Arduino 7-Segment Display Controller (Tinkercad Project)

This project demonstrates how to control a 7-segment display using an Arduino UNO. The circuit is designed and simulated in Autodesk Tinkercad. It typically cycles through displaying digits 0-9.

Table of Contents

1. Hardware Components
2. Circuit Wiring
3. Software (Arduino Code)
4. How to Simulate (Tinkercad)
5. How to Use with Physical Arduino
6. Customization

Hardware Components

• 1 x Arduino UNO
• 1 x 7-Segment Display (Common Cathode)
• 7 x Resistors (e.g., 220Ω or 330Ω - current limiting for each segment. Tinkercad default is often 1kΩ which is also fine for simulation)
• Jumper Wires

Circuit Wiring

The 7-segment display is connected to the Arduino digital pins as follows. Each segment pin is connected in series with a current-limiting resistor.

Note: The Decimal Point (DP) pin is not used in this setup.

Software (Arduino Code)

The Arduino sketch controls the 7-segment display. The code defines the pin connections and includes functions to display digits 0-9 by turning the appropriate segments ON or OFF. For a common cathode display, setting a segment pin to HIGH turns the segment ON.

The Arduino code (.ino file) for this project can be found in the repository. It typically includes:

• Pin definitions for each segment of the display.
• An array or lookup table defining the segment patterns for digits 0-9.
• A setup() function to initialize the pin modes.
• A loop() function to cycle through displaying numbers or implement other logic.
• Helper functions to display a specific digit or clear the display.

Please refer to the .ino file in this repository for the complete source code.

How to Simulate (Tinkercad)

1. Open in Tinkercad:
   • If you have the project link, open it directly. (e.g., https://www.tinkercad.com/things/your-project-id)
   • You should add your Tinkercad project link here!
2. Access Code: Click on the "Code" button in the Tinkercad interface. The code used in the simulation will be visible here.
3. Start Simulation: Click the "Start Simulation" button.
4. Observe: The 7-segment display should start displaying numbers, typically counting from 0 to 9 and repeating.

How to Use with Physical Arduino

1. Gather Components: Collect all the hardware components listed above.
2. Wire Circuit: Assemble the circuit on a breadboard according to the Circuit Wiring diagram.
   • Important: Ensure resistors are used for each segment to prevent damage to the LEDs or the Arduino.
   • Connect the common cathode pin(s) of the 7-segment display to the Arduino's GND pin.
3. Connect Arduino: Connect your Arduino UNO to your computer via USB.
4. Open Arduino IDE: Launch the Arduino IDE.
5. Get Code:
   • Clone this repository or download the .ino file.
   • Open the .ino file in the Arduino IDE.
6. Select Board & Port:
   • Go to Tools > Board and select "Arduino Uno".
   • Go to Tools > Port and select the COM port your Arduino is connected to.
7. Upload Code: Click the "Upload" button (right arrow icon) in the Arduino IDE.
8. Observe: Once uploaded, the physical 7-segment display should behave as programmed.

Customization

• Change Display Sequence: Modify the loop() function in the Arduino sketch (.ino file) to display specific numbers, patterns, or characters.
• Control with Input: Add buttons or a potentiometer to select which digit is displayed.
• Display Sensor Data: Interface with sensors (e.g., temperature sensor) and display their readings.
• Common Anode Display: If you use a common anode display, the common pin(s) connect to 5V, and you'll need to invert the logic in your Arduino code (LOW turns a segment ON, HIGH turns it OFF).

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