Article
Low-Cost LCD Controller (1)
Background and operation
Surplus stores often sell cheap matrix LCD modules, some brand new (NOS), others salvaged from broken or old equipment. Most of these displays have segment and common drivers on board but lack a controller and memory. This is different from the well-known LCD character modules with built-in HD44780 controllers and memory. Part 2 of this article will show the design and implementation of a low-cost 80C51-based controller for bare LCDs. First, however, this month’s instalment provides some background information on the operation of matrix LCDs.LCDs from surplus stores are cheap but problematic when it comes to actually connecting them. This is in sharp contrast (pun intended) with the displays usually applied in Elektor circuits because the latter are usually based on the industry standard HD44780 controller chip.
Gerber file
CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.
Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.
The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.
PCB
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