Digilent DIO4 User Manual
Page 2
DIO4 Reference Manual
Digilent, Inc.
www.digilentinc.com
Page
2
This connection scheme creates a multiplexed
display, where driving the anode signals and
corresponding cathode patterns of each digit in
a repeating, continuous succession can create
a 4-digit display. In order for each of the four
digits to appear bright and continuously
illuminated, all four digits should be driven
once every 1 to 16ms (for a refresh frequency
of 1KHz to 60Hz). For example, in a 60Hz
refresh scheme, each digit would be
illuminated for ¼ of the refresh cycle, or 4ms.
The controller must assure that the correct
cathode pattern is present when the
corresponding anode signal is driven. To
illustrate the process, if AN1 is driven low while
CB and CC are driven low, then a “1” will be
displayed in digit position 1. Then, if AN2 is
driven low while CA, CB and CC are driven low,
then a “7” will be displayed in digit position 2. If
AN1 and CB, CC are driven for 4ms, and then
AN2 and CA, CB, CC are driven for 4ms in an
endless succession, the display will show “17” in
the first two digits. An example timing diagram is
provided below.
AN1
AN2
AN3
AN4
Cathodes
Digit 1
Digit 2
Digit 3
Digit 4
Refresh period = 1ms to 16ms
Digit period = Refresh / 4
Figure 4. (a) Seven segment display detail.
(b) common anode display configuration. (c)
segement illumination patterns for decimal
digits. (d) segment illumination truth table.
Common anode
Digit
Illuminated Segment
Shown
a b c d e f g
0
1 1 1 1 1 1 0
1
0 1 1 0 0 0 0
2
1 1 0 1 1 0 1
3
1 1 1 1 0 0 1
4
0 1 1 0 0 1 1
5
1 0 1 1 0 1 1
6
1 0 1 1 1 1 1
7
1 1 1 0 0 0 0
8
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
9
1 1 1 1 0 1 1
a
f
e
d
c
b
g
a f g e d c b
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
AN4
Cathodes -- connected to
CPLD pins via 100
Ω resistor
Anodes -- connected to CPLD
via transistors for greater current
Vdd
a b c d e f g dp
AN3
AN2
AN1