0.56 inch Red 1 Digit 7 Segment LED Display 10-pin AC013 Common Cathode (CC)

### Lesson Plan: Understanding and Utilizing the 0.56 inch Red 1 Digit 7 Segment LED Display 10-pin AC013 Common Cathode (CC) in Electronic Circuits

**Introduction**

In this lesson, we will explore the operational principles and practical applications of the 0.56 inch Red 1 Digit 7 Segment LED Display 10-pin AC013 Common Cathode (CC). Seven-segment displays are commonly used for displaying numerical information in electronic devices such as clocks, meters, and calculators. By the end of this lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how the 7-segment display works and how to incorporate it into your electronic projects.

**Learning Objectives**

Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Identify the physical characteristics of the 0.56 inch Red 1 Digit 7 Segment LED Display.
2. Explain the function of a 7-segment display and its role in electronic circuits.
3. Implement the 7-segment display to show numerical information using the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.

**Materials Needed**

– 0.56 inch Red 1 Digit 7 Segment LED Display 10-pin AC013 Common Cathode (CC)
– Breadboard
– Jumper wires
– Raspberry Pi Pico WH
– 330-ohm resistors
– Multimeter (optional)

**Background Information**

A 7-segment display consists of seven LEDs arranged in a pattern that can be used to display decimal numerals. Each segment can be individually controlled to form the digits 0 through 9. The common cathode (CC) configuration means that all the cathodes of the LEDs are connected together and should be connected to ground.

**7-Segment Display Characteristics**

The 7-segment display has 10 pins:
– **Common Cathode (CC)**: Two pins connected to the ground.
– **A, B, C, D, E, F, G**: Pins connected to each of the seven segments.
– **DP**: Pin connected to the decimal point (not used in this lesson).

**Principles of Operation**

The 7-segment display operates by lighting up specific segments to form numbers:
– **Digit Formation**: By controlling which segments are lit, you can form any digit from 0 to 9.
– **Common Cathode Configuration**: The common cathode pins are connected to ground, and the anode pins are connected to the positive voltage through current-limiting resistors.

**Circuit Diagram and Setup**

**Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Identify the Display Pins**:
– Locate the common cathode (CC), segment pins (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), and the decimal point (DP) pin on the 7-segment display.

2. **Set Up the Breadboard Circuit**:
– Place the 7-segment display on the breadboard.
– Connect the two common cathode pins to the ground (GND) pin on the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.
– Connect each segment pin (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) to a GPIO pin on the Raspberry Pi Pico WH through a 330-ohm resistor.
– For example:
– A to GP0
– B to GP1
– C to GP2
– D to GP3
– E to GP4
– F to GP5
– G to GP6

3. **Write the Control Code**:
– Open your MicroPython IDE and write the following code to control the 7-segment display and show digits 0 to 9:

“`python
from machine import Pin
from time import sleep

# Define segment pins
segments = [Pin(i, Pin.OUT) for i in range(7)]

# Define digit patterns for 0-9 (ABCDEFG)
digit_patterns = [
[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0], # 0
[0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0], # 1
[1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1], # 2
[1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1], # 3
[0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1], # 4
[1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1], # 5
[1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1], # 6
[1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0], # 7
[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1], # 8
[1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1], # 9
]

def display_digit(digit):
pattern = digit_patterns[digit]
for i in range(7):
segments[i].value(pattern[i])

while True:
for digit in range(10):
display_digit(digit)
sleep(1)
“`

4. **Upload and Test the Code**:
– Connect your Raspberry Pi Pico WH to your computer using a Micro USB cable.
– Upload the code to the Raspberry Pi Pico WH.
– Observe the 7-segment display cycling through the digits 0 to 9, with each digit displayed for one second.

5. **Optional: Measure Signal Characteristics**:
– Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the segment pins to ensure proper operation.
– Verify the current through each segment to ensure it is within safe operating limits.

**Applications and Extensions**

1. **Digital Clocks**:
– Use the 7-segment display to create a digital clock by displaying hours and minutes.
– Implement timekeeping functionality using a real-time clock (RTC) module.

2. **Counters and Meters**:
– Implement the 7-segment display in counters or meters to show counts, measurements, or other numerical data.
– Combine with sensors to display real-time data, such as temperature or humidity readings.

3. **User Interfaces**:
– Use the 7-segment display in user interfaces to show numerical feedback, such as settings, scores, or input values.
– Integrate with buttons or rotary encoders for user input.

**Summary and Review**

This lesson has provided a detailed exploration of the 0.56 inch Red 1 Digit 7 Segment LED Display 10-pin AC013 Common Cathode (CC), covering its identification, operational principles, and practical applications in electronic circuits. By understanding and utilizing 7-segment displays, you can create informative and interactive numerical displays for a variety of applications, enhancing the functionality and user experience of your electronic projects.