7- Segment LED Digital Display

A seven-segment display (SSD), or seven-segment indicator, is a form of electronic display device for displaying decimal numerals that is an alternative to the more complex dot matrix displays. Seven-segment displays are widely used in digital clocks, electronic meters, and other electronic devices for displaying numerical information

Arduino Uno Plus R3 Board with (Atmel) AtMega328P8 bit processor

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Arduino Uno Plus R3 Board with Atmel MEGA328P 8 bit processor Resistor LED (Light Emitting Diode) different color Potentiometer Push switch button Buzzer DIP switch 4 position Breadboard Male-to-male jumper wire (different color) 7-segment LED digit display Battery pack box with switch Transistor NPN USB cable

Definition of: breadboard

A thin plastic board used to hold electronic components (transistors, resistors, chips, etc.) that are wired together. Used to develop prototypes of electronic circuits, the boards can be reused for future jobs. Breadboards can also be used to create one-of-a-kind systems, although commercial products placed on printed circuit boards are typically much more robust and can handle greater frequencies. The breadboard contains spring clip contacts typically arranged in matrices with certain blocks of clips already wired together. The components and jump wires (assorted wire lengths with pins at both ends) are plugged into the clips to create the circuit patterns. The boards also typically include metal strips along the side that are used for common power rails and signal buses.

Breadboard
In this breadboard, the components and jump wires plug into the top. (Image courtesy of 3M Company.)

Buzzer

Electronic symbol for a buzzer

A buzzer or beeper is an audio signalling device,[1] which may be mechanical, electromechanical, or piezoelectric. Typical uses of buzzers and beepers include alarm devices, timers and confirmation of user input such as a mouse click or keystroke.

Definition of: LED

(Light Emitting Diode) A display and lighting technology used in almost every electrical and electronic product on the market, from a tiny on/off light to digital readouts, flashlights, traffic lights and perimeter lighting. LEDs are also used as the light source in multimode fibers, optical mice and laser-class printers. See LED lightbulb.

LEDs Vs. LCDs

In the early 1970s, red LEDs were used in the first digital watches, but were superseded by lower-power LCDs within a few years. LEDs still use more power than LCDs, but less power than incandescent bulbs. They also last for decades and are virtually indestructible. LEDs and LCDs coexist on countless devices where the LEDs provide the status lights, and the LCDs display data. In addition, white or red, green and blue LEDs are used as the backlight source on many LCD TV sets. See LCD, LED TV and flat panel TV.

Several Colors
LEDs are semiconductor diodes that typically emit a single wavelength of light when charged with electricity. Originally red, today, several colors can be generated based on the material used for the tips of the probes. Aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) is used for red and yellow. Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) is used for green and blue, and with the addition of phosphor, for white light as well. See OLED, IRED, LED printer, fiber optics glossary and Nixie tube.

An LED Unit
The LED is the semiconductor die, which sits in a reflective cup that is also a heat sink. Voltage is applied to the LED, and electrons and holes in the two semiconductor layers are attracted to each other at the junction. When they combine, photons are created.

Definition of: transistor

In the analog world of continuously varying signals, a transistor is a device used to amplify its electrical input. In the digital world of computing, a transistor is mostly a binary switch and the fundamental building block of digital circuitry. Like a light switch on the wall, the transistor acts as a simple on/off switch, either preventing or allowing current to flow through.

Made of Semiconductor Material

The active part of the transistor is made of silicon or some other semiconductor material that can change its electrical state when pulsed. In its normal state, the material may be nonconductive or conductive, either impeding or letting current flow. When voltage is applied to the transistor's gate, it changes its state.

Transistors to Gates to Circuits to Systems

Transistors, as well as resistors, capacitors and diodes, are wired in patterns that make up logic gates. Logic gates wired in patterns make up circuits, and circuits wired in patterns make up electronic systems. To learn more about the transistor, see transistor concept and chip. See active area,phototransistor and HighK/Metal Gate.

Conceptual View of a Transistor

In an "enhancement mode" transistor, the semiconductor material normally acts as an insulator. In a digital circuit, it works like an on/off switch becoming conductive for a moment when it is pulsed with electricity. However, it can also function like a relay to amplify analog signals such as from an audio source, transferring a low voltage at the gate to a larger voltage at the drain.