3x3x3 MSP430 LED Cube

This is the culmination of two days of messing around with soldering and programming the MSP430G2452 micro-controller. The main principle behind this device is the fact that LEDs only allow for current to flow one way (anode to cathode).

On each level, all 9 cathodes were soldered together in a grid format and on each column, the anodes were soldered together. Each of the 9 columns were given their own pins and each level received its own pin.

To light up an individual LED, the pin connected to the desired column was turned high and the level of the desired LED was turned low. All other pins were turned off (input). Because the micro-controller changes the state of pins so quickly, it creates the illusion of multiple lights being on simultaneously.

Created by Salvatore Testa (Rice '14) and Christian Henry (Rice '14)

For those interested in LEDs:
http://web.mit.edu/rec/www/workshop/LED.html

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• 3x3
• LED
• Cube
• MSP430

[MrSanterin]

Jep. On elektron level the elektricity flows from negative to positive. BUT, when wi use it with circuits, an many components, it's easyer to think that electricity flows otherway. //sorry my english, from finland. Maeby I just shut up.

[chickenpoper]

mi(dot)mun.ca/users/cchaulk/el­tk1100/ivse/ivse.htm

[devin123w]

Thanks for the code yo. Time to dig up some LEDs now ;)

[Halthum]

@chickenpoper Current, not electricity.

Electricity is a more general term.

Current or (electric current) flows from + to -.

I'm going to send you a message so we can work out a better means for discussion if it is still needed.

[chickenpoper]

@Halthum I'm not a troll at all, I'm just stubborn also :) I know i am 100% right and my electronics teachers can back me up 100% that electricity flows from negative to positive, why are you so stuck on believing otherwise? I would really like to know, I will never be a troll in any way. I'm a nice person, why would i want to be a troll, but seriously let's end this feud before it does come to be a rivalry. I dont like making enemies.

[Halthum]

@chickenpoper Ah. Got it. You're a troll. Good work man, really had me going.

[chickenpoper]

@Halthum By the way did you go to school for this? Coding? Electronics? Because again i have no idea where you got this crazy idea that electricity flows from positive to negative, you must be an electrician. How old are you?

[chickenpoper]

@Halthum Okay then, no use in trying to win against someone as stubborn as a donkey :) Seriously, they are really stubborn!

But now lets talk about this, did you charlieplex the led's here because i don't see any shift registers here. Secondly, do you know if there is any c++ to arduino converters around? I have the arduino mega 2560 r3 and this micro controller and i would like to switch around the codes back and forth without having to rewrite it.

[Halthum]

@Halthum *first sentence in:

"Oddly enough, the direction of the diode symbol's “arrowhead” points against the direction of electron flow. This is because the diode symbol was invented by engineers, who predominantly use conventional flow notation in their schematics, showing current as a flow of charge from the positive (+) side of the voltage source to the negative (-). "

[Halthum]

@chickenpoper We can still be friends, have this conversation, and this has nothing to do with a rivalry.

The first sentence explained why you are confused (odd naming convention), the second sentence explains that current flows from positive to negative. That is what your first post disputed.

My description on the link is correct "current to flow one way (anode [+] to cathode [-])" as it is supported by both your link and MIT's page.