LED Scrolling Display Project Working With

Circuit Diagram
December 23, 2014 by Tarun Agarwal Leave a Comment

Scrolling LED Display

We normally use a simple static LED display screen to convey a message. Earlier,
when we want to display large data, we used to change message for every few
instances. Now scrolling displays are more preferred to static. By using a pre
programmed controller, we can make LED display in scrolling way. We can also make
LED to adoptable by usingPC controller based system. Simple Outdoor LED Message
Moving or Scrolling Sign Board, Electronic projects using LED Scroller Generator for
outdoor digital signs, Marketable LED sign board with Message scrolling are the
examples of the scrolling LED display.

Scrolling LED Display Working With Circuit Diagram

Let’s have a discussion about LED scrolling display with circuit diagrams. Scrolling LED
display can be implemented in various methods. Two methods are widely in use, first
one is decade counters and another one using shift registers. The shift register is easy
to implement for beginners. Let’s discuss about LED using shift registers. Scrolling LED
display panel is implemented by using microcontrollers like 8051, AVR and PIC
micontroller. Here we discuss about implementing using 8051 microcontroller for simple
electronic projects.
 Circuit Diagram for Scrolling LED Display
LED Dot Matrix Construction
When we want to construct LED Dot Matrix, lets know about how to drive LED and
which resistance is added to protect LED. LEDs are two types

 High power LEDs

 Miniature LEDs

High power LEDs are costly, so generally we use miniature LEDs in practical
experiments. Generally a red color LED can be made ON by using 2 or 3 volts. If we
want to make LED to glow more 20mA current to flow.

LED Circuit

Below figure describes about how to make LED using the 5v supply. If we connect
directly 5v supply to LED, it may get damaged. For that, we connect a resistor in series
with the resistor. Current flowing through the LED scrolling sign can be described as
load current. For better brightness 20mA is needed to glow LED, so load current is
20mA and LED takes 2v to turn ON.
 LED Circuit
Using ohm’s law
R=V/I
R= (5-2) V / 20mA
R= 150 ohms.
R = 150 ohms,

(Driving an LED using 5v source)

LED Array Single Column

To construct an LED Array, entire cathodes are connected together and grounded.
Each anode drives by the microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to
generate different patterns on the LEDs. A total of 160mA current sinks into ground.

Construction of LED Dot Matrix

Using a single array of LED scrolling display board, we can generate different types of
patterns. If we arrange the LED arrays side by side with multiplexing technique, it
generates letters, symbols, numbers, pictures, animations also. This LED Dot Matrix
can be constructed by connecting all the anode terminals of LED’s together in each row
and all the cathode terminals are joined together in each column.
 Construction of LED Dot Matrix
Anode Circuit in LED Scrolling Board

Some microcontrollers don’t have enough output voltage/currents to drive the rows of
the LED scrolling display board. Hence, we need to place a transistor array or a latch
between the led matrix and microcontroller. Usually for LED Scrolling board, the latch is
enough to provide sufficient current. We can use 8-bit latch (74ls573). Each output of
the 8-bit latch is able to provide current greater than 20mA, Which is enough to produce
sufficient brightness to the LED.
 Anode Circuit in LED Scrolling Board
LED Dot Matrix To Work

LED scrolling message display matrix can be made to work, by connecting all the
anodes to a microcontroller and the columns are connected to shift register (74LS164).
Every column contains ‘N’ LED’s so that the total current flowing through the column is
the sum of current flowing through each LED. The current flowing through each LED is
20mA and the total current is N*20mA .The shift register is not capable to sink such a
large current n*2mA, Here we need a large current sinker (IC ULN 2803) which is
capable to sink 500mA current.

LED Matrix with a Microcontroller and Shift Register Data

Microcontroller provides the data and clock control signals to the shift
register. Microcontroller provides the data sequence to shift register data pin, the first
column in LED matrix is connected to ground via ULN 2803 and the remaining other
columns in the matrix are left unconnected. Hence LEDs in that column will glow
according to port data provided by the micro controller.

When the data sequence is provided to shift register, the next column LEDs will glow
according to port data provided by the MCU. Next columns will drive one by one with
the corresponding sequence given to the shift register.

Refresh Interval Rate

A letter displayed on the LED matrix module even though the individual column is
enabled at a time. The entire letter should be refreshed at 24 times per second, so we
can see flicker less image. As per Persistence of vision phenomenon, scientifically
determined that a frame rate of less than 16 frames per second causes the mind to see
flashing images. So take refresh rate at 24 frames/Sec. One frame takes 1/24 Sec to
scan all the columns in the matrix. So, 8 column takes 1/ (24*8) = 1.7msec to glow. So,
our program should scan each column within 1.7msec, then only we can achieve a
correct refresh rate using LED display software.

Better Refresh Rate in LED Scrolling

When we want higher refresh rate, time delay (1.7 msec) may be decreased to micro
seconds. Some microcontroller are not able to provide such small delays (ex: 8051), So
we go for higher high speed microcontrollers such as PIC and AVR.

PC Controlled Scrolling Message Display for Notice Board

This project is used to display the information anywhere like colleges, shops, railway
stations S and other places. The information is transmitted using a PC.
 PC Controlled Scrolling Message Display for Notice Board Block Diagram by
Edgefxkits.com
Hardware Requirements

 8051 series Microcontroller

 Push buttons
 Transformer
 Voltage Regulator
 LED
 LCD
 Resistors
 Capacitor
 Diode
 MAX232
 DB9 connector
 EEPROM

Software Requirements

 Keil compiler
 Languages: Embedded C or Assembly.

Traditionally notice board is all about sticking information, but sticking various notices
day-to-day is a difficult process. A person is required separately to take care of this
notice board. This system displays notices through a PC on notice boards.

This system can be implemented in many important places where latest information can
be displayed. For example, if implemented in colleges all information for students can
be displayed. It is very convenient for students and college management to display any
information.
 PC Controlled Scrolling Message Display for Notice Board project kit by
Edgefxkits.com
This system can also be implemented in railway stations and airports to display
information regarding the train and flight timings. This system reduces the wastage of
papers. The information is sent through a PC, which is interfaced to a 8051 family
microcontroller through MAX232 interface IC. An external memory connected to the
microcontroller stores the information. An LCD is connected to the microcontroller to
display the message in a continuous scrolling manner.

Thus, this is all about scrolling LED display with an application. We believe that you
might have got some fundamental concepts. Furthermore, any doubts regarding this
topic or lab VIEW based electrical projects you can give your feedback by commenting
in the comment section below.

Photo Credits:

 Scrolling LED Display Circuit Diagram by avrprojects

 LED Circuit by electroschematics
 LED Dot Matrix Construction by circuitstoday
 Anode Circuit in LED Scrolling Board by futurlec
 LED Dot Matrix To Work by embedded-lab
 LED scrolling display by diytrade