# 8x8 LED matrix, MAX7219, Red, SMD

> 8x8 LED matrix with red SMD LEDs and MAX7219 driver, reference 33557. Features 64 LEDs with 3mm pixel size, 32x32mm active display area, 5V power supply and control via SPI interface. Allows brightness adjustment across 16 levels, a power-saving mode and cascading of multiple modules for extended displays. Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, Raspberry Pi and other SPI-capable platforms.

- Page: https://sigmanortec.ro/en/8x8-led-matrix-max7219-red-smd
- Price: 7.95 RON
- Availability: In stock; 1-2 zile
- Reference: 33557 · EAN: 5947535777661
- Category: Electronic components > LEDs, IRs and Optics > LED Matrices and Strips
- Specifications: Model: MAX7219
- Package (shipping data): 0.017 kg
- Updated: 2026-09-14
- Shop: [Sigmanortec.ro](https://sigmanortec.ro/en/llms.txt)
- Prices: RON, VAT included; prices and stock as of 2026-10-22 02:21 (Europe/Bucharest)

## Description

8x8 LED matrix with red LEDs, ideal for simple displays, texts, symbols and animations in projects with Arduino or other boards. Includes MAX7219 driver for easy control via SPI interface at 5V, offers 64 LEDs with 3mm pixel in a compact 32x32mm format. Depending on the batch, it may come with the display glued or not and with variable connection accessories.
The 8x8 LED matrix with MAX7219 driver is a compact display module designed for electronics and automation projects where short messages, symbols, animations, or visual indicators are needed. The module integrates 64 red LEDs arranged in an 8-row by 8-column layout, each pixel having a diameter of 3mm, and the active area of the matrix measures 32 x 32mm. It is powered at 5V, and communication with the development board is done via the SPI interface, which means only three signal lines are required for full control.
The major advantage of this module is the MAX7219 driver circuit, which takes over the entire multiplexing and image retention task. The microcontroller no longer needs to constantly refresh the display, but only sends data when the content changes, freeing up important processing resources. The driver allows brightness adjustment in 16 steps directly from software and includes a power-saving mode in which the display can be turned off without losing the data stored in internal memory. Another strong point is the cascading capability, as multiple modules can be connected in series through the output connector, making it possible to create long banner-style displays for scrolling text.
The module is compatible with Arduino UNO, Nano, Mega and Pro Mini boards, as well as ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Pico, or other development platforms that have SPI or configurable digital pins. For boards operating at 3.3V, the control logic generally works correctly, but the module must still be powered at 5V for optimal brightness. On the software side, there are three commonly used free libraries. LedControl is the simplest and most suitable for a single module, where you display symbols, digits and custom drawings, offering direct control over each LED, row, or column. MD_MAX72XX is a more efficient option, with support for hardware SPI and a built-in font. MD_Parola sits on top of MD_MAX72XX and is the right choice for scrolling text and ready-made animation effects, typically for banners made from multiple cascaded modules.
Typical applications include digital clocks, counters, status indicators for automation systems, display panels for short messages, retro games such as Snake or Tetris, as well as educational projects for learning SPI communication and the multiplexing principle. Current consumption depends directly on the number of LEDs lit simultaneously and the brightness level set, which is why an external power supply capable of delivering sufficient current is recommended when using multiple cascaded modules.
Important note:
Depending on the batch received from the supplier, the module may come with the display soldered or not, with one or two 90-degree pin headers, with or without a Dupont wire set. If, when powered, the LEDs light up randomly with no relation to the image sent from the code, it means the matrix is mounted upside down. Turn off the power, remove the matrix from the socket, rotate it 180 degrees, and reinsert it, after which the display will work correctly.
Currently, the correct orientation is with the side text on the matrix on the opposite side from the IN and OUT markings.
Specifications:
Supply voltage: 5V
Driver operating voltage range: 4.0V - 5.5V
Interface: SPI, 3 signal wires
Maximum serial clock frequency: 10MHz
Driver: MAX7219
Matrix type: 1088AS or equivalent
Matrix configuration: cathode on row, anode on column
LED color: Red
Wavelength: 625 - 630nm
LED forward voltage: 2.1V - 2.5V
LED forward current: 20mA
Number of LEDs: 64
Pixel size: 3mm
Matrix dimensions: 32 x 32mm
Matrix height: 8mm
LED arrangement: 8 x 8
Front mask color: Black
Brightness adjustment steps: 16
Shutdown current: 150uA
Maximum current per segment: 100mA
Maximum current per digit line: 500mA
Driver internal memory: 8 x 8 static RAM
Cascading: Yes, via DOUT pin
Connector pitch: 2.54mm
Mounting holes: 4 x M3
Operating temperature: 0°C - 70°C
Storage temperature: -65°C - 150°C
Pinout:
Input connector:
Pin
Name
Description
1
VCC
5V power supply
2
GND
Common ground
3
DIN
Data In, serial data input
4
CS
Chip Select, module selection (also called LOAD)
5
CLK
Clock, timing signal
Output connector (cascading):
Pin
Name
Description
1
VCC
5V power supply to the next module
2
GND
Common ground
3
DOUT
Data Out, data output to the next module
4
CS
Common Chip Select
5
CLK
Common Clock
Usage:
Check the package contents and, if the matrix is not soldered onto the driver board, insert it carefully into the socket, observing the correct orientation indicated by the marking on the PCB.
Connect the module’s VCC pin to the 5V output of the development board and the GND pin to its ground.
Connect the DIN, CLK and CS pins according to the wiring table, depending on the chosen library.
Install the desired library in Arduino IDE from Library Manager, LedControl for drawings and pixel control or MD_Parola for scrolling text.
Upload the test code and verify that the LEDs light up across the entire matrix surface.
If the LEDs light up randomly and the image does not correspond at all to what you sent from the code, turn off the power, remove the matrix from the socket, rotate it 180 degrees and reinsert it.
If you use MD_MAX72XX or MD_Parola and the text appears mirrored or incorrectly segmented, change the hardware type constant between FC16_HW and GENERIC_HW.
Adjust the brightness in software to the desired level, keeping in mind that higher values significantly increase current consumption.
For cascading, connect the DOUT, CS and CLK pins from the output of the first module to the DIN, CS and CLK pins of the input of the second module, then update the total number of devices in the code.
If you use more than two modules, power the assembly from a stabilized external 5V supply and connect the supply ground to the development board ground.
Arduino UNO connection:
Software SPI, for the LedControl library (by Eberhard):
MAX7219 Module
Arduino UNO R3
Notes
VCC
5V
Module power supply
GND
Common ground
DIN
Digital pin 12
Serial data input
CS
Digital pin 10
Chip Select (LOAD)
CLK
Digital pin 11
Clock signal