LED Matrix Question

[mekohler]

There is no need to buffer the rows (the PIC end) - this isn't the weak entity. It's the columns that may need the boost.

agreed. would adding another ULN to the column make a difference

[T.Jackson]

Personally, I think the diagram that Sayzer posted might be right down your alley for what you need. (it looks quite correct) Bout the only thing I'd add to it is - some current boosting for the columns (if I wanted the display really nice & bright) Handful of BJT's or couple of UNL2003 would do nicely.

[mekohler]

Personally, I think the diagram that Sayzer posted might be right down your alley for what you need. (it looks quite correct) Bout the only thing I'd add to it is - some current boosting for the columns (if I wanted the display really nice & bright) Handful of BJT's or couple of UNL2003 would do nicely.

The only thing he does differently is use a 4 to 16 decoder though (?).

[T.Jackson]

It's best to start by building / learning from other people's “know-to-be-good” circuits before you endeavor in developing your own. Eventually, you'll begin to see all these circuits as nothing more than pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The jigsaw being your "target", your end-goal, where you will collate the pieces that you gather, modify, or develop over time. No point reinventing the wheel unless needed.

Best of luck with it.