A Seven-Segment Addressable PCB

Seven-segment displays have provided a simple LED output method for decades. However, with the availability of addressable LEDs and related electronics, one can take this concept much further with variable lighting, changing colors, and more. Matt Deeds decided to create his own take on the venerable seven-segment display, using an array of SK6812 addressable LEDs, along with a unique PCB diffuser.

The setup arranges 14 addressable LEDs on a PCB to reveal two digits. Cutouts for each of these rectangular shaped lighting units allowing them to partially protrude from the back of the PCB, where they are soldered in place. While soldering these was somewhat of a challenge, this design did allow the display to be quite thin. It’s also designed with input and output lines, so that multiple units can be be chained together. On top of lights, a second PCB, with no actual circuitry and the substrate exposed in the shape of each segment, was implemented as a dedicated diffuser.

The resulting display was successful, and is only around 2.7mm thick. Deeds did notice a few things that might be addressed if a second iteration is produced, such as using a different diffuser setup to make the LEDs a bit dimmer. Either way, it looks like an interesting user interface project, which could easily be integrated into other inventions. Schematic and board files are available on this write-up for your perusal!