How to Use China ST7735S 160x128: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The China ST7735S 160x128 is a compact 1.8-inch TFT LCD display module that offers a resolution of 160x128 pixels. It is capable of displaying a wide range of colors, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including smartwatches, handheld gaming devices, and other portable electronic gadgets. Its small form factor and low power consumption make it an ideal choice for battery-powered devices.

• Smartwatches and fitness trackers
• Portable gaming systems
• Home automation displays
• DIY electronics projects with microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
• Educational tools for teaching electronics and programming

• Display Size: 1.8 inches
• Resolution: 160x128 pixels
• Interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
• Color Depth: 18-bit (262K colors)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V - 5V
• Logic Level: 3.3V (5V tolerant with level shifter)
• Driver IC: ST7735S

1. Power Connections: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power supply, and the GND pin to the ground.
2. Data Connections: Connect the SCL and SDA pins to the corresponding SPI clock and data lines on your microcontroller.
3. Control Connections: Connect the RES, DC, and CS pins to available digital I/O pins on your microcontroller.
4. Backlight: Optionally, connect the BL pin to a PWM-capable pin for backlight control.

• Always ensure that the power supply voltage matches the specifications to prevent damage.
• Use a level shifter if your microcontroller operates at a different logic level than the display.
• Avoid exposing the display to direct sunlight or high temperatures to prevent damage.
• When handling the display, take precautions against electrostatic discharge (ESD).

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7735.h> // Hardware-specific library for ST7735

// Pin definitions
#define TFT_CS     10
#define TFT_RST    9
#define TFT_DC     8

// Initialize Adafruit ST7735S
Adafruit_ST7735 tft = Adafruit_ST7735(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  tft.initR(INITR_BLACKTAB);      // Initialize display with black tab
  tft.fillScreen(ST7735_BLACK);   // Fill screen with black color
}

void loop() {
  tft.setCursor(0, 0);            // Set cursor at top-left corner
  tft.setTextColor(ST7735_WHITE); // Set text color to white
  tft.setTextWrap(true);          // Set text to wrap at end of line
  tft.print("Hello, World!");     // Print a message to the screen
}

Ensure you have installed the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7735 libraries before uploading this code to your Arduino UNO.

• Display not powering on: Check the power connections and ensure the voltage is within the specified range.
• No image or incorrect colors: Verify that the SPI connections are correct and that the correct pins are defined in your code.
• Dim or flickering backlight: Ensure that the BL pin is connected properly and that the PWM signal is within the correct range.

• Double-check all wiring against the pin configuration table.
• Use example code to test the display functionality before integrating it into your project.
• If using a 5V microcontroller, incorporate a level shifter for the data lines to prevent damage to the display.

Q: Can I use this display with a 5V microcontroller? A: Yes, but you will need to use a level shifter for the data lines to convert the logic level to 3.3V.

Q: How can I control the brightness of the backlight? A: You can control the brightness by applying a PWM signal to the BL pin.

Q: What library should I use with this display? A: The Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7735 libraries are recommended for use with this display.

Q: Is it possible to display images or animations? A: Yes, the display is capable of showing images and animations. You will need to use the appropriate functions provided by the library to do so.