A 7-segment display is a type of electronic display device that is commonly used to show numerical digits, as well as some letters and symbols. It is made up of seven individual LED or LCD segments, arranged in the shape of the number 8, with an additional eighth segment for the decimal point.
Each segment in a 7-segment display can be turned on or off individually, allowing for the creation of different numbers and characters. The segments are controlled by an electronic circuit that sends the appropriate signals to each segment, based on the desired output.
7-segment displays are widely used in electronic devices, such as calculators, digital clocks, and electronic meters. They are also used in signage and displays in public transportation, such as train and bus route numbers.
7-segment displays are simple and inexpensive to produce, making them a cost-effective option for displaying numerical data. They also have a low power consumption, making them suitable for battery-powered devices.
One of the main limitations of 7-segment displays is their limited ability to display characters. They are only capable of displaying numbers, some letters, and a few symbols. Additionally, they have a fixed size and cannot display graphics or images.