Three-Dimensional Light Source
Programmable LED matrix with 125 LEDs

This magnificent cube has at its heart an Atmel AVR microcontroller. These controllers are easy to obtain and superb open-source tools are available. Not only for Windows, but also for the Linux and Mac operating systems.
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Materials
Gerber file
CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.
Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.
The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.
Extra info / Update
- 125 LEDs in a special 3D matrix
- ATMEGA32 microcontroller running @ 1 MHz internal clock
- 10-way ISP-connector for reprogramming
- 5 transistors for switching the layers
- 25 transistors for switching the columns
Component list
R1 = 100kohm
R2-R6 = 330ohm
R7-R14, R31-R38, R47-R55 = see text
R15-R30, R39-R46, R56 = 1kohm8
Capacitors
C2,C3 = 100nF
C4 = 1uF 100V
Semiconductors
IC1 = 7805
IC2 = Atmega32
D1 = 1N4001
T1-T5 = BC337
T6-T30 = BC547
125 LEDs for cube
Miscellaneous
10-way boxheader (2x5), 2.54mm lead pitch
10-way SIL pinheader (IC socket)
Heatsink, TO-220, 5°K/W for IC1
4 off M3x5 bolt with 10-mm long hex spacers
Mains adapter socket for 2.5mm pin diam.
PCB, order code 080355-1 from the Elektor SHOP.
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