MAX7219 7-Segment Display

Do you like the 7-segment displays?
This board has a MAX7219, the board has eight digits connected in cascade. The board works at 5V and has SPI interface.

 
Video.

Description of library.

Initializes the MAX7219.
MAX7219_Init(void)
Example:
MAX7219_Init();

Writes a single digit.
MAX7219_WriteDigit(c, digit)

• c: Sets the 7-segment character.
• digit: Sets the digit.

Example:
MAX7219_WriteDigit('2', 5);

Writes constant numbers.
MAX7219_ConstDigit(buffer);

• buffer: Sets the numbers.

Example:
MAX7219_ConstDigit("00001234");

Writes numbers.
MAX7219_Digit(buffer);

• buffer: Sets the numbers.

Example:
unsigned int i;
char buffer2[20];
i = 25;
sprintf(buffer2, "%8d", i);
MAX7219_Digit(buffer2);

Clears the 8 digits.
MAX7219_Clear(void);
Example:
MAX7219_Clear();

Schematic.

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DS3231 Library.

Professional library for projects where a RTC is implemented. Version 3.

Request a copy.
You can  send a request  to:
armicrocontroller@gmail.com

This function initializes the RTC.
DS3231_Init(void)
Example:
DS3231_Init();

This function gets the time and calendar information of the RTC.
DS3231_GetInfo(void)
Example:
DS3231_GetInfo(); 

This function can be used to configure a new time and calendar information.
DS3231_AddData(dat, inc_dec)

• dat: This parameter selects seconds, minutes, hours, day, date, month or year.

• 1 Seconds.
• 2 Minutes.
• 3 Hours.
• 4 Day.
• 5 Date.
• 6 Month.
• 7 Year.

• inc_dec: This parameter sets the increment or decrement.

• 1 increment.
• 2 decrement.

Example:
DS3231_AddData(3, INC_DAT);

This function does a conversion AM to PM or PM to AM.
DS3231_AMPM(void)
Example:
DS3231_AMPM();

This function does a conversion 12hr to 24hr or 24hr to 12hr.
DS3231_HourMode(void)
Example:
DS3231_HourMode();

This function gets the full calendar. "Day Date Month Year" <<Mon 12 Jan 15>>
DS3231_GetCalendar(*p, dat)

• *p: This parameter saves the date information in a variable.
• dat: This parameter is used to select the day, date, month, year or the full calendar.

• 0 Full Calendar.
• 4 Day.
• 5 Date.
• 6 Month.
• 7 Year.
• 9 Resume Calendar.

Example:
char calendar[40];
DS3231_GetInfo();
DS3231_GetCalendar(calendar, 0);

This funtion gets the time information. "Hours:Minutes:Seconds" <<01:35:12>>
DS3231_GetTime(p1)

• *p: This parameter saves the time information in a variable.

• Return 0 if time is in 24 format.
• Return 1 if time is in 24 format.
• Return 2 if time is in AM format.
• Return 3 if time is in PM format.

Example:
char time[10];
unsigned char ampm;
DS3231_GetInfo();
ampm = DS3231_GetTime(time);

How to use this library in a project.
Basic example:
We have  two buttons, where Button 1 selects the information to configure and Button 2 adds a new time or data information.

main()
{
 unsigned char i = 1;
 unsigned char ampm;
 char time[20];
 char calendar[40];

 DS3231_Init();
 while(1)
 {
  if(BUTTON1 == 1 && i < 8)
  {
   i++;
  }

  if(BUTTON2 == 1)
  {
   DS3231_AddData(i, INC_DAT);
  } 
  DS3231_GetInfo();
  ampm = DS3231_GetTime(time); 
  DS3231_GetCalendar(calendar, 0);
  LCD_Print(time);
  LCD_Print(calendar);
 }
}

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Nokia 5110 LCD Library

The module Nokia 5110 is a monochrome graphic LCD with 48x84 pixels. This LCD has SPI interface and blue backlight. We can buy these modules for less 2 USD.

Module Features.

• Resolution: 48 x 84 dot matrix panel.
• Power supply: 3.3V.
• Interface: SPI.
• Driver IC: PCD8544.

Video.

Request.
Email contact: armicrocontroller@gmail.com

Description of library.

Initializes the Nokia5110 module.
Nokia5110_Init(void)
Example:
Nokia5110_Init();

Sets font that will be used.
Nokia5110_SetFont(_font, _width, _height, _min, _max)

•  _font: desired font.
• _width: sets the width in units of pixels.
• _height: sets the height in units of pixels.
• _min: sets the range minimum.
• _max: sets the range maximum.

Example:
Nokia5110_SetFont(Terminal12x16, 12, 16, 32,127);

• font name : Terminal12x16
• width 12 pixels
• height 16 pixels
• range: start in character 32, end in  character 127

We can use "GLCD Font Creator" to design new fonts, symbols and icons.
Note: Only fonts with multiples of 8 pixels in height (8, 16, 24, 32 ... )

Writes a char on the Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_WriteChar(c, seg, pag)

• c: char to be written.
• seg: sets the segment. Valid values: 0..83
• pag: sets the page. Valid values: 0..5

Example:
Nokia5110_WriteChar('A', 10, 3);

Prints text constant on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_ConstText(buffer, seg, pag)

• buffer: text to be written.
•  seg: sets the segment. Valid values: 0..83
• pag: sets the page. Valid values: 0..5

Example:
Nokia5110_ConstText("NOKIA", 0, 0);

Prints text variable on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_Text(buffer, seg, pag)

• buffer: text to be written.
• seg: sets the segment. Valid values: 0..83
• pag: sets the page. Valid values: 0..5

Example:
unsigned char i;
char buffer2[20];
i = 22;
sprintf(buffer2, "%03d", i);
Nokia5110_Text(buffer2, 0, 3);

Prints text constant on Nokia5110 with scroll.
Nokia5110_ConstTextScroll(buffer)

• buffer: text to be written.

Example:
Nokia5110_SetFont(Terminal12x16, 12, 16, 32 , 127);
Nokia5110_ResetScroll();
while(1){
Nokia5110_ConstTextScroll("This is a new scroll function  ");
Delay_ms(50);
}

Prints text variable on Nokia5110 with scroll.
Nokia5110_TextScroll(buffer)

• buffer: text to be written.

Example:
unsigned char i;
char buffer2[20];
i = 22;
sprintf(buffer2, "%03d   ", i);
Nokia5110_SetFont(Terminal12x16, 12, 16, 32 , 127);
Nokia5110_ResetScroll();
while(1){
Nokia5110_TextScroll(buffer2);
Delay_ms(50);
}

Resets the scroll.
Nokia5110_ResetScroll(void)
This function must be called before of a new scroll function.
Example:
Nokia5110_ResetScroll();

Fills Nokia5110 memory.
Nokia5110_FillScreen(pattern)

• pattern: byte to fill Nokia5110 memory.

Example:
Nokia5110_FillScreen(0xFF);

Displays bitmap on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_Image(buffer)

• buffer: image to be displayed.

Example:
Nokia5110_Image(truck);

Displays an image on a desired location.
Nokia5110_Icon(buffer, seg, pag, _width, _height)

• buffer: image to be displayed.
• seg: sets the segment. Valid values: 0..83
• pag: sets the page. Valid values: 0..5
• _width sets the width of the image.
• _height sets the height of the image.

Example:
Nokia5110_Icon(icon1,25,2,32,32);

Inverts the RAM memory.
Nokia5110_InvertRam(seg1, pag1, seg2, pag2)

• seg1 sets the start segment. Valid values: 0..83
• pag1 sets the start page. Valid values: 0..5
• seg2 sets the end segment. Valid values: 0..83
• pag2 sets the end page. Valid values: 0..5

Example:
Nokia5110_InvertRam(0, 0, 83, 5);

Draws a Pixel on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_Pixel(x, y, color)

• x: x position. Valid values: 0..83
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..47
• color: color parameter. Valid values: 1,2,3

Example:
Nokia5110_Pixel(40, 40, BLACK);

Draws a Line on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_Line(x1, y1, x2, y2, color) 

• x1: x coordinate of the line start. Valid values: 0..83
• y1: y coordinate of the line start. Valid values: 0..47
• x2: x coordinate of the line end. Valid values: 0..83
• y2: y coordinate of the line end. Valid values: 0..47
• color: color parameter. Valid values: 1,2,3

Example:
Nokia5110_Line(0, 0, 83, 47, BLACK);

Draws a rectangle on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_Rectangle(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)

• x1: x coordinate of the upper left rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..83 
• y1: y coordinate of the upper left rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..47
• x2: x coordinate of the lower right rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..83
• y2: y coordinate of the lower right rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..47
• color: color parameter. Valid values: 1,2,3

Example:
Nokia5110_Rectangle(10, 10, 70, 40, BLACK);

Draws a circle on Nokia5110.
Nokia5110_Circle(x1, y1, radius, color)

• x1: x coordinate of the circle center. Valid values: 0..83
• y1: y coordinate of the circle center. Valid values: 0..47
• radius: radius size
• color: color parameter. Valid values: 1,2,3

Example:
Nokia5110_Circle(41, 23, 5, Black);

Connection.

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Led matrix, MAX7219 board.

In this post we will evaluate the MAX7219 board. This board was designed to control an 8x8 led matrix. I bought four boards in ebay, I like this model.

How to assemble the boards.

• We solder two headers in each board.
• We will solder the led matrix, be sure to put the led matrix in correct position.

How to connect the boards.
We will connect the boards in the following way.

Video.

Request.
Email contact: armicrocontroller@gmail.com

Description of library.
This library support 1, 2, 3, 4 ...n boards, so we will need define the quantity of boards at max7219.h file.

Initializes the modules.
MAX7219_Init() 
Example:
MAX7219_Init();

Sets font.
MAX7219_SetFont(_font,_width,_min,_max)

• _font: font to be set.
• _width: char width (pixels)
• _min: range minimum
• _max: range maximum

Example:
MAX7219_SetFont(Font_6x8, 6, 32, 127);

Writes a char.
MAX7219_WriteChar(c,col)

• c: char to be written
• col: set column. Valid values: 0...

Example:
MAX7219_WriteChar('A', 0);

Prints text constant.
MAX7219_ConstText(buffer,col)

• buffer: text to be written
• col: set column. Valid values: 0...

Example:
MAX7219_ConstText("Hello",1);

Prints text variable.
MAX7219_Text(buffer,col)

• buffer: text to be written
• col: set column. Valid values: 0...

Example:
unsigned char i;
char buffer2[20];
i = 12;
sprintf(buffer2,"%03d",i);
MAX7219_Text(buffer2, 10);

This function does motion of scroll.
MAX7219_ConstTextScroll(buffer)
MAX7219_TextScroll(buffer)
MAX7219_ResetScroll(void)

• buffer: text to be written

Example:
MAX7219_ResetScroll();
while(1){
MAX7219_ConstTextScroll("Hello.");
Delay_ms(300);
}

Displays Symbol.
MAX7219_Symbol8x8(buffer,col)

• buffer: byte of array
• col: set column. Valid values: 0...

Example:
MAX7219_Symbol8x8(8x8Symbol);

Fills RAM memory.
MAX7219_FillScreen(pattern)

• pattern: byte to fill RAM memory

Example:
MAX7219_FillScreen(255);

Inverts the RAM memory.
MAX7219_InvertScreen()
Example:
MAX7219_InvertScreen();

Draws a Pixel on LED Matrix.
MAX7219_Pixel(x,y,color)

• x: x position. Valid values: 0..
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..7
• color: color parameter. Valid values: 1, 2, 3

Example:
MAX7219_Pixel(1,1,1);
 

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SHT21 Humidity and Temperature Sensor

SHT21, the new humidity and temperature sensor of Sensirion is about to set new standards in terms of size and intelligence: Embedded in a reflow solderable Dual Flat No leads (DFN) package of 3 x 3mm foot print and 1.1mm height it provides calibrated, linearized signals in digital, I2C format.

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DS1307. Real Time Clock.

Library and project  

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Library for 240x320 graphical display TFT. Driver ILI9341.

This blog presents a new version of the library. New functions were added and the bugs were fixed. Now, We can use an SD CARD to open BMP files.
 

Consider these features.
The version 2 can be used in microcontrollers with these features.

• Program Memory 32KB
• RAM Bytes 2,048

Request.
Email contact: armicrocontroller@gmail.com

The standard driver will be available for user that just need the single library for ili9341.
The current version 3 can be used  for the following displays:

• ILI9341 240x320 
• ST7789 240x240
• ST7735 80x160 
• SSD1331 96x64

Video.
 

Description of library.
This function initializes the driver ILI9341.
TFT_Init(void)
Example:
TFT_Init();

This function resets the display TFT.
TFT_Reset(void)
Example:
TFT_Reset();

This function sets the memory access control.
TFT_MemoryAccessControl(frame_memory)

• frame_memory: Frame memory, the configuration can be TFT_HORIZONTAL or TFT_VERTICAL. 

Example:
TFT_MemoryAccessControl(TFT_HORIZONTAL);

This function draws a pixel on TFT.
TFT_Pixel(x, y, color)

• x: x position. Valid values: 0..240
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..320
• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_Pixel(100, 100, BLUE);

This function sets the size of dot.
TFT_SetDotSize(size)

• size: Size of dot. Valid values: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Example:
TFT_SetDotSize(2);
TFT_Dot(100, 100, BLACK);

This function draws a dot on TFT.
TFT_Dot(x, y, color)

• x: x position. Valid values: 0..240
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..320
• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_Dot(100, 100, BLACK);

This function sets the type of font.
TFT_SetFont(font, letterspacing)

• font: Pointer to read all the array.
• letterspacing: Letter spacing. Valid values: 1, 2, 3...

Example:
TFT_SetFont(Courier_New_Bold_20, 0);

This function draws a character on the TFT.
TFT_WriteChar(c, x, y, color1, color2)

• c: character to be written.
• x: x position. Valid values: 0..240
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..320
• color1: Top color.
• color2: Bottom color.

Example:
TFT_WriteChar('A', 10, 10, BLACK, WHITE);

This function writes text constant on TFT.
TFT_ConstText(buffer, x, y, color1, color2)

• buffer: Pointer to read all the array.
• x: x position. Valid values: 0..240
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..320
• color1: Top color.
• color2: Bottom color.

Example:
TFT_ConstText("pic18fxx.blogspot.com", 0, 0, BLACK, WHITE);

This function writes text variable on TFT.
TFT_Text(buffer, x, y, color1, color2)

• buffer: Pointer to read all the array.
• x: x position. Valid values: 0..240
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..320
• color1: Top color.
• color2: Bottom color.

Example:
unsigned char i;
char buffer2[20];
i = 22;
sprintf(buffer2, "%03d", i);
TFT_Text(buffer2, 10, 10, BLACK, WHITE);

These functions write text with alignment.
TFT_TextLEFT(buffer, y, color1, color2)
TFT_TextCENTER(buffer, y, color1, color2)
TFT_TextRIGHT(buffer, y, color1, color2)

• buffer: Pointer to read all the array.
• y: y position. Valid values: 0..320
• color1: Top color.
• color2: Bottom color.

Examples:
TFT_TextLEFT((char*)"ILI9341", 10, BLACK, WHITE);
TFT_TextCENTER((char*)"ILI9341",50, BLACK, WHITE);
TFT_TextRIGHT((char*)"ILI9341", 100, BLACK, WHITE);

This function fills screen with given color.
TFT_FillScreen(color) 

• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_FillScreen(BRIGHTGREEN);

This function draws a box on TFT.
TFT_Box(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)

• x1: x coordinate of the upper left rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..240 
• y1: y coordinate of the upper left rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..320
• x2: x coordinate of the lower right rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..240
• y2: y coordinate of the lower right rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..320
• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_Box(0, 0, 50, 50, BLUE);

This function draws a line on TFT.
TFT_Line(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)

• x1: x coordinate of the line start. Valid values: 0..240
• y1: y coordinate of the line start. Valid values: 0..320
• x2: x coordinate of the line end. Valid values: 0..240
• y2: y coordinate of the line end. Valid values: 0..320
• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_Line(1, 1, 100, 100, GREEN);

This function draws a rectangle on TFT.
TFT_Rectangle(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)

• x1: x coordinate of the upper left rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..240 
• y1: y coordinate of the upper left rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..320
• x2: x coordinate of the lower right rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..240
• y2: y coordinate of the lower right rectangle corner. Valid values: 0..320
• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_Rectangle(1, 1, 100, 100, GREEN);

This function draws a rounded edge rectangle on TFT.
TFT_RectangleRound(x1, y1, x2, y2, radius, color)

• radius: radius of the rounded edge.

Example:
TFT_RectangleRound(1, 1, 100, 100, 6, GREEN);

This function draws a filled rounded edge rectangle on TFT.
TFT_RectangleRoundFill(x1, y1, x2, y2, radius, color)
Example:
TFT_RectangleRoundFill(1, 1, 100, 100, 6, GREEN);

This function draws a circle on TFT.
TFT_Circle(x1, y1, radius, color)

• x1: x coordinate of the circle center. Valid values: 0..240
• y1: y coordinate of the circle center. Valid values: 0..320
• radius: radius size
• color: color parameter.

Example:
TFT_Circle(100, 100, 10, BLACK);

This function draws a filled circle on TFT.
TFT_CircleFill(x1, y1, radius, color)
Example:
TFT_CircleFill(100, 100, 10, BRIGHTRED);

This function draws an image on a desired location.
TFT_Icon(buffer, x, y, width, height)

• buffer: Pointer to read all the array.
• x: x position.
• y: y position.
• width: width of the image in pixels.
• height: height of the image in pixels.

Example:
TFT_Icon(icon_play, 10, 16, 20, 34);
 
This function draws an image with transparent color on a desired location.
TFT_IconTransparent(buffer, x, y, width, height, color)

• buffer: Pointer to read all the array.
• x: x position.
• y: y position.
• width: width of the image in pixels.
• height: height of the image in pixels.
• color: transparent color.

Example:
TFT_IconTransparent(icon_speaker, 158, 25, 22, 18, WHITE);

How to configure the library.
Create a new project and copy the follows files.

• disptft.c, disptft.h
• spi_pic18f.c, spi_pic18f.h
• time_delay.c, time_delay.h
• datatypes.h
• font.c, font.h
• bitmap.c, bitmap.h
• bit_settings.h
• main.c

Connection.

Note:

The pins CS, RESET and DC can be configured in the file ili9341.h

TFT Bitmap Editor. C#

This software programmed at c# can be used to make bitmaps.

Software for making bitmaps 

SD CARD.
This demo uses FatFs library. You can download this great library here!. You need to do some modifications to use FatFs with XC8 or just you can use the FatFs library configured by me.
FatFs has two variants:

• FatFs - Generic FAT Filesystem Module. This one is the most complete library.
• Petit FAT File System Module. Basically is limited in functions and does not support long file names. But this version can be used on microcontrollers with limited memory, for example a pic18f4550.

This function scans some files.
ScanFiles(buffer, next_previous)

• buffer: This parameter returns the name of file.
• next_previous: This parameter is used to move the tab. You can use SCAN_FILES, NEXT_FILE and PREVIOUS_FILE.

This function basically is used to show a list of files. The number of files is defined in storage.h
Example:
char buffer1[100];
TFT_SetFont(Courier_New_Bold_20, 0);
ScanFiles(buffer1, SCAN_FILES);

This function opens a file or directory.
OpenFile(buffer)

• buffer: This parameter reads the file name.

Basically using these functions you can select a file and open it.
Example:
char buffer1[100];
TFT_SetFont(Courier_New_Bold_20, 0);
ScanFiles(buffer1, SCAN_FILES);
while(1)
        {
         while(!BUTTON1)
                 {
                  ScanFiles(buffer1, NEXT_FILE);
                  Delay_ms(300);

                 }
        while(!BUTTON2)
                {
                 ScanFiles(buffer1, PREVIOUS_FILE);
                 Delay_ms(300);
                }
       if(BUTTON3 == 0)
         {
          OpenFile(buffer1);
         }
       }

SD CARD connection.

STM32 Support.
This library can be used on STM32. Basically any board with interface FSMC can be used. For this demo, the board STM32_F4VE will be configured.

Software.

This is the necessary software for building a project.

• STM32CubeMX
• System Workbench for STM32

Creating a new project from CubeMX.
Basically, In this step, we go to configure these aspects.

• RCC
• SYS
• FSMC
• GPIO

Copying the libraries.

Basically, in this step, we go to do the following.

• Copy the libraries.
• Set the path of the libraries.
• Compile the project.

Testing the Demo.
Basically, in this step, we go to do the following.

• Configure the ST-Link.
• Set your display.
• Burn the hexadecimal file.

Drives and "Hello World!

For now, these are the supported drives. You can add a new driver follow the format of the library.

• ILI9341
• SSD1289
• SSD1963
  

Why use this library?

• It is a library of low cost.
• Easy to understand.
• No complex code.

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