Design and Implementation of an RGB LED Matrix Display for Embedded Applications

Abstract

This project presents the design and implementation of an 8-bit microcontroller based RGB LED matrix display (4 rows × 8 columns). A driving algorithm for RGB LED matrix was also implemented to show colorful shapes, patterns and pictures. It is similar to the common LED matrix display but with the ability to show various colors. RGB LED is an element that emits the three primary colors (Red, Green and Blue) separately. Thus, we can obtain any color we want by mixing these primary colors together in particular ratios. Using such kind of LED allows to use a new technique in designing that the pixel in common colorful matrix display consists of three separate LEDs (Red, Green and Blue) but now by using RGB LED we reduce the number of LEDs which make the resolution much better and also make the design of matrix less complicated. The work is divided into two main parts; first part is to design a circuit to control a single RGB LED manually using 555 IC, second part which is the main part is to design an array of RGB LEDs with a control circuit using a microcontroller. Proposed design has many advantages like; simple and low cost. Besides, Duty cycle used in the driving algorithm is less than 10% and that reduces the power consumption which is considered as an extra advantage of the project.