- Mon Jan 02, 2017 11:51 am
#192721
I have a project that uses both 16x2 character LCD (part LCD-00791) and one of the large 20mm 4 digit 7-segment LED displays (product COM-11644). Both are wired to an Arduino Mega 2650. Three POTs, one toggle and 12 LEDs are involved as well. The primary problem I am having is that it appears the Mega will not effectively power both the 7-Segment LED display AND the 16x2 character display. With 7-seg LED on, the output on the character LCD is all garbled, if it shows at all. However when I disconnect the 7-segment, the character LCD works just fine. I've made sure that pin-outs are correct, but both are sharing the Mega's common 5V and Ground circuits.
I'm considering using a small NPN (S9013) transistor to boost the output to the LCD, but I don't think will address the main problem. I need both to function simultaneously, so I'm think I need to power the 7-segment display externally to the Arduino. It is pretty bright. Data sheets for both would indicate they well within the 40mA range for the digital I/Os, but I think I am, or close to, exceeding the power amperage for 5V circuit. Please help!
I'm considering using a small NPN (S9013) transistor to boost the output to the LCD, but I don't think will address the main problem. I need both to function simultaneously, so I'm think I need to power the 7-segment display externally to the Arduino. It is pretty bright. Data sheets for both would indicate they well within the 40mA range for the digital I/Os, but I think I am, or close to, exceeding the power amperage for 5V circuit. Please help!