I stumbled across http://mbed.org/users/wim/code/SAA1064/, but I can't seem to find the SAA1064 chip to purchase. I searched digkey, mouser and a few other websites via a google search, but it seems like that chip has been discontinued. Is there another alternative chip to the SAA1064 and mbed example code to drive a 4x 7-segment display?

I did come across NXP SAA1064T/N2,118, but I am not sure if that will work or if there is example code on the mbed website.

You can try this link or Ebay http://www.littlediode.com/components/SAA1064.html

Dave.

Octopart or findchips may help you find one.

If you're buying on auction sites be wary of any components at low prices, there have been a few stories of fake components on auction sites that do not perform as well.

You can get the component from Reichelt, Futurlec, Farnell and others. You probably want to get the DIL version rather than the SMD version when you dont have the necessary experience soldering SMD. Ready made modules with the driver and the 7 segment displays are also available on ebay and similar sites. However, you may have to modify the code a bit when they dont conform to my test hardware. Notable difference is that some modules have swapped the display order from left to right. That can be changed easily in my lib.

Wim, thank you for creating the https://mbed.org/users/wim/notebook/saa1064-i2c-7-segment-led-driver/ notebook. There is a few component values that I am unsure about in your circuit. The two resisters at ADR, the two transistors(I think they are transistors) at MX1 & MX2 and the capacitor between VCC & VEE. Can you please list those components?

Richard,

I have looked at Wim's circuit the components you need are:

Transistors NPN type BC547B

Resistors 330 ohm 1/4 watt

Capacitor type Electrolytic non-critical 22-100uF at least 10v

Do take care how you connect this polarised capacitor. Also take care of Wim's note on a 5v device.

Dave.

Thanks David, I have just added the missing info to the SAA1064 page :)

Thank you David for your response and thank you Wim for updating your SAA1064 page.