The 1604A LCD is a 16x4 character display, meaning it has 16 columns and 4 rows for displaying text. Its commonly used in various electronics projects, especially with microcontrollers like Arduino. Here are some key features and tips for using it:
Controller: It typically uses the HD44780 or a compatible controller, which is well-supported by many libraries.
Interface: It can be interfaced using parallel communication (4-bit or 8-bit mode) or via I2C with an additional module.
Backlight: The blue screen with white text is a popular choice for its readability and aesthetic appeal.
Basic Setup with Arduino
To get started with an Arduino, you can follow these steps:
Materials Needed:
Arduino board (e.g., UNO or MEGA)
1604A LCD
Potentiometer (10k Ohm) for contrast adjustment
Jumper wires
Breadboard
Wiring:
Connect the LCD pins to the Arduino as follows:
VSS to GND
VDD to 5V
V0 to the middle pin of the potentiometer
RS to digital pin 12
RW to GND
E to digital pin 11
D4 to digital pin 5
D5 to digital pin 4
D6 to digital pin 3
D7 to digital pin 2
A (Anode) to 5V through a current-limiting resistor
K (Cathode) to GND