What this 8-digit LED driver brings to the BOM
The Maxim ICM7218AIQI+T is a serial-interface, 8-digit, 7-segment LED display driver in a 28-PLCC package (J-Lead, surface mount). It handles the multiplexing and current drive for up to eight digits internally, so the firmware just clocks in the segment data serially and the part takes care of the refresh. Supply current is 250 µA typical, and the operating range spans 2V to 6V, which covers unregulated battery rails and 3.3V or 5V logic supplies cleanly. The part is rated for -20°C to 85°C, fitting most industrial and commercial enclosures.
Serial interface and display drive — no external transistors needed
The serial interface means three or four wires from the host MCU — data, clock, and a load/latch signal — replace a parallel bus that would eat GPIOs. The driver includes the segment and digit current sources, so the BOM does not need external transistors or Darlington arrays for common-cathode displays. The 250 µA supply current is the chip's own draw; the LED current comes from the supply rail, not the logic supply, so the overall system power depends on the display brightness and duty cycle.
Package and footprint for the layout
The 28-PLCC package measures 11.51 x 11.51 mm with J-leads on a 1.27 mm pitch. The footprint is standard for 28-pin PLCC; the J-lead profile saves board area compared to a DIP but still allows visual inspection of the solder joints. Surface-mount assembly with standard reflow profiles works; The part ships in Tape & Reel or Cut Tape, so it feeds directly into a pick-and-place line.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The ICM7218AIQI+T is listed as Active and ROHS3 compliant. For volume or reel-quantity pricing, submit an RFQ — the per-unit cost typically drops at the 1k or 2.5k reel increment.