How to operate TM1637 with Arduino | 4 digit seven segment d

How to operate TM1637 with Arduino | 4 digit seven segment display

TM1637 with Arduino: Easy 4-Digit 7-Segment Display Interfacing Guide

The TM1637 is a popular 4-digit 7-segment display module that’s widely used in Arduino projects for displaying numeric data like time, temperature, counters, and more. It combines ease of use with a compact design, making it ideal for DIY electronics and embedded systems. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basic interfacing of the TM1637 module with an Arduino board.

What is the TM1637 Display?

The TM1637 display module is built around a special driver IC (also called TM1637) that handles multiplexing and control of the display. It typically includes four digits and a colon (:), making it perfect for applications like digital clocks, timers, or voltage displays.

Key Features:

4-digit 7-segment display

• 4-digit 7-segment display

Operates on 3.3V–5V

• Operates on 3.3V–5V

Requires only two digital pins (CLK and DIO)

• Requires only two digital pins (CLK and DIO)

Low power consumption

• Low power consumption

Built-in colon (used in clock displays)

• Built-in colon (used in clock displays)

Components Required

To get started, you’ll need the following components:

Arduino Uno (or any compatible board)

• Arduino Uno (or any compatible board)

TM1637 display module

• TM1637 display module

Jumper wires

• Jumper wires

Breadboard (optional)

• Breadboard (optional)

TM1637 Pinout

The TM1637 has four pins:

VCC – Connects to 5V on Arduino

• VCC – Connects to 5V on Arduino

GND – Connects to GND on Arduino

• GND – Connects to GND on Arduino

DIO (Data I/O) – Connects to digital pin (e.g., D3)

• DIO (Data I/O) – Connects to digital pin (e.g., D3)

CLK (Clock) – Connects to digital pin (e.g., D2)

• CLK (Clock) – Connects to digital pin (e.g., D2)

Circuit Diagram

Connect the module to the Arduino as follows:

TM1637 Pin

Arduino Pin

VCC

5V

GND

GND

DIO

D3

CLK

D2

Programming the TM1637 with Arduino

To communicate with the TM1637, we use a special library that simplifies the interface.

Step 1: Install TM1637Display Library

Open Arduino IDE, go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries, and search for TM1637Display by Avishay Orpaz. Install it.

Step 2: Sample Code

cpp

CopyEdit

#include <TM1637Display.h>

#define CLK 2
#define DIO 3

TM1637Display display(CLK, DIO);

void setup() {
display.setBrightness(0x0f); // Max brightness
}

void loop() {
for (int i = 0; i <= 9999; i++) {
display.showNumberDec(i);
delay(1000);
}
}

cpp

CopyEdit
#include <TM1637Display.h>

#define CLK 2
#define DIO 3

TM1637Display display(CLK, DIO);

void setup() {
  display.setBrightness(0x0f); // Max brightness
}

void loop() {
  for (int i = 0; i <= 9999; i++) {
    display.showNumberDec(i);
    delay(1000);
  }
}

This code will display numbers from 0 to 9999, updating every second.

Applications of TM1637

The TM1637 display is commonly used in:

Digital clocks

• Digital clocks

Countdown timers

• Countdown timers

Speedometers

• Speedometers

Temperature displays (with sensors)

• Temperature displays (with sensors)

Scoreboards

• Scoreboards

Final Thoughts

Interfacing the TM1637 with Arduino is simple and requires minimal wiring. Its built-in controller reduces the number of pins needed and makes it easier to integrate in small projects. Whether you're building a digital clock or a simple counter, this module is a great choice for displaying numeric data efficiently.