This is the secret ingredient in our 7 - segment and matrix backpacks, now presented in a breadboard - friendly breakout board form. The HT16K33 is a great little chip that can drive a multiplexed 16x8 matrix (128 individual LEDs). It uses the I2C communication protocol, needing only 2 pins. You can have up to 8 selectable I2C addresses, allowing for 8 matrices, controlling 16x8 LEDs each, a total of 1024 LEDs. Unlike our regular LED matrix/segment backpacks, this breakout doesn't have holes for an existing LED module. Instead, it exposes all 16 anodes, 8 cathodes, I2C, and power pins. You'll need to connect the anodes and cathodes by referring to your matrix datasheet and aligning the pins. Wire up any matrix you like and use our useful library to display whatever you want. Note that the driver can turn LEDs on and off but can't individually PWM - dim them. This chip is very reliable, has Arduino and Pi example code, and is easy to use. It also supports reading a 3x13 keypad matrix, but our library lacks example code for it. Check the datasheet for keypad details.
Using this Adafruit HT16K33 Breakout is easy. First, look at your matrix datasheet and connect the anodes and cathodes to the corresponding pins on the breakout board. After that, use the provided library to start writing to the display. When it comes to the I2C addresses, you can choose up to 8 of them to control multiple matrices. Remember, the driver can only turn the LEDs on and off; it can't adjust the brightness of each LED separately. For the keypad functionality, if you want to use it, check the datasheet as our library doesn't have example code for it. To keep it in good condition, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and moisture. Also, make sure to double - check your wiring to prevent short - circuits.
