The MAX7219 is an integrated serial input/output common-cathode display driver that connects a microprocessor to an 8-digit digital 7-segment LED display, or a bar graph display or 64 separate LEDs.A single module can drive a 8×8 dot matrix common cathode.
It included on-chip are a BCD code-B decoder, multiplex scan circuitry, segment and digit drivers, and an 8×8 static RAM that stores each digit.
Operating Voltage: 5V;Dimensions: 12.8×3.2×1.3cm
Only one external resistor is required to set the segment current for all LEDs. A convenient 3-wire serial interface connects to all common µPs. Individual digits may be addressed and updated without rewriting the entire display.
The devices include a 150µA low-power shutdown mode, analog and digital brightness control, a scan limit register that allows the user to display from 1 to 8 digits, and a test mode that forces all LEDs on.