# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-7-segment-led-backpack-with-the-raspberry-pi.md

# Matrix and 7-Segment LED Backpack with the Raspberry Pi

## Overview

Info: 

LED backpack displays are a great way to add a simple, bright LED display to your project. These displays get their name because of the controller chip attached to the back of them like a 'backpack'. This HT16K33 controller can drive up to 128 multiplexed LEDs in matrix, bar graph, 7-segment numeric, and even 14-segment alpha-numeric configurations. It handles the LEDs with a constant-current driver so the light is bright and consistent even if the power supply varies.

While we already have a&nbsp;[great tutorial](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack)&nbsp;and&nbsp;[Arduino library](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-LED-Backpack-Library "Link: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-LED-Backpack-Library")&nbsp;for&nbsp;our handy and easy to use LED backpacks, if you're wondering how you can make use of backpack-enabled LED&nbsp;displays on the Pi, this guide will help you get started!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/001/857/medium800/raspberry_pi_LEDBackpack_Setup_1000w.jpg?1396776852)

# What You'll Need

1. A [Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3775)
2. A [Pi Cobbler Plus](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2029)
3. One of our many [8x8](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or [4-Digit 7-Segment](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103) backpack-enabled displays

# Related Information

If you're looking for help on&nbsp;how to assemble one of our&nbsp;backpack-enabled LED&nbsp;displays, have a look at our earlier guide, [Adafruit LED Backpacks](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack). &nbsp;It contains a lot of complimentary information on these displays, including step by step soldering and assembly instructions.

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-7-segment-led-backpack-with-the-raspberry-pi/hooking-everything-up.md)

## Featured Products

### Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/ I2C Backpack - Blue

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What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

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What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

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What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small colorful display is to use a [1.2" Bi-color 8x8 LED Matrix](http://www.adafruit.com/products/458). Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control all the 128 LEDs you need 24 pins....

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What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small linear display is to use two 12-bar Bi-color bar-graphs. However, this LED bargraph is 'multiplexed' - so to control all the 48 LEDs you need a lot of pins. <a...></a...>

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The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is the most popular Raspberry Pi computer made, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 3 better? How about a&nbsp;_faster_ processor, 5 GHz WiFi, and updated Ethernet chip with PoE capability?...

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The Raspberry Pi B+ / Pi 2 / Pi 3 / Pi 4&nbsp;has landed on the Maker World like a 40-GPIO pinned, quad-USB ported, credit card sized bomb of DIY joy. And while you can use most of our great Model B accessories by hooking up our [downgrade...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1986)

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## Related Guides

- [Adafruit LED Backpacks](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack.md)
- [Animating Multiple LED Backpacks](https://learn.adafruit.com/animating-multiple-led-backpacks.md)
- [CircuitPython Hardware: LED Backpacks & FeatherWings](https://learn.adafruit.com/micropython-hardware-led-backpacks-and-featherwings.md)
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- [LED Backpack Displays on Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone Black](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-backpack-displays-on-raspberry-pi-and-beaglebone-black.md)
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- [Personalized NextBus ESP8266 Transit Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/personalized-esp8266-transit-clock.md)
- [Playing sounds and using buttons with Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/playing-sounds-and-using-buttons-with-raspberry-pi.md)
- [Adafruit Microphone Amplifier Breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-microphone-amplifier-breakout.md)
- [RGB Matrix New York Times Title Scroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matix-nyt-text-scroller.md)