AVR-Chat

--- In AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com, "William Nachefski" 
<slaphappysamy@y...> wrote:
> Anyone have any pointers on the best way to run a 6 digit, 7-seg 
LED 
> display from a atmega8?  Do I need to use transistors to multiplex?

If you're working in DIP format, the Maxim MAX7219 is the easiest.  
SPI connection, and will control up to 8 7-seg displays, or 64 
discrete LEDs.

If you don't mind going SMD, then the MAX695x chips - there are 
several variants.  Both SPI and I2C for control, multiplexed, 
individual ports, input ports etc etc.  Very nice, simple to use.

They all have built-in fonts too, just send the char codes.

http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm?qv_pk=1339
http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm?qv_pk=3195

Dean.