The MAX6950/MAX6951 are compact common-cathode display drivers that interface microprocessors to individual 7-segment numeric LED digits, bar graph, or discrete LEDs through an SPI™-, QSPI™-, MICROWIRE™-compatible serial interface.
The MAX6950 and MAX6951 are compact common‑cathode display drivers that connect microprocessors to 7‑segment numeric LED digits, bar‑graph or discrete LEDs via an SPI‑, QSPI‑ or MICROWIRE‑compatible serial interface. The devices operate from 2.7 V to 5.5 V and include on‑chip hexadecimal decoders, digital brightness control, and a static RAM for digit storage.
The datasheet details absolute maximum ratings, electrical characteristics, pin assignments, serial‑addressing protocol, register map, and timing diagrams. It also explains power‑up behavior, shutdown mode, blink control, and how to cascade multiple devices for larger displays.
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
|---|---|
| Maximum Digits Driven | MAX6950: 5 digits (40 LEDs) – MAX6951: 8 digits (64 LEDs) |
| Segment Source Current (max) | 55 mA |
| Digit Sink Current (max) | 440 mA |
The devices operate from 2.7 V up to 5.5 V.
The MAX6950 can drive up to five 7‑segment digits (40 LEDs) and the MAX6951 can drive up to eight 7‑segment digits (64 LEDs).
Each segment can source up to 55 mA.
All control registers are reset, the display is blanked, and the device enters shutdown mode.