I asked this in a previous post but it got a bit convoluted to I figured I'd start another. I'd like to use the MAX7219 to drive six large seven segment displays from the 8051. See here for the data sheet of the displays: http://www.jameco.com/wcsstore/.../97201.PDF

Its a large, common cathode display with four LEDs per segment.


I understand that a single one of these drivers is capable of driving up to eight seven segment display digits. I would like to use the MAX7219 to drive these but am having a bit of trouble understanding its operation. Will this driver still work successfully with only six displays? Do I simply need the data line from the 8051, the eight segment lines in parallel to each of the displays, and then six digit lines to the six displays (plus ground and power)? How can I drive these larger displays with this driver? Can I add a transistor on the digit ouput line running to the common cathodes? MAXIM mentions that I can drive larger displays with this driver but says it will only work with common anode displays. Also, the displays offer TWO common cathode connections; are each of these required?

I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!