Published on January 11, 2025 | By ArduinoUnoProjex
Dive into the exciting world of embedded systems with these Arduino multiplexer LED projects! Using a 3-to-8 multiplexer and pulse-width modulation (PWM), you can control multiple LEDs with minimal pins, creating stunning lighting effects. Perfect for beginners and hobbyists, these projects teach multiplexing, PWM, and dynamic LED control. We’ll cover three projects—Brightness Decrease, Ping Pong, and Random LED Burst—complete with wiring, code, and recommended products. Let’s light up your Arduino journey!
Note: Amazon product links are included for convenience (not ours, just recommendations). ELEGOO boards are not Arduino but are compatible with Arduino IDE and more affordable.
Why Use a Multiplexer for LED Control?
What is a multiplexer? A 3-to-8 multiplexer (e.g., 74HC138) allows you to control up to eight outputs using just three Arduino pins, reducing pin usage for projects with multiple LEDs. Combined with PWM, it enables smooth brightness control and dynamic effects.
Benefits: Saves pins, simplifies wiring, and supports complex animations with minimal code.
Components Needed
To build these projects, gather these components:
- ✅Arduino Uno or ELEGOO Uno R3 (Arduino IDE-compatible)
- ✅3-to-8 Multiplexer (e.g., 74HC138)
- ✅8 LEDs (any color)
- ✅8 Resistors (220Ω–330Ω)
- ✅Breadboard & Jumper Wires
- ✅USB Cable for Arduino
Optional: USB-to-Serial module (e.g., CH340) for troubleshooting.
Wiring the Multiplexer Circuit
How do I connect a multiplexer to Arduino for LED control? Follow this schematic and instructions to wire your 3-to-8 multiplexer and LEDs.
Connection Table
| Multiplexer Pin | Arduino Pin | Component |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C (Select Pins) | 2, 3, 4 | - |
| Y0–Y7 (Output Pins) | - | LED Anodes (via 220Ω resistors) |
| GND | GND | LED Cathodes |
| VCC | 5V | - |
Wiring Instructions
Connect Multiplexer: Wire select pins (A, B, C) to Arduino pins 2, 3, 4. Connect VCC to 5V and GND to Arduino GND.
Connect LEDs: Attach each multiplexer output (Y0–Y7) to an LED anode via a 220Ω–330Ω resistor. Connect all LED cathodes to Arduino GND.
Power Arduino: Use a USB cable to connect the Arduino to your computer.
💡Tip: Verify resistor values to protect LEDs and ensure the multiplexer’s logic levels match Arduino’s 5V.
Project 1: Brightness Decrease Effect
How do I create a smooth LED dimming effect? This project dims eight LEDs sequentially using PWM and a multiplexer, creating a soothing fade-out effect.
Code
int selectPins[] = {2, 3, 4}; // A, B, C pins
void selectChannel(int channel) {
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
digitalWrite(selectPins[i], (channel >> i) & 1);
}
}
void setup() {
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
pinMode(selectPins[i], OUTPUT);
}
}
void loop() {
for (int channel = 0; channel < 8; channel++) {
selectChannel(channel);
for (int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness -= 5) {
analogWrite(5, brightness); // PWM pin
delay(50);
}
}
}
How It Works
- Multiplexer Control: The
selectChannelfunction sets the A, B, C pins to choose an LED (0–7). - PWM Dimming:
analogWriteon pin 5 adjusts brightness from 255 (full) to 0 (off). - Loop: Each LED dims sequentially, creating a wave-like effect.
Keywords: Arduino LED brightness control, PWM with Arduino, LED multiplexing project, smooth LED dimming.
Project 2: Ping Pong LED Effect
How do I create a bouncing LED pattern? This project lights LEDs in a forward-then-reverse sequence, mimicking a ping pong ball.
Code
int selectPins[] = {2, 3, 4};
void selectChannel(int channel) {
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
digitalWrite(selectPins[i], (channel >> i) & 1);
}
}
void setup() {
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
pinMode(selectPins[i], OUTPUT);
}
pinMode(5, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
for (int channel = 0; channel < 8; channel++) {
selectChannel(channel);
analogWrite(5, 255);
delay(100);
analogWrite(5, 0);
}
for (int channel = 7; channel >= 0; channel--) {
selectChannel(channel);
analogWrite(5, 255);
delay(100);
analogWrite(5, 0);
}
}
How It Works
- Sequential Lighting: LEDs light up from 0 to 7, then reverse from 7 to 0.
- PWM Control: Pin 5 provides consistent brightness via
analogWrite. - Dynamic Effect: The delay creates a smooth bouncing pattern.
Keywords: Arduino ping pong LED effect, sequential LED control, Arduino multiplexer project, LED animation with Arduino.
Project 3: Random LED Burst Effect
How do I create a random LED pattern? This project lights LEDs in a random sequence, creating a lively burst effect.
Code
int selectPins[] = {2, 3, 4};
void selectChannel(int channel) {
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
digitalWrite(selectPins[i], (channel >> i) & 1);
}
}
void setup() {
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
pinMode(selectPins[i], OUTPUT);
}
pinMode(5, OUTPUT);
randomSeed(analogRead(0));
}
void loop() {
int channel = random(8);
selectChannel(channel);
analogWrite(5, 255);
delay(100);
analogWrite(5, 0);
delay(50);
}
How It Works
- Random Selection:
random(8)picks a random channel (0–7). - Burst Effect: LEDs light up briefly with full brightness, then turn off.
- Seed Randomness:
randomSeedensures varied patterns.
Keywords: Arduino random LED effect, LED burst effect Arduino, random number generation Arduino, dynamic lighting effects.
Recommended Products
Start your projects with these high-quality components from Amazon (affiliate links). ELEGOO boards are Arduino IDE-compatible and budget-friendly.
Troubleshooting Tips
- ⚠️LEDs Not Lighting: Check wiring, resistor values, and multiplexer pin connections.
- ⚠️Random Effect Not Random: Ensure
randomSeedis set with an analog pin. - ⚠️PWM Issues: Verify the PWM pin (e.g., 5) is used correctly.
- ⚠️Multiplexer Not Switching: Confirm select pins are correctly mapped to Arduino pins.
Advanced Project Ideas
- 🚀Combine effects (e.g., random bursts with dimming) for complex animations.
- 🚀Add a potentiometer to adjust effect speed or brightness.
- 🚀Use RGB LEDs for color-changing effects.
- 🚀Integrate with a music sensor to sync LEDs with sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a multiplexer control LEDs with Arduino?
A 3-to-8 multiplexer uses three select pins to control up to eight LEDs, reducing the number of Arduino pins needed. The select pins choose which LED is active, and PWM adjusts brightness.
Why are my LEDs not lighting up in the multiplexer project?
Check wiring, ensure resistors are correct (220Ω–330Ω), and verify multiplexer select pins are connected to Arduino pins 2, 3, 4.
Can I use ELEGOO boards for these projects?
Yes, ELEGOO boards like Uno R3 are compatible with Arduino IDE and work perfectly for these multiplexer projects.
Conclusion
These Arduino multiplexer LED projects are a fantastic way to explore embedded systems, multiplexing, and PWM. From smooth dimming to random bursts, you’ve learned how to create captivating lighting effects with minimal pins. Use our recommended products to get started, and check out our Arduino tutorials for more inspiration. Share your creations in the comments and light up the maker community! 🚀
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