How to Use st7565 mini: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ST7565 Mini is a versatile graphic LCD controller designed to drive monochrome LCD displays. It supports a variety of display sizes and resolutions, making it a popular choice for embedded systems requiring text and graphical output. The controller features both serial and parallel interfaces, allowing seamless integration with microcontrollers such as the Arduino UNO. Its low power consumption and flexible design make it ideal for battery-powered devices, industrial control panels, and portable electronics.

• Embedded systems requiring graphical or textual displays
• Industrial control panels
• Portable devices and battery-powered electronics
• Consumer electronics such as clocks, thermometers, and handheld devices

The ST7565 Mini is designed to provide efficient control of LCD displays. Below are its key technical specifications:

• Operating Voltage: 2.4V to 3.3V (logic level)
• Interface: Serial (SPI) or Parallel (8-bit/4-bit)
• Display Resolution: Supports up to 132x64 pixels
• Current Consumption: ~0.3mA (typical, during operation)
• Temperature Range: -20°C to +70°C
• Built-in Features: On-chip oscillator, contrast control, and display RAM
• Backlight Support: Compatible with LED backlights (requires external driver)

The ST7565 Mini typically has the following pin configuration:

Note: The exact pinout may vary depending on the specific module or breakout board used. Always refer to the datasheet of your specific ST7565 Mini module.

The ST7565 Mini can be used in either serial (SPI) or parallel mode, depending on the application and microcontroller compatibility. Below are the steps to integrate and use the ST7565 Mini in a circuit.

1. Wiring:

   • Connect the VDD pin to the Arduino's 3.3V pin.
   • Connect the VSS pin to the Arduino's GND.
   • Connect the A0 pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D9).
   • Connect the CS pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D10).
   • Connect the RST pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D8).
   • Connect the SCL pin to the Arduino's D13 (SPI clock).
   • Connect the SDA pin to the Arduino's D11 (SPI MOSI).
   • If using a backlight, connect LED+ to 5V through a 220-ohm resistor and LED- to GND.

2. Install Required Libraries:

   • Install the Adafruit_ST7565 library or any compatible library for the ST7565 controller.

3. Example Code: Below is an example Arduino sketch to initialize the ST7565 Mini and display text:

   #include <Adafruit_GFX.h>       // Graphics library for text and shapes
   #include <Adafruit_ST7565.h>   // Library for ST7565 controller
   
   // Define pin connections
   #define A0_PIN 9               // Data/Command pin
   #define RST_PIN 8              // Reset pin
   #define CS_PIN 10              // Chip Select pin
   
   // Create an instance of the ST7565 display
   Adafruit_ST7565 display(CS_PIN, A0_PIN, RST_PIN);
   
   void setup() {
     // Initialize the display
     display.begin(0x18);         // Contrast value (adjust as needed)
     display.clearDisplay();      // Clear the display buffer
   
     // Display a message
     display.setTextSize(1);      // Set text size to 1 (smallest)
     display.setTextColor(BLACK); // Set text color to black
     display.setCursor(0, 0);     // Set cursor to top-left corner
     display.print("Hello, ST7565!"); // Print text to the display
     display.display();           // Update the display with the buffer content
   }
   
   void loop() {
     // Nothing to do here
   }
   

• Power Supply: Ensure the ST7565 Mini is powered with 3.3V. Using 5V may damage the controller.
• Backlight: If using the backlight, always include a current-limiting resistor to prevent damage.
• Contrast Adjustment: The contrast value in the begin() function may need to be adjusted based on the display and operating conditions.
• SPI Mode: Ensure the microcontroller's SPI pins are correctly configured and not shared with other peripherals.

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Verify all connections, especially power (VDD and VSS).
   • Ensure the RST pin is properly connected and initialized in the code.

2. No Text or Graphics Displayed:

   • Check the CS, A0, and SDA/SCL connections.
   • Ensure the correct library is installed and initialized in the code.

3. Faint or No Backlight:

   • Verify the backlight connections (LED+ and LED-).
   • Use an appropriate resistor to limit current to the backlight.

4. Contrast Issues:

   • Adjust the contrast value in the begin() function.
   • Ensure the power supply voltage is stable and within the specified range.

Q: Can the ST7565 Mini be used with 5V microcontrollers?
A: Yes, but you must use level shifters or voltage dividers to step down the logic signals to 3.3V.

Q: How do I switch between SPI and parallel mode?
A: The mode is typically determined by hardware configuration (e.g., solder jumpers or pin settings). Refer to your module's datasheet for details.

Q: What is the maximum supported resolution?
A: The ST7565 Mini supports resolutions up to 132x64 pixels.

By following this documentation, you should be able to successfully integrate and use the ST7565 Mini in your projects.