LED Scoreboard Product

Overview

An LED scoreboard is a high-brightness display system used in sports venues, gymnasiums, and arenas to show live scores, game time, player statistics, and promotional content. The scoreboard comprises modular LED panels arranged in a large rectangular grid, controlled by a real-time processor that synchronizes pixel updates across all modules. Wireless remote control allows game operators to update displays from courtside without running cables.

The architecture separates concerns: the display layer (RGB LED matrices), the power layer (multi-tap 48V distribution), the control layer (FPGA timing engine), and the communication layer (wireless protocol). This modularity allows different sized displays by scaling the panel array.

How it works

Display Rendering

Each LED module contains 256 individual RGB LEDs (16×16 grid) with current-limiting driver ICs. The FPGA Card generates a 3840 Hz refresh signal, multiplexing row and column selects across all 48 modules in parallel. This high refresh rate eliminates visible flicker and produces smooth animations.

The Memory Module stores the current frame (4 GB DDR3) as a bitmap indexed by module and pixel coordinates. The FPGA reads this memory in sync with the refresh signal, converting pixel values (24-bit RGB) into PWM drive levels for each color channel.

Power Delivery

The Power Distribution subsystem converts AC mains to 48 VDC at up to 250 A through three Power Supply modules. Each PSU is independently fused and monitored; if one fails, the other two continue at reduced brightness. A Distribution Board with shunt resistors allows the Control Unit to measure current draw per supply and alert operators to imbalance.

Wireless Control

A game controller (tablet or laptop) sends play-clock updates, score increments, and graphics via a 2.4 GHz wireless link using IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. The Wireless Receiver module decodes these packets and forwards them to the MCU on the control board. The MCU validates each update (checksum, range limits) and writes new bitmap data into the frame buffer. The FPGA continues displaying the current frame uninterrupted; the next frame display cycle shows the updated content.

Thermal Management

LED arrays generate significant heat (up to 15 kW peak). Two Blower Motor units mounted on the Cooling System draw ambient air through an intake Air Filter, pass it over a Heatsink Block in contact with power supply and FPGA components, and exhaust hot air out the rear. Temperature sensors in the cabinet feed back to the MCU; if internal temperature exceeds 65 °C, the MCU throttles LED brightness to maintain safe operating limits.

Mechanical Integration

The entire display is mounted onto a structural Cabinet Frame made from 40×40 mm steel extrusions, providing a rigid foundation. The front face is sealed with polycarbonate and diffusion panels to protect LEDs from water and UV degradation. A Mounting Assembly with adjustable feet and wall brackets allows installation on a variety of supports—concrete walls, steel poles, or suspended ceiling structures.

Field Deployment

Installation requires three-phase 200 A service or equivalent single-phase backup. Wireless range testing should verify 100+ m line-of-sight before operation. Remote commissioning uploads font tables and custom graphics to the frame buffer, allowing each venue to brand its display (team colors, logos, animations).

Maintenance consists of seasonal filter replacement and quarterly inspection of weatherseals on panel edges. LED modules are field-replaceable; a failed row can be swapped without removing the entire cabinet.