Firmware is the software code that allows the LCD’s controller to communicate with the customer’s processor.
When a customer first designs their product, they write the firmware for a specific controller.
The challenge comes when the controller on a LCD module is discontinued and replaced with an equivalent controller. The firmware that was written for the original controller may or may not be 100% compatible with the new controller.
The majority of the time a customer can swap out the old controller for the new without any issues.
In a minority of cases, the firmware would have to be modified. This needs to be modified by the customer.
If you do need to modify the firmware for your Character, and Graphic LCD Displays, you might want to keep in mind that previous LCD Displays will still need the old controller. When you find out that a controller is being discontinued and the firmware needs to be modified, it might be wise to order extra displays with the old controller as replacements.
In designing a custom LCD module, it is a good idea to ask if the controller you are calling out will be discontinued soon.
Segment displays do not contain a controller and therefore do not require any firmware. This includes 7(seven) segment LCD display, 14(fourteen) segment LCD display, 16(sixteen) segment LCD displays.
Character LCD Modules do contain controllers. This includes 8 x 1 LCD Displays, 8 x 2 LCD Displays, 16 x 1 LCD Displays, 16 x 2 LCD Displays, 16 x 4 LCD Displays, 20 x 2 LCD Displays, 20 x 4 LCD Displays, 24 x 2 LCD Displays, 40 x 1 LCD Displays, 40 x 2 LCD Displays, 40 x 4 LCD Displays.
