HOW DOES IT WORK?

8800 Retro Click as its foundation uses the AS1115, a compact dot-matrix 8x8 LED driver from AMS-AG. It includes a 4-bit PWM for each segment and only one resistor for LED current adjustment (LED brightness). The AS1115 consists of an integrated BCD code-B/HEX decoder, multiplex scan circuitry, segment and display drivers, and 64-bit memory. Internal memory stores the shift register settings, eliminating the need for continuous device reprogramming. That's why this board is ideal for seven-segment or dot matrix user-interface displays and other white goods or personal electronic applications.

The LED columns have common cathodes connected to the digit-drive lines, where each of the 64 LEDs can be addressed separately. On initial Power-Up, the AS1115 registers are reset to their default values, the display is blanked, and the device goes into Shutdown mode. At this time, all registers should be programmed for Normal operation. The AS1115 features a low Shutdown current of typically 200nA and an operational current of typically 350μA.

8800 Retro Click communicates with MCU using standard I2C 2-Wire interface, with a clock frequency up to 1MHz in the Fast Mode Plus. In addition, the AS1115 can read back 16 buttons and offers a detailed short/open LED error diagnostic. Therefore, to get a valid readback of buttons, it is recommended to read out the keyscan registers immediately after the IRQ interrupt pin, available on the INT pin of the mikroBUS™ socket, is triggered. In addition to the number-digits programming, this Click board™ can also be reset by software.

This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before use with MCUs with different logic levels. However, the Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.