I need to use the?blanking output pin of the Moses 6 Digit microcontroller to turn a 6 LED array to light the bases of Nixie tubes.?
All I need to do is turn on a simple switching transistor (e.g. 2N2222) so the cathodes of all 6 LEDS are connected to ground. ?The anode of each LED goes to a current limiting resistor to the + 5 V regulator supply. ?The total current through the 6 LEDS will be ?~ 120 mA. ?Moses says the?
?"Current sourced or sinked from outputs should not exceed 15ma per pin."
1. How can I figure out what the current sourced or sinked is with the above?
2. If the estimated current exceeds 15 mA then can anyone tell me how I can use the blanking output on the microcontroller to turn off the LEDS when the Nixie display is blanked.?
3. Do I need a diode to protect the microcontroller if the transistor fails?
Thanks for your help,
