How to Use TFT 1.28 ROUND DISPLAY: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TFT 1.28 ROUND DISPLAY is a 1.28-inch round thin-film transistor (TFT) display that provides high-resolution color output. Its compact size and visually appealing circular design make it ideal for applications such as wearable devices, smart home interfaces, dashboards, and other projects requiring a modern and aesthetic display solution. With its vibrant color reproduction and efficient power consumption, this display is a popular choice for both hobbyists and professionals.

• Wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers)
• Smart home control panels
• IoT devices with graphical interfaces
• Compact dashboards for automotive or industrial use
• Portable gaming devices

Below are the key technical details of the TFT 1.28 ROUND DISPLAY:

The TFT 1.28 ROUND DISPLAY typically has an 8-pin interface. Below is the pinout description:

To use the TFT 1.28 ROUND DISPLAY with an Arduino UNO, follow these steps:

1. Wiring: Connect the display pins to the Arduino as shown below:

   • GND → GND
   • VCC → 3.3V
   • SCL → Pin 13 (SPI Clock)
   • SDA → Pin 11 (SPI MOSI)
   • RES → Pin 8
   • DC → Pin 9
   • CS → Pin 10
   • BLK → 3.3V (or connect to a PWM pin for brightness control)

2. Install Required Libraries:

   • Install the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7789 libraries from the Arduino Library Manager.

3. Upload Example Code: Use the following example code to display a simple graphic on the screen:

   // Include necessary libraries
   #include <Adafruit_GFX.h>       // Graphics library for displays
   #include <Adafruit_ST7789.h>    // Driver for ST7789-based TFT displays
   #include <SPI.h>                // SPI communication library
   
   // Define pin connections
   #define TFT_CS    10  // Chip Select pin
   #define TFT_RST   8   // Reset pin
   #define TFT_DC    9   // Data/Command pin
   
   // Initialize the display object
   Adafruit_ST7789 tft = Adafruit_ST7789(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);
   
   void setup() {
     // Initialize the display
     tft.init(240, 240);  // Initialize with 240x240 resolution
     tft.setRotation(0);  // Set display orientation (0-3)
   
     // Fill the screen with a solid color
     tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);
   
     // Draw a filled circle in the center of the screen
     tft.fillCircle(120, 120, 60, ST77XX_RED);
   
     // Display text in the center
     tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);
     tft.setTextSize(2);
     tft.setCursor(70, 110);  // Adjust position for text
     tft.print("Hello!");
   }
   
   void loop() {
     // Nothing to do here
   }
   

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the display operates at 3.3V. Using 5V may damage the module.
• Backlight Control: The BLK pin can be connected to a PWM pin on the Arduino for brightness adjustment.
• SPI Speed: Use a moderate SPI clock speed (e.g., 4 MHz) to ensure stable communication.
• Reset Pin: Always connect the RES pin to the Arduino to allow proper initialization.

1. No Display Output:

   • Verify all connections are secure and match the pinout table.
   • Ensure the VCC pin is connected to a 3.3V power source.
   • Check that the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7789 libraries are installed correctly.

2. Flickering or Unstable Display:

   • Reduce the SPI clock speed in the library settings or code.
   • Ensure the power supply can provide sufficient current (~20mA).

3. Incorrect Colors or Artifacts:

   • Verify that the display is initialized with the correct resolution (240x240).
   • Check for loose or incorrect wiring, especially on the SPI data lines.

4. Backlight Not Turning On:

   • Ensure the BLK pin is connected to 3.3V or a PWM pin.
   • Check the backlight voltage (should be 3.0V - 3.3V).

Q: Can I use this display with a 5V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but you must use a level shifter to convert the 5V logic signals to 3.3V. Directly connecting 5V signals may damage the display.

Q: How do I display images on the screen?
A: You can use the Adafruit_GFX library to draw bitmaps. Convert your image to a compatible format (e.g., 24-bit BMP) and load it onto the display.

Q: Can I control multiple displays with one Arduino?
A: Yes, you can control multiple displays by assigning unique Chip Select (CS) pins for each display and managing them in your code.

Q: Is this display compatible with Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the display can be used with Raspberry Pi via SPI, but you may need to configure the SPI interface and use a compatible library like Pillow or ST7789.

By following this documentation, you can successfully integrate the TFT 1.28 ROUND DISPLAY into your projects and create stunning graphical interfaces!