HT16K33

This MicroPython and CircuitPython library provides a hardware driver for a variety of displays based on the Holtek KT16K33 controller chip, including four-digit, seven-segment LEDs; four-digit, 14-segment LEDs; 8x8 and 16x8 monochrome matrix LEDs; and bi-colour 8x8 matrix LEDs. It also supports four-digit, 14-segment LEDs based on the VK16K33 controller from Freenove.

It now includes a ‘generic’ driver for HT16K33s connected directly to 1-8 digits, in any combination of single- and multiple-digit units. The limit is set by the available HT16K33 pins (the eight COM pins).

Import the Drivers

The driver package comprises a parent generic HT16K33 class and child classes for the various displays themselves. All your code needs to do is import the latter. For example:

from ht16k33segment import HT16K33Segment

You can then instantiate the driver object. This requires a configured I²C bus object as generated by your chosen version of Python.

Some methods are provided by the parent module, others by the display module. All available methods are documented under a given display module’s documentation.

You will need to add both the child display driver module and the parent ht16k33.py file to your device.

Install the Drivers

MicroPython MIP Install

From version 3.5.2, you can install the drivers using MicroPython’s MIP module. This requires a board running MicroPython 1.2.0 or above and connected to the Internet. Add the following to your code:

import mip
mip.install('github:smittytone/HT16K33-Python')

If your board is not Internet-capable, you can install locally using the mpremote tool:

mpremote mip install github:smittytone/HT16K33-Python

CircuitPython Install

Drag and drop ht16k33.py and your required device-specific driver .py file(s) to the mounted board’s lib folder.

Compatibility

HT16K33 is compatible with MicroPython and CircuitPython.

Source Code

You can find the source code on GitHub.