CASE STUDY ON SEVEN
SEGMENT DISPLAY
TECHNOLOGY
How we boosted Wardiere Inc.'s
revenue by 120% in six months
SUBMITTED BY-
Arshdeep Singh(24BCY70052
Rhytmpreet Singh(24BCY70053)
Rahul Jaluthria(24BCY70054)
Prayag ajith(24BCY70055
PREPARED BY BORCELLE 2023
INTRODUCTION
Seven-segment displays (SSDs) are electronic
display devices used for displaying decimal
numerals and some alphabetic characters.
They are widely used in digital clocks,
electronic meters, calculators, and other
devices that display numerical information.
Why is it Called “Seven-Segment”?
Because it uses seven separate display
segments arranged in a rectangular fashion
that can be illuminated in different
combinations to form numbers and
characters.
Background & History
The concept of the seven-segment display was
first introduced in the early 1900s.
1908: F.W. Wood filed a U.S. patent (No.
974,943) for an indicator system using
segmented displays.
Originally used incandescent filaments,
followed by vacuum fluorescent displays
(VFDs).
Became popular in the 1970s with the rise of
LED technology—leading to compact,
reliable, and energy-efficient displays.
Timeline of Evolution
1908: Patent for segmented display concept by F.W.
Wood
1930s–50s: Incandescent filament indicators in early
electronics
1960s: Vacuum fluorescent displays used in counters
and calculators
1970s–80s: LED-based SSDs revolutionize consumer
electronics
2000s–Now: Still used in embedded systems, digital
meters, IoT devices, and low-cost electronics
Technical Overview
A seven-segment display consists of seven
LEDs (labeled A through G) arranged in a
pattern that forms numbers by selectively
lighting up segments. An optional eighth
segment (DP) is used for a decimal point.
common Cathode vs common anode
All anodes (+) connected All cathodes (–) connected
together together
Segment turns on when
Segment turns on when
HIGH signal is sent
LOW signal is sent
Preferred in NPN
Preferred in PNP transistor
transistor or
circuits
microcontroller circuits
Digit Display Logic
To display a number (0–5), a specific
combination of segments is turned ON.
Applications of Seven-
Segment Displays
Consumer Electronics: Clocks, microwave
ovens, washing machines.
Industrial: Measurement devices like
multimeters and voltmeters.
Transportation: Fuel indicators,
speedometers.
Medical Devices: Glucometers and blood
pressure monitors.
Advantages of Seven-
Segment Displays
1. Low Power Consumption
LED and LCD-based SSDs use minimal energy,
making them suitable for battery-powered
devices.
Ideal for energy-efficient designs in IoT and
wearable tech.
2. Easy Integration
Can be directly interfaced with microcontrollers,
logic ICs, or display drivers (e.g., 7447,
MAX7219).
Require minimal coding and circuit design—great
for prototyping and embedded projects.
3. Inexpensive and Durable
Very cost-effective to manufacture and
implement, especially in large volumes.
Rugged and long-lasting, with minimal
maintenance or risk of screen damage (unlike
LCD/OLED).
Limitations
1. Limited Character Display
Only supports numeric digits (0–9) and a few
alphabetic characters like A, b, C, d, E, F.
Poor at displaying full text, messages, or custom
fonts.
Not ideal for multilingual or descriptive output.
2. Not Suitable for Rich User Interfaces
(UIs)
No support for animations, colors, or graphics.
Can’t show dynamic content like images, charts,
or scrolling text.
Doesn’t meet the demands of modern touch-
based UI/UX systems.
Future of Seven-Segment
Displays
1.Still Relevant in Embedded Systems & IoT :
SSDs remain popular in microcontroller-based
systems due to their simplicity, low cost, and low
power consumption.
2. Ideal for Minimalist Applications
Perfect for devices that need only basic numeric
display, such as digital meters, timers, and smart
sensors.
3. Unlikely to Replace OLED/LCD
SSDs cannot match the graphic capabilities,
color depth, or interactivity of modern displays.
4. Long-Term Viability
SSDs may not evolve drastically, but they will
likely remain in use for specific, essential tasks
well into the future.
Conclusion
Seven-segment displays have proven to be a
remarkably simple, reliable, and cost-effective
solution for displaying numeric information.
Their continued relevance in embedded systems,
IoT devices, and industrial applications
highlights their enduring value in specific,
practical use cases. While they do have
limitations, such as the inability to display
complex characters or support modern user
interfaces, they remain unmatched in scenarios
that demand low power, durability, and ease of
integration. In a world full of advanced
technologies, seven-segment displays stand out
as a small yet impactful innovation that
continues to serve important roles even today.
