How to program a Black On White Graphic LCD to display text?

Hey there! As a supplier of Black On White Graphic LCDs, I've had my fair share of experiences with programming these nifty devices to display text. It can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's actually pretty straightforward. In this blog post, I'm gonna walk you through the whole process step by step.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into programming, it's important to understand what a Black On White Graphic LCD is. These LCDs are designed to display graphics and text in a simple black-on-white format. They're commonly used in a variety of applications, from industrial equipment to consumer electronics.

One of the key advantages of using a Black On White Graphic LCD is its simplicity. Unlike color LCDs, which require more complex programming and higher bandwidth, black-on-white LCDs are easier to work with and more cost-effective.

Choosing the Right LCD

The first step in programming a Black On White Graphic LCD is to choose the right one for your project. There are many different sizes and types of LCDs available, each with its own set of features and specifications.

For example, if you're working on a small project, you might want to consider a 2.5 Inch Graphic LCD. These LCDs are compact and easy to integrate into your design. On the other hand, if you need a larger display for a more complex application, you might opt for a bigger size.

Another important factor to consider is the interface. Most Black On White Graphic LCDs support either a parallel or a serial interface. Parallel interfaces are generally faster but require more pins, while serial interfaces are slower but use fewer pins. Choose the interface that best suits your project's requirements.

Hardware Connection

Once you've chosen the right LCD, the next step is to connect it to your microcontroller or development board. The exact wiring will depend on the specific LCD and the microcontroller you're using, but here's a general overview of the process:

1. Power: Connect the LCD's power pins (usually VCC and GND) to the appropriate power supply on your microcontroller. Make sure to use the correct voltage as specified in the LCD's datasheet.
2. Interface Pins: Connect the interface pins (e.g., data lines, control lines) according to the interface type (parallel or serial). Refer to the datasheet for the exact pinout and wiring diagram.
3. Backlight: If your LCD has a backlight, connect it to a suitable power source or a PWM pin on your microcontroller if you want to control the brightness.

Programming the LCD

Now comes the fun part - programming the LCD to display text! The programming process will vary depending on the programming language and the development environment you're using. Here, I'll use Arduino as an example, as it's a popular and beginner-friendly platform.

Step 1: Install the Library

First, you need to install the appropriate library for your LCD. There are many libraries available for different types of LCDs, so make sure to choose the one that's compatible with your specific model.

For example, if you're using a parallel interface LCD, you can use the LiquidCrystal library. To install it, go to the Arduino IDE, click on "Sketch" > "Include Library" > "Manage Libraries", and search for "LiquidCrystal". Install the library and you're good to go.

Step 2: Initialize the LCD

In your Arduino sketch, you need to initialize the LCD by creating an instance of the library and setting up the pins. Here's an example code snippet:

#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

// Initialize the library with the numbers of the interface pins
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);

void setup() {
  // Set up the LCD's number of columns and rows:
  lcd.begin(16, 2);
  // Print a message to the LCD.
  lcd.print("Hello, World!");
}

void loop() {
  // Do nothing here
}

In this example, we're using the LiquidCrystal library to control a 16x2 LCD. The lcd.begin(16, 2) function initializes the LCD with 16 columns and 2 rows. Then, we use the lcd.print() function to display the text "Hello, World!" on the LCD.

Step 3: Display Text

Once the LCD is initialized, you can use the various functions provided by the library to display text at different positions on the screen. For example, you can use the lcd.setCursor() function to set the cursor position and then use lcd.print() to print text at that position.

void loop() {
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  // (note: line 1 is the second row, since counting begins with 0):
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  // Print the number of seconds since reset:
  lcd.print(millis() / 1000);
  delay(100);
}

In this code, we're setting the cursor to the first column of the second row and then printing the number of seconds since the Arduino was reset.

Advanced Features

In addition to basic text display, Black On White Graphic LCDs often support some advanced features, such as graphics drawing, scrolling text, and custom characters.

Graphics Drawing

If your LCD supports graphics mode, you can use the appropriate commands to draw shapes, lines, and other graphics on the screen. This usually involves setting the pixel values directly or using pre-defined graphics functions provided by the library.

Scrolling Text

To create a scrolling text effect, you can use a combination of the lcd.setCursor() and lcd.print() functions to move the text across the screen. You'll need to use a loop to continuously update the cursor position and print the text.

Custom Characters

Many LCDs allow you to create and display custom characters. You can define the pattern of the character using an array of bytes and then load it into the LCD's character generator RAM.

Applications

Black On White Graphic LCDs are used in a wide range of applications. For example, they're commonly used in LCD Screen Module for Multi-function Electronic Scale. These scales need a simple and reliable display to show the weight and other information.

Another application is in LCD Module For Intercom Screen. Intercom systems often use black-on-white LCDs to display messages, call information, and other important details.

Conclusion

Programming a Black On White Graphic LCD to display text might seem challenging at first, but with the right knowledge and tools, it's definitely achievable. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to get your LCD up and running in no time.

If you're interested in purchasing Black On White Graphic LCDs for your projects, feel free to reach out to us. We offer a wide range of high-quality LCDs at competitive prices. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, we've got the right solution for you. Contact us to start the procurement negotiation and take your project to the next level!

References

• Arduino Documentation
• LCD Datasheets
• Various Online Tutorials and Forums