Hi guys, I've tried looking all over the net to figure out how this chip works exactly, and I think I have an idea thanks to the attached schematic which comes from this page:
http://www.elcojacobs.com/using-shiftpwm-to-control-rgb-leds-with-arduino/
I get what most of the pins are for, but don't understand the function of the clock pin, R_ext pin, or OE pin
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I did read the data sheet, I still don't get it hence why I'm here. I'm new to this sort of stuff. I don't want to just make my project work, I want to understand why it works.
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See that's what I don't get, that definition of clock sounds like what the latch is supposed to be doing. My understanding is that when you "pull the pin" on a shift register, that what will shift / enter the data into the register. So now I don't get the clock or the latch
I'd also like to learn how to drive them, as opposed to hooking them up and having a library do all the work for me.
These are similar except you use a series resistor with the each led.
You may get a better understanding of how clocking etc. work.
majinjeff:
I'd also like to learn how to drive them, as opposed to hooking them up and having a library do all the work for me.
Start with the library, get the circuit working.
Then ... remove the library.
This device seems similar to the TLC5940. I have come across some detailed youtube videos on it's operation. - Scotty
scottyjr:
This device seems similar to the TLC5940.
Nope, it's nothing like it.
@fungus
Yes, you are of course correct.
What I was tring to come across (did it poorly) was the clocking and data input functionality is similar.
Thanks, that gave me more insight into how ICs work. I know now that I can use the SPI.h library for an easy way to communicate with it. I'm probably gonna play around with it tonight. My end goal is an 8x8x8 dimmable-pixel LED Cube.
Okay, I get how it works now, the daisy-chaining is quite handy in my case. Although I misunderstood the product, it has worked out in my favor. I was under the impression that this device could hold bytes instead of bits allowing for a PWM signal output so I could have 8 outputs dimmed at different levels. Oh Well. Thanks for all the help everyone!
