> You can also use a fpga logically programmed to convert 8 bits (the high
> order counter byte) into a 5x6 matrix... or 3x10... or something else, and
> never needing to use a microcontroller, oscillator, nothing else.

And yes, if you're really keen on making it complicated, you can program the FPG
A
to implement a 4 bit microcontroller core with a small program to solve the
problem in "software"..  No need for micros then :-----)