Nokia 5110 LCD Documentation

Introduction

The Nokia 5110 LCD is a versatile, low-power display module originally used in the Nokia 5110 mobile phone. It features a 48x84 pixel monochrome display capable of rendering text, numbers, and simple graphics, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in embedded systems. Common uses include DIY projects, user interfaces for electronic devices, and any application where a simple, efficient display is needed.

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

• Resolution: 48 x 84 pixels
• Operating Voltage: 2.7V - 3.3V
• Supply Current: 6mA (typical)
• Backlight: LED (can be driven with 3.3V)
• Communication: Serial (SPI compatible)
• Controller: PCD8544

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Nokia 5110 LCD in a Circuit

1. Powering the Display: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V supply and the GND pin to ground.
2. Backlight: If backlighting is desired, connect the LIGHT pin to ground. To control the backlight, connect it to a digital pin on your microcontroller.
3. Data Communication: Connect the RST, CE, DC, DIN, and CLK pins to digital pins on your microcontroller. These will be used for SPI communication.
4. Resetting the Display: The RST pin must be toggled low briefly to reset the display upon power-up.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Logic Levels: Ensure that the logic levels match the operating voltage to prevent damage.
• Power Supply: Use a clean and stable 3.3V supply to avoid any display issues.
• Contrast: Adjust the contrast of the display for clear visibility, which can be done through software commands.
• Library: Utilize an existing library compatible with the PCD8544 controller for easier programming.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

#include <SPI.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_PCD8544.h>

// Pin definitions for the Nokia 5110 LCD
#define PIN_SCE   7  // Chip Enable
#define PIN_RESET 6  // Reset
#define PIN_DC    5  // Data/Command
#define PIN_SDIN  4  // Serial Data In
#define PIN_SCLK  3  // Serial Clock

// Create an instance of the display
Adafruit_PCD8544 display = Adafruit_PCD8544(PIN_SCLK, PIN_SDIN, PIN_DC, PIN_CE, PIN_RESET);

void setup() {
  // Initialize the display with a contrast that suits your particular screen
  display.begin();
  display.setContrast(50);

  // Clear the buffer
  display.clearDisplay();

  // Display a test message
  display.setTextSize(1);
  display.setTextColor(BLACK);
  display.setCursor(0,0);
  display.print("Hello, World!");
  display.display();
}

void loop() {
  // You can add more display logic here
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

• Display Not Powering On: Check the power connections and ensure the voltage is within the specified range.
• Garbled or No Display: Ensure the SPI pins are connected correctly and the contrast is set properly.
• Dim Backlight: Verify that the backlight pin is connected to ground or being driven by a PWM signal for adjustable brightness.

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

• Reset the Display: If the display is not responding, try toggling the RST pin to reset it.
• Contrast Adjustment: If the display is too light or too dark, adjust the contrast in the setup function of your code.
• Check Connections: Loose or incorrect connections are often the cause of display issues. Double-check all wiring.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the Nokia 5110 LCD with a 5V microcontroller? A: Yes, but level shifters should be used on the data lines to protect the display.

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

Q: What library should I use for the Arduino? A: The Adafruit PCD8544 Nokia 5110 LCD library is a popular choice and is used in the example code provided.

Q: Can I display images on the Nokia 5110 LCD? A: Yes, the display can show simple bitmaps. You can use the Adafruit GFX library to convert and display images.