Hi there everyone,
I've started on a pretty ambitious project to build myself an LED matrix for my snowboard, and I think I've run into a roadblock I've created myself.
Right now, I'm setting up a 8x8 matrix to keep things simple. I have:
*Arduino (of course)
*LEDs
*1x TPIC6B595 high-current shift register (http://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/IC/TPIC6B595.pdf)
*1X ULN2803A Darlington array (http://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/IC/uln2803a.pdf)
I've successfully hooked up eight LEDs (one row) to the TPIC6B595, with a common anode and the 6B595 sinking current. I can animate, count, whatever-- success!
My plan was to use the ULN2803A to source the current for the array, so that I could drive one column at a time, switching them to create a solid display. From what I've read, however, the ULN2803A can only sink current. Uh-oh-- the TPIC6B595 is supposed to be sinking the current!
Is there any way to make either my TPIC6B595 or my ULN2803A source current? Or should I just go buy another Darlington array that can source current? Any recommendations?
Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. (Photos if it works!)