Hi,
I am building a project with a 4x4x4 RGB LED cube, and I am using shift registers to control them, since my arduino (nano v3.0) has less than the connections required (192 connections to be exact). So my question is how do i distribute power to these shift registers, I know the 74HC595 requires 5V of suppy but that is just for one. I am confused as in how many voltage do i need to drive at least 12 16-shift registers, which makes up for 192 connections? Do I actually require 60V if I need to supply 5V to each chip?
Each set of 8 LEDs will be powered by one shift register. You have to ensure 3 things:
Each LED doesn't draw more current than one pin of a shift register can handle (refer to your shift register's datasheet)
The LEDs powered by a single shift register don't draw more current than the whole register can handle (same datasheet)
The whole system doesn't draw more current than your power supply can handle: total current of the system = Arduino board current draw + total LED current draw.
raschemmel:
Just for the sake of discussion, how many Noobs actually know anything about electronics ?
Those that know absolutely nothing should go find some resource that will at least give them the basics. Asking this kind of question on here just displays that they need teaching the absolute basics. Something that's beyond the scope of a simple answer to a forum question.
Hi, ajc20, can you tell us what experience or knowledge you have of electronics, programming and electronic construction.
This information will help us help you by giving you answers that you can understand.
4x4x4 = 4 layers of 4x4x3 for RGB = 48 columns with multiplexing between layers.
48 LEDs max on at any one time @ 20mA each = 960mA.
You are planning on driving each LED discretely? Then 4 times that, nearly 4A of current from 5V supply.
CrossRoads:
4x4x4 = 4 layers of 4x4x3 for RGB = 48 columns with multiplexing between layers.
48 LEDs max on at any one time @ 20mA each = 960mA.
You are planning on driving each LED discretely? Then 4 times that, nearly 4A of current from 5V supply.
Thanks :). Yes, I am driving each LEDs discretely so that does sum up to the required power supply I need.
TomGeorge:
Hi, ajc20, can you tell us what experience or knowledge you have of electronics, programming and electronic construction.
This information will help us help you by giving you answers that you can understand.
Tom.....
I am a senior student studying electrical and computer engineering, I have basic and (kinda) advanced knowledge in electronics and I am good with programming.
KenF:
Those that know absolutely nothing should go find some resource that will at least give them the basics. Asking this kind of question on here just displays that they need teaching the absolute basics. Something that's beyond the scope of a simple answer to a forum question.
I already know my basics in electronics, I was just hypothetically speaking if I actually DO need a 60V supply, which in this case doesn't apply. Yes i know it was a stupid question but i needed some reassurance quick, after posting this question here I went to other sources to find about power design. For me it was just not getting in my head "how would I power this?", so i'm sorry if it was a dumb question to ask, it was just not getting in my head for some reason.
