# 7 segment display drive externally **URL:** \ **Category:** General Guidance\ **Created:** [October 14, 2025, 4:10pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/7-segment-display-drive-externally/1409495 "2025-10-14T16:10:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 7
**Author:** ![hmeijdam](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/hmeijdam/32/218564_2.png) [@hmeijdam](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/hmeijdam)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2025, 7:03pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/7-segment-display-drive-externally/1409495/7 "2025-10-14T19:03:48Z")
I think you may want to read this thread talking about the ULN2003 > [@UNL2003 for 12V LEDs](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/unl2003-for-12v-leds/373580): > > Total noob here. I've researched this quite a bit and think I understand, but I just want confirmation so I don't fry anything. I am planning on using the Arduino to control a UNL2003A which will control secondary 12V circuits that will illuminate large 12V LEDs. Do I just connect the 12V LED as usual (no resistors - just battery to LED) and run the ground to the UNL2003 so the Arduino can control it? Or do I need resistors or other electronics? Do I need to ground all the unused pins on the … As the ULN2003 is a bit of an ancient part (that still works well btw), there is a more modern substitute using NMOS transistors the [TPL7407L](https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tpl7407l.pdf?ts=1760456781326&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ti.com%252Fproduct%252FTPL7407L) --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/7-segment-display-drive-externally/1409495)._