freakdaddy:
I need to drive 6 - 3" 7 segment led displays. Each segment has a forward voltage of 11v. The approach I would take with a regular 7 segment would be to use a 7447 but since the voltage requirement is higher I am not sure what to do. Should I use a 7447 to drive transistors that will drive the leds? Any tips are appreciated!
Just use the SN7447 as normal, it will drive up to 30V - its an open-collector device so only sinks current (upto 40mA per segment).
Note the SN74LS47 has less voltage and current drive (15V, 24mA), but should still handle your displays.