Consumption	Impacts thermal design and efficiency	0.1-5W/module
Operating Temperature	Determines environmental robustness	-20 C to +85 C
MTBF	Reliability indicator	>100,000 hours

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Microwave oven displays, smart meters
Industrial Control: CNC machine status panels, PLC indicators
Transportation: Bus route displays, airport information systems
Advertising: Dynamic price tags, retail signage
Medical Devices: Patient monitoring display modules

6. Key Manufacturers and Representative Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
Avago Technologies	HDSP-xxxx	High-brightness 16-segment displays
Kingbright	T10-111WA	Waterproof 7-segment cluster modules
Lumileds	LUXEON TX	High-power RGB dot matrices
Nichia	NSPG510BS	Ultra-compact 0603 LED matrices
OSRAM Opto	OSTAR Display	Automotive-grade LED clusters

7. Selection Guidelines

Application Requirements: Determine if dynamic graphics (dot matrix) or fixed characters (cluster) are needed
Environmental Factors: Outdoor use requires IP65+ rating and >1000 mcd brightness
Control Compatibility: Match driver ICs with MCU interfaces (e.g., HT16K33 for I C)
Power Budget: Calculate total power consumption for multiplexed displays
Supply Chain: Prioritize components with >5-year lifecycle availability

8. Industry Trends

Miniaturization: 0202 SMD LED matrices approaching 0.6mm pixel pitch
Smart Integration: Embedded micro-LEDs with wireless control (Bluetooth 5.0)
Energy Efficiency: New GaN-on-SiC materials reducing power consumption by 40%
Flexible Designs: Rollable LED clusters on PI substrates for curved surfaces
Standardization: Universal driver ICs supporting multiple matrix configurations