MAX7219ENG - 8-Digit LED Display Driver, 24-PDIP | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX7219ENG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.5 | $11.50 |
| 10 | $10.35 | $103.50 |
| 100 | $9.33 | $933.00 |
| 500 | $8.62 | $4,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.95 | $7,950.00 |
MAX7219ENG Overview
A LED display driver is a specialized integrated circuit that takes serial or parallel data from a host microcontroller and converts it into the segmented current paths required to illuminate 7-segment displays, dot-matrix panels, or discrete LED arrays. The MAX7219 belongs to the category of serially-interfaced LED drivers, which sit between a host MCU and the high-current LED loads, providing constant-current segment drive, multiplexed digit scanning, brightness modulation, and diagnostic feedback. This category simplifies PCB layout versus discrete transistor multiplexing, reduces MCU pin count, and adds features like individual LED test, blanking, and shutdown.
Key features include an on-chip BCD decoder that supports decode-digit (0-9, A-F) and no-decode modes, individual segment control, 150μA low-segment current loop shutdown, and a serial interface clocked up to 10 MHz that is compatible with SPI, QSPI, and Microwire. The driver operates from a 4V to 5.5V supply, supports a 320 mA maximum segment current, and provides 16-step digital brightness control plus an analog global brightness adjustment pin. Industrial-grade MAX7219ENG units are specified for 0°C to +70°C ambient operation.
The architecture combines a 16-bit shift register feeding an 8-byte digit RAM, an internal multiplexer clocked by an external RSET resistor that sets the segment current, and on-chip comparators for individual LED segment testing. The MAX7219 supports cascade-mode operation, allowing multiple devices to share a single SPI port for displays exceeding 8 digits. Built-in diagnostics include a display-test register that lights all segments regardless of shutdown state.
Typical applications include 8-digit 7-segment numeric panels for industrial meters, 8x8 LED matrix modules driven via multiplexing, bar-graph gauges, status indicator panels, and hobbyist microcontroller projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC). The wide 4V-5.5V supply and SPI-compatible interface also fit steam-assisted consumption with both 5V and 3.3V-tolerant hosts when a level shifter is included on CLK/DIN.
When designing with the MAX7219ENG, place the RSET resistor close to the IC to set segment current accurately, add a 100µF bulk and 0.1µF ceramic decoupling cap near V+, keep segment trace impedance low, and observe ESD handling since the part is ESD-sensitive (HBM 2kV per datasheet). For daisy-chained cascades, ensure CS transitions cleanly between bytes and respect the 10 MHz SPI clock limit.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, current pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 24-PDIP footprint, and practical design notes not found on a typical distributor listing, helping engineers select, source, and lay out the MAX7219ENG confidently.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX7219ENG — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX7219ENG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX7219ENG#TG16
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX7221CNG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX7219ENG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Display Type | Common-Cathode LED Display Driver |
| Number of Digits | 8 |
| Number of Segments per Digit | 7 + decimal point |
| Number of Individual LEDs Supported | 64 |
| Supply Voltage (V+) | 4 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Segment Current | 320 mA (per segment) |
| Serial Interface Clock | Up to 10 MHz (SPI/QSPI/Microwire compatible) |
| Data Width | 16-bit serial input |
| Brightness Control | 16-step digital + analog via RSET |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Package | 24-Pin Narrow PDIP (DIP-24) |
| Pin Count | 24 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Shutdown Current | 150 µA (typical) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free finish, suffix '+') |
| MSL Level | 1 (not moisture sensitive for through-hole) |
MAX7219ENG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DIN — Serial data input |
| Pin 2 | DIG 0 — Digit driver 0 (cathode) |
| Pin 3 | DIG 4 — Digit driver 4 (cathode) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | DIG 6 — Digit driver 6 (cathode) |
| Pin 6 | DIG 2 — Digit driver 2 (cathode) |
| Pin 7 | DIG 3 — Digit driver 3 (cathode) |
| Pin 8 | DIG 7 — Digit driver 7 (cathode) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | DIG 5 — Digit driver 5 (cathode) |
| Pin 11 | DIG 1 — Digit driver 1 (cathode) |
| Pin 12 | LOAD (CS) — Load chip select, active low |
| Pin 13 | CLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 14 | SEG E — Segment E driver |
| Pin 15 | SEGA — Segment A driver |
| Pin 16 | SEG F — Segment F driver |
| Pin 17 | SEG G — Segment G driver |
| Pin 18 | SEG D — Segment D driver |
| Pin 19 | ISET — Segment current set via resistor to V+ |
| Pin 20 | V+ — Positive supply (4V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | SEGDP — Segment DP (decimal point) driver |
| Pin 22 | SEG B — Segment B driver |
| Pin 23 | SEG C — Segment C driver |
| Pin 24 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
MAX7219ENG is suitable for 6 applications: 8-Digit 7-Segment Numeric Display Panels, 8x8 LED Matrix Modules, Industrial Bar-Graph Gauges, Status Indicator Panels, Hobbyist Arduino / Raspberry Pi Projects, Scoreboards and Sports Timers.
8-Digit 7-Segment Numeric Display Panels
The MAX7219ENG drives up to 8 common-cathode 7-segment digits using just 3 MCU pins via SPI, replacing 16+ MCU GPIO that discrete multiplexing would require. Its integrated BCD decoder and 16-step digital brightness eliminate the software lookup tables and PWM routines typically needed to refresh 8 digits without flicker. Place the IC within 50mm of the LED headers, route the 8 digit lines and 8 segment lines in matched-length pairs, and use the analog RSET pin to fine-tune segment current so that digit 7 brightness matches digit 1 across the multiplex cycle. The 320 mA peak segment current is well-suited for 0.56" to 1.0" 7-segment LED displays used in industrial counters and instrumentation.
Recommended
8x8 LED Matrix Modules
The MAX7219ENG drives 64 individual LEDs in an 8x8 dot matrix by treating each row as a 'digit' and each column as a 'segment', with the on-chip multiplex scan clock refreshing rows at 800 Hz. The integrated 8x8 static RAM stores the entire frame, freeing the host MCU from continuous refresh duties. Designers typically connect column cathodes to SEG lines and row anodes to DIG lines, sharing one MAX7219ENG per 8x8 matrix and cascading multiple ICs for larger walls. The 16-step digital intensity register lets you modulate brightness for ambient-light compensation, and the segment current of 320 mA peak drives standard 20 mA LEDs comfortably when RSET is sized for ~40 mA per row.
Recommended
Industrial Bar-Graph Gauges
The MAX7219ENG drives 64-segment bar-graph gauges that visualize level, temperature, or flow with 1% resolution. Its no-decode mode lets you light arbitrary segments individually, perfect for linear bar-graphs that grow proportionally to the measured variable. With one MAX7219ENG you can drive two 32-segment bars or one 64-segment bar, and the on-chip shutdown register (0x0C) lets the host power down the display to <150 µA during standby to preserve battery life in portable gauges. The 0°C to +70°C industrial temperature grade covers most factory-floor deployments, while the SPI interface survives noisy PLC backplanes when CS is debounced.
Recommended
Status Indicator Panels
The MAX7219ENG lights up to 64 discrete indicator LEDs arranged as 8 banks of 8, ideal for control-panel status arrays showing power, fault, communication, and mode states. The on-chip display-test register (0x0F) lets a self-test sequence light all LEDs to verify wiring without host intervention, simplifying factory QC. Cascade multiple MAX7219ENGs by daisy-chaining DIN to DOUT for panels exceeding 64 indicators, with each IC adding 64 more LEDs while consuming only one CS line. The 4V to 5.5V supply operates directly from 5V logic rails, and the 24-PDIP through-hole package is robust for hand-soldered prototypes.
Recommended
Hobbyist Arduino / Raspberry Pi Projects
The MAX7219ENG is a staple of maker projects because it drives 7-segment displays and 8x8 matrices from any 5V-tolerant SPI host with a tiny Arduino library or Python script. Its 24-PDIP through-hole package fits standard 0.1" perfboard and breadboards, eliminating the SMD soldering challenge for beginners. With the on-chip multiplex scan running independently of the host loop, the MCU is freed to handle user input, sensor reads, and communication without flicker. The MAX7219ENG supports cascading, so you can chain 4 ICs to drive a 32-digit scrolling text display using only 3 GPIO pins, and the 16-step digital brightness lets you dim for nighttime visibility.
Recommended
Scoreboards and Sports Timers
The MAX7219ENG drives multi-digit score displays by cascading 2-4 ICs per board, with each additional MAX7219ENG adding 8 more 7-segment digits and only one CS line. The integrated multiplex scan refreshes all digits at 800 Hz with no host CPU overhead, so the game timer MCU is free to track button presses, sensors, and serial communication. The 320 mA peak segment current is well-matched to large 2.3" to 4.0" 7-segment LEDs visible from across a gym, and the analog RSET pin lets you tune brightness for indoor vs outdoor lighting. The 24-PDIP through-hole package is rugged enough for field-deployed scoreboards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX7219ENG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX7219ENG+ | MAX7221CNG+ | MAX7219ENG#TG16 | MAX7219CWG+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 24-PDIP (Through-Hole) | 24-PDIP - same | 24-PDIP - same | 24-PDIP - same | 24-SOIC Wide - different |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same |
| Supply Voltage | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V |
| SPI Clock Max | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Peak Segment Current | 320 mA | 320 mA | 320 mA | 320 mA | 320 mA |
| Digits Driven | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C |
| RoHS Compliance | Non-compliant finish | RoHS lead-free finish | RoHS lead-free finish | RoHS lead-free finish | RoHS lead-free finish |
Key Differentiators
- Through-hole 24-PDIP package for breadboard and hand-soldering ease (vs MAX7219CWG+)
- Same die and identical electrical performance as MAX7219ENG+ (vs MAX7219ENG+)
- Lower-voltage supply flexibility than MAX7221CNG+ (vs MAX7221CNG+)
Design Notes
Decouple V+ (pin 20) with both a 10µF bulk electrolytic and a 0.1µF ceramic placed within 5mm of the IC. The MAX7219ENG's multiplex scan draws peak currents up to 320 mA at full intensity, and inadequate decoupling will cause digit-to-digit brightness variation and logic glitches on DIN/CLK. Ground pins 4, 9, and 24 should all be tied to a single low-impedance ground plane to handle the return currents cleanly.
At full 8-digit brightness with RSET set for 40 mA per segment, the MAX7219ENG can dissipate up to ~0.8W. The 24-PDIP package has theta_JA of approximately 80°C/W in still air, which means a junction temperature rise of 64°C above ambient. Estimated: at 25°C ambient the junction sits near 89°C; keep the LED load conservative (RSET maximum 9.53 kΩ for 40 mA segment) or reduce digital intensity to limit self-heating in enclosed cabinets.
Route the 8 digit lines and 8 segment lines as matched-impedance parallel pairs and keep them short to minimize ringing. Place the RSET resistor (typically 9.53 kΩ for 40 mA per segment) within 10mm of ISET pin 19 to avoid noise pickup. Add 4.7kΩ pull-up resistors on LOAD/CS, DIN, and CLK if the host MCU is not driving them during reset, and ensure CS idle-high is at least 50 ns before the first CLK edge to avoid false latch.
Do not confuse the MAX7219ENG (24-PDIP through-hole) with the MAX7219CNG (24-SOIC wide) - they share the same die but not the same footprint, so swapping one for the other requires PCB rework. The MAX7219ENG is specified 0°C to +70°C only; for industrial -40°C to +85°C operation use the MAX7219ENG#G16 or MAX7221 industrial variants. Finally, the MAX7219ENG uses BCD-only decode for digits 0-9 and A-F; for arbitrary 7-segment patterns use the no-decode mode and write segment bits directly.
Compliance Information
MAX7219ENG has SnPb finish and is NOT RoHS-compliant; choose MAX7219ENG+ for RoHS lead-free builds. REACH and conflict-minerals declarations are filed by the manufacturer. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial-grade part; not moisture-sensitive (through-hole MSL 1).
