Broadcom HCMS-2353 5x5 Dot Matrix Alphanumeric Display Datasheet and Application Notes

The Broadcom HCMS-2353 is a versatile and highly integrated 5x5 dot matrix alphanumeric display module designed for applications requiring clear, bright, and easily readable characters. Each module consists of a monolithic array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a 5x5 per character matrix, capable of displaying alphanumeric characters, symbols, and custom-defined glyphs. Its architecture integrates all necessary control, drive, and storage circuitry on a single CMOS chip, significantly simplifying interface design and reducing external component count.

A primary advantage of the HCMS-2353 is its simple serial interface. Communication with a microcontroller is streamlined through a straightforward serial data protocol, requiring only a few I/O pins. Data is clocked in serially, and an internal latch holds the displayed information, freeing the host controller for other tasks. This makes it an ideal choice for systems with limited I/O resources. The display features a built-in ASCII decoder, which automatically translates standard ASCII code into the corresponding 5x5 character pattern. This eliminates the need for the host system to store large font tables, saving valuable program memory.

According to its datasheet, the device operates from a wide voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V, making it compatible with standard 5V logic families. The typical forward current per segment is 10 mA, providing high luminance output for excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The common-cathode design simplifies current sourcing requirements for the driving circuit.

Application notes for the HCMS-2353 highlight its versatility across numerous fields. It is perfectly suited for industrial control panels, test and measurement equipment, embedded systems, and consumer electronics where space is at a premium but information must be presented clearly. Multiple modules can be easily daisy-chained together to form longer displays without a proportional increase in wiring complexity. The serial data output from one module feeds directly into the input of the next, allowing a virtually unlimited number of characters to be controlled from the same three microcontroller pins (Data, Clock, and Enable).

Designers are advised to include current-limiting resistors for each module to protect the LEDs. While the internal circuitry manages the multiplexing and decoding, ensuring stable power and clean digital signals is crucial for avoiding flicker and ensuring display integrity. The notes also provide guidance on creating custom characters by bypassing the internal decoder and directly loading the desired pattern into the display's internal memory.

ICGOODFIND: The Broadcom HCMS-2353 remains a highly efficient and engineer-friendly solution for embedding bright alphanumeric readouts. Its integrated design, combining driver, memory, and decoder logic, offers a superior balance of performance, simplicity, and reliability for modern digital systems.

Keywords: Dot Matrix Display, Serial Interface, Alphanumeric, ASCII Decoder, Daisy-Chain.