NO. Not all LCD controller/drivers are created equal. Focus Character LCD displays and Graphic LCD modules include built in controller drivers. The function of the controller driver is to convert the customers’ firmware/software to characters and graphics. Every few years the IC manufacturer discontinues their version of the driver and this forces the customer to switch controllers or rewrite their [...]
What is a Character Map or Character Pattern or Character Generator?
This is code located inside the controller driver chip. This allows the customer to display which characters they want to display on the LCD module by selecting a memory location. This saves the end user much time by not having to program each segment (dot). Below is an example of a character generator for the [...]
What is an IC or Controller Driver?
Character and Graphic LCD’s are supplied with an on-board Controller Driver (C/D). This is sometimes referred to as an IC (Integrated Circuit).Epson and Sunplus. There are different manufactures of controller drivers such as Sitronix. The Controller/Driver has the following functions: RAM This is the memory that is built into the controller driver that drives the [...]
What is SPI or Serial Peripheral Interface?
The Serial Peripheral Interface or SPI-bus is a simple 4-wire serial communications interface used by many microprocessor/microcontroller peripheral chips that enables the controllers and peripheral devices(Such as an LCD Display) to communicate too each other. Even though it is developed primarily for the communication between host processor and peripherals, a connection of two processors via [...]
Is a Serial LCD Display More Expensive then a Parallel Interface?
Your processor will not support an 8 bit or 4 bit parallel interface for your alphanumeric display. You are left with the option of a serial interface or SPI interface. In the past, serial was not a desirable option. Why? The serial interface LCD module required additional electronics that increased the cost of a 16×2 LCD [...]
