I have always loved displays, I really like anything that emits light and that is controllable, that is why I have created this new display that consists of the representation of numbers “Cistercian”, this single digit is capable of representing a number from 0 to 9999.
The easiest way to make a display is with individual LEDs, so the design is based on 7 segments displays that we all know and several reference pictures and representations that I have seen, that is how I import those shapes to a PCB and added some 0805 LEDs. I have made these PCBs with PCBWay as they have always delivered me some awesome look castellated holes and the price is pretty low.
The controller that I have decided to use is a simple serial to parallel converter from LUMISIL embedded in the same PCB routing fewer pins to the castellated holes and making it easier to use overall, and also has the possibility to set a custom constant current source for the LEDs.
This Display needs some 3D printing for it to look like 31 segments display, for that iI used White PLA as a diffuser and some other color for the display body. The assembly consists of 1 PCBA and 3 3D printed parts, the display front face body, the diffuser, and the LED spacer as shown below.
I have printed several combinations that let you have an idea of what can be accomplished with this display.
The code for driving the display is pretty simple as it uses just a Serial to parallel converter with constant current control hardware, so the data can be clocked out very easily with a simple for loop.
And after this, I decided to build an RGB version using some 2x2mm SK6812 RGB Serial LEDs also known as Neopixels.
For the display segment definition, I have designed some 3D printed parts, a spacer, a diffuser layer, and a display body case. These parts can be printed easily with any FDM 3D printer, I have used Black Glitter PLA for the spacer and body case and white PLA for the diffuser.
You can download all the manufacturing files and test code on my Github Page.
