How to Use TFT 1.69" 240x280 ST7789V3: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TFT 1.69" 240x280 ST7789V3 is a compact, high-resolution thin-film transistor (TFT) display module. It features a resolution of 240x280 pixels and utilizes the ST7789V3 driver, which ensures vibrant color output and fast refresh rates. This display is ideal for applications requiring a small, high-quality screen, such as smartwatches, handheld devices, IoT projects, and embedded systems.

• Smartwatches and wearable devices
• Portable medical equipment
• IoT dashboards and control panels
• Embedded systems requiring graphical interfaces
• DIY electronics and hobbyist projects

The TFT 1.69" 240x280 ST7789V3 module typically has an 8-pin interface. Below is the pinout description:

To use the TFT 1.69" 240x280 ST7789V3 with a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO), follow these steps:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Interface: Connect the SCL (clock) and SDA (data) pins to the corresponding SPI pins on the microcontroller.
3. Control Pins:
   • Connect the RES pin to a GPIO pin for resetting the display.
   • Connect the DC pin to a GPIO pin to toggle between data and command modes.
   • Connect the CS pin to a GPIO pin to enable/disable the display.
4. Backlight: Connect the BLK pin to 3.3V for constant backlight or to a PWM pin for brightness control.

Below is an example of how to use the TFT 1.69" 240x280 ST7789V3 with an Arduino UNO. This code uses the Adafruit ST7789 library.

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>      // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7789.h>   // ST7789 driver library
#include <SPI.h>               // SPI library

// Define pin connections
#define TFT_CS    10  // Chip Select pin
#define TFT_RST   9   // Reset pin
#define TFT_DC    8   // Data/Command pin

// Initialize the display object
Adafruit_ST7789 tft = Adafruit_ST7789(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("TFT 1.69\" 240x280 ST7789V3 Test");

  // Initialize the display
  tft.init(240, 280);  // Initialize with resolution 240x280
  tft.setRotation(1);  // Set display orientation (0-3)

  // Fill the screen with a color
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, World!");
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Draw a red rectangle
  tft.fillRect(50, 50, 100, 100, ST77XX_RED);
  delay(1000);

  // Example: Clear the rectangle
  tft.fillRect(50, 50, 100, 100, ST77XX_BLACK);
  delay(1000);
}

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the display operates at 3.3V. If using a 5V microcontroller, use level shifters for the SPI and control pins.
• Backlight Control: For adjustable brightness, connect the BLK pin to a PWM-capable GPIO pin.
• Library Compatibility: Use the Adafruit ST7789 library for easy integration and access to graphics functions.

1. No Display Output:

   • Verify all connections, especially power (VCC and GND).
   • Ensure the CS, DC, and RES pins are correctly connected and configured in the code.
   • Check if the SPI clock and data pins match the microcontroller's SPI pins.

2. Flickering or Distorted Display:

   • Ensure the SPI clock speed is within the display's supported range.
   • Check for loose or poor-quality connections.

3. Backlight Not Turning On:

   • Confirm the BLK pin is connected to 3.3V or a PWM pin.
   • Measure the voltage at the BLK pin to ensure it is receiving power.

4. Incorrect Colors or Orientation:

   • Use the setRotation() function to adjust the display orientation.
   • Verify the color format (16-bit RGB) is correctly implemented in the code.

• Use a multimeter to check voltage levels at the VCC and BLK pins.
• Test the SPI communication using a logic analyzer if the display does not respond.
• Refer to the ST7789V3 datasheet for advanced debugging and configuration options.

By following this documentation, you can successfully integrate and use the TFT 1.69" 240x280 ST7789V3 display in your projects.