Displays

HT16K33

I2C LED matrix and segment driver used in backpack display modules.

China-madeHoltekActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing LED matrix and I2C with a commonly available displays part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

HT16K33 is indexed as a displays part from Holtek. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

DisplayLED matrix / segmentSource: Holtek
InterfaceI2CSource: Holtek
Key ScanSupportedSource: Holtek
Working Voltage4.5V - 5.5VSource: Holtek

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
I2C
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity78% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.holtek.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SDAMCU I2C dataUse pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.
SCLMCU I2C clockKeep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SDA

Use pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.

SCL

Keep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

Arduino Example

#include <Wire.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.println("HT16K33 I2C wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this with the maintained HT16K33 library call.
  Serial.println("Check HT16K33 on the I2C bus, then read a sample.");
  delay(1000);
}

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-S3 display dev board

Good match for SPI/I2C displays and enough memory for UI experiments.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Simple 5V classroom baseline when the display module includes level shifting.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Useful MicroPython test target for SPI and I2C display drivers.

Alternative Model Reasons

FT6236DisplaysCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
GC9A01DisplaysCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ILI9341DisplaysChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.
MAX7219DisplaysChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.

Common Questions

What is HT16K33 best used for?

Projects needing LED matrix and I2C with a commonly available displays part.

Does HT16K33 support Arduino or MicroPython?

HT16K33 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does HT16K33 use?

HT16K33 lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare HT16K33 vs FT6236

Alternatives and Related Parts