The difference between common cathode with common anode

In modern electronic devices, we often hear the terms "common cathode" and "common anode," which refer to the type of display screen. These terms are critical to understand because they impact the way we use and interact with different kinds of electronic displays.

A common cathode display, also known as a shared negative display, has all of its light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in parallel, and the negative side is connected to a single shared cathode. The cathode is then grounded to the power supply, which sends a current to each LED to light up. A common cathode is typically used in LED displays and is easy to control, allowing individual segments to be turned off or on easily.

There are two different types of display screens that we can encounter in modern electronics: common anode and common cathode. Both types of display screens are used to control the brightness and color of individual LEDs, but they differ in the specific way that they accomplish this.

On the other hand, a common anode display refers to a shared positive display. In this type of display, all of the LEDs are connected in parallel, with the positive side connected to a single shared anode. The anode is then connected to the power supply so that each LED can be powered at the same time. Common anode displays are used primarily in LCD screens, providing a bright and crisp display.

One of the benefits of a common anode display is that it uses less power compared to a common cathode display. This is because LEDs operate more efficiently by turning on parts of the screen only when necessary. This results in lower power consumption, a longer display lifespan, and reduced heat dissipation, making it ideal for portable devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Common cathode displays, as the name suggests, share a common cathode. This means that all the LEDs in the display are connected to the same cathode, while the anodes are connected to individual pins that are controlled separately. When the anode is activated, it sends a current through the LED and out through the cathode, causing it to light up. Because the cathode is shared among all the LEDs, only one LED can be activated at a time.

Common anode displays, on the other hand, share a common anode. This means that all the LEDs in the display are connected to the same anode, while the cathodes are connected to individual pins that are controlled separately. When the cathode is activated, it allows current to flow through the LED and into the anode, causing it to light up. Because the anode is shared among all the LEDs, only one LED can be activated at a time.

The difference between these two types of displays lies primarily in the way that they are controlled. Common cathode displays require a high level of precision in order to get the timing right and prevent multiple LEDs from lighting up at the same time. Common anode displays, on the other hand, require a somewhat lower level of precision but need a more complex circuit.

Overall, the choice between a common cathode and a common anode display depends on the specific application and the complexity of the circuit required. Both types of displays have their advantages and disadvantages, and a skilled electronics designer can make the most of either type to create effective and compelling visual displays for all sorts of different electronic devices.