# Creatorskit 8x8 led matrix example: maximal current too high?

**URL:** <https://forum.fritzing.org/t/creatorskit-8x8-led-matrix-example-maximal-current-too-high/2186>\
**Category:** uncategorized\
**Created:** [October 10, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.fritzing.org/t/creatorskit-8x8-led-matrix-example-maximal-current-too-high/2186 "2016-10-10T19:53:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![YangBaxter](https://forum.fritzing.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@YangBaxter](https://forum.fritzing.org/u/YangBaxter)\
**Post date:** [October 10, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.fritzing.org/t/creatorskit-8x8-led-matrix-example-maximal-current-too-high/2186/1 "2016-10-10T19:53:39Z")

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Dear All,

I have a question concerning the 8x8 matrix array example of the creators kit booklet (p50-53, a 2013 copyright on the back).

There 8 pins are used for 8 row sinks, and 8 pins are used for  
8 column sources. The LED resistors are chosen to be 220Ohm.  
Assuming the Red LED dropping ~2V we have a current of  
(5-2)V/ 220Ohm ~ 14mA per LED,  
If we now switch on all column pins the current low pin will have  
to sink 8 \* 14 mA =112 mA, which is far above the 40mA max. current  
per pin.

I couldn’t find reports of users burning their Atmel chip, so I  
wonder whether I’m missing something.

Best regards,  
YB

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**Author:** ![Old\_Grey](https://forum.fritzing.org/user_avatar/forum.fritzing.org/old_grey/32/973_2.png) [@Old\_Grey](https://forum.fritzing.org/u/Old_Grey)\
**Post date:** [October 10, 2016, 9:20pm UTC](https://forum.fritzing.org/t/creatorskit-8x8-led-matrix-example-maximal-current-too-high/2186/2 "2016-10-10T21:20:53Z")

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5 More Ways to Destroy an Arduino - at 5:00 min -

5 Ways to Destroy an Arduino

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![YangBaxter](https://forum.fritzing.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@YangBaxter](https://forum.fritzing.org/u/YangBaxter)\
**Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 1:23pm UTC](https://forum.fritzing.org/t/creatorskit-8x8-led-matrix-example-maximal-current-too-high/2186/3 "2016-10-11T13:23:32Z")

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Dear Old\_Grey,

indeed these clips are pretty nice and clear  
and I can only agree.

Still I wonder why the Creatorskit manual suggests to overload the Arduino.

Best regards,  
YB