How to Use TFT Display 0.96": Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TFT Display 0.96" is a compact, vibrant thin-film transistor (TFT) display module with a diagonal size of 0.96 inches. It is widely used in embedded systems and microcontroller-based projects for displaying colorful graphics, text, and images. This display is ideal for applications requiring a small form factor and high-quality visuals, such as wearable devices, IoT dashboards, and portable electronics.

• Wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers)
• IoT devices and dashboards
• Portable measurement tools
• Small-scale gaming consoles
• Embedded systems requiring graphical user interfaces

Below are the key technical details of the TFT Display 0.96":

The TFT Display 0.96" typically has an 8-pin interface. Below is the pinout description:

To use the TFT Display 0.96" with an Arduino UNO, follow these steps:

1. Wiring the Display: Connect the pins of the display 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 a PWM pin for brightness control)

2. Install Required Libraries: Install the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7735 libraries in the Arduino IDE. These libraries provide functions for controlling the display.

3. Upload Example Code: Use the following example code to display text and graphics on the screen:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>      // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7735.h>   // Library for ST7735 driver

// Define pins for the TFT display
#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_ST7735 tft = Adafruit_ST7735(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  tft.initR(INITR_BLACKTAB);  // Initialize the display with a specific tab color
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);  // Clear the screen with black color

  // Display some text
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);  // Set text color to white
  tft.setTextSize(1);              // Set text size to 1 (smallest)
  tft.setCursor(0, 0);             // Set cursor to top-left corner
  tft.println("Hello, TFT!");      // Print text to the display

  // Draw a red rectangle
  tft.fillRect(10, 20, 50, 30, ST77XX_RED);  // x, y, width, height, color
}

void loop() {
  // Nothing to do here
}

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the display operates at 3.3V logic levels. If using a 5V microcontroller, use level shifters to avoid damaging the display.
• Backlight Control: For adjustable brightness, connect the BLK pin to a PWM-capable pin on the microcontroller.
• SPI Speed: Use an appropriate SPI clock speed (e.g., 4 MHz) to ensure stable communication.

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Check the power connections (VCC and GND).
   • Ensure the backlight (BLK) pin is connected to 3.3V or a PWM pin.

2. No Output on the Screen:

   • Verify the SPI connections (SCL, SDA, CS, DC).
   • Ensure the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7735 libraries are installed correctly.
   • Check the initialization code for the correct driver and tab color.

3. Flickering or Unstable Display:

   • Reduce the SPI clock speed in the library settings.
   • Ensure proper grounding between the display and the microcontroller.

4. Incorrect Colors or Artifacts:

   • Verify the wiring of the DC and CS pins.
   • Ensure the display is initialized with the correct tab color (e.g., INITR_BLACKTAB).

Q: Can I use this display with a 5V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but you must use level shifters to convert the 5V logic signals to 3.3V to avoid damaging the display.

Q: How do I display images on the screen?
A: Use the Adafruit_GFX library's drawBitmap() function or convert images to a compatible format using tools like LCD Image Converter.

Q: Can I control the backlight brightness?
A: Yes, connect the BLK pin to a PWM-capable pin on your microcontroller and use PWM to adjust brightness.

Q: Is this display compatible with other microcontrollers?
A: Yes, it can be used with other microcontrollers like ESP32, STM32, or Raspberry Pi, provided they support SPI communication.