How to Use Adafruit 1.54inch 240x240 IPS TFT: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit 1.54" 240x240 IPS TFT is a compact and vibrant display module suitable for adding a small but high-resolution color screen to your electronics projects. With In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, it provides excellent viewing angles and consistent color representation. This display is commonly used in wearable devices, portable instruments, small embedded systems, and any application where a small, colorful, and bright display is needed.

• Display Size: 1.54 inches
• Resolution: 240x240 pixels
• Interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
• Technology: IPS for wide viewing angles
• Color Depth: 16-bit (65K colors)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V - 5V compatible
• Logic Level: 3.3V

1. Connect GND to the Arduino's ground pin.
2. Connect VCC to the Arduino's 5V or 3.3V output.
3. Connect SCL to the Arduino's SCK pin (Digital 13).
4. Connect SDA to the Arduino's MOSI pin (Digital 11).
5. Connect RES to a digital pin (e.g., Digital 9), for controlling the reset.
6. Connect DC to another digital pin (e.g., Digital 8), for data/command selection.
7. Connect CS to the Arduino's SS pin (Digital 10).
8. Connect BL to a PWM pin if you wish to control the backlight brightness, or to VCC for always-on backlight.

To use the display with an Arduino, you will need to install the Adafruit GFX library and the Adafruit ST7789 library, which can be found in the Arduino Library Manager.

Here is a basic example of how to initialize the display:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7789.h> // Hardware-specific library for ST7789

// Pin definitions
#define TFT_CS         10
#define TFT_RST        9  // Or set to -1 and connect to Arduino RESET pin
#define TFT_DC         8
#define TFT_MOSI       11 // Data out
#define TFT_SCLK       13 // Clock out

// Initialize Adafruit ST7789 TFT library
Adafruit_ST7789 tft = Adafruit_ST7789(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_MOSI, TFT_SCLK, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  tft.init(240, 240);           // Initialize screen with its resolution
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK); // Clear the screen to black
}

void loop() {
  // Your code to update the display goes here
}

• Always use a level shifter or logic level converter if you're interfacing with a 5V microcontroller.
• Avoid exposing the display to direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent damage.
• When writing to the display, minimize the number of screen updates to reduce flickering and improve performance.

• Screen not lighting up: Ensure that the wiring is correct and that the backlight pin (BL) is receiving power.
• Garbled or no display: Check that the SPI connections are secure and that the correct pins are used for CS, DC, and RES.
• Dim display: Verify that the backlight (BL) is connected properly and that the PWM value (if used) is set high enough.

Q: Can I use this display with a 5V microcontroller? A: Yes, but ensure that the logic levels are compatible or use a level shifter.

Q: How can I control the backlight brightness? A: Connect the BL pin to a PWM-capable pin on your microcontroller and use analogWrite() to adjust the brightness.

Q: What libraries do I need to use this display with an Arduino? A: You will need the Adafruit GFX library and the Adafruit ST7789 library.

Q: Can I use this display in a battery-powered project? A: Yes, the display's low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered applications.

For further assistance, consult the Adafruit forums or the product's official documentation.