How to Use TFT LCD 3.5" 320x480 ILI94888 kmrtm35018: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TFT LCD 3.5" 320x480 (kmrtm35018) is a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display designed for high-quality graphical output. It features a resolution of 320x480 pixels and is powered by the ILI94888 driver, which ensures vibrant colors and smooth image rendering. This display is ideal for embedded systems, IoT devices, and DIY electronics projects requiring a compact and visually appealing interface.

• Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for embedded systems
• IoT dashboards and control panels
• Portable gaming devices
• Industrial monitoring systems
• Educational and hobbyist projects

The TFT LCD module typically has a 40-pin interface. Below is the pinout description:

To use the TFT LCD with an Arduino UNO, connect the pins as follows:

Below is an example Arduino sketch to initialize and display basic graphics on the TFT LCD using the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9488 libraries:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>      // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ILI9488.h>  // Driver for ILI9488

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

// Create an instance of the display
Adafruit_ILI9488 tft = Adafruit_ILI9488(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  // Initialize the display
  tft.begin();

  // Set rotation (0-3)
  tft.setRotation(1);

  // Fill the screen with a solid color
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9488_BLUE);

  // Draw a rectangle
  tft.fillRect(50, 50, 100, 150, ILI9488_RED);

  // Display text
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9488_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(60, 220);
  tft.print("Hello, World!");
}

void loop() {
  // No actions in the loop
}

1. Voltage Levels: Ensure the module operates at 3.3V. Using 5V may damage the display.
2. Backlight Control: Use a current-limiting resistor (e.g., 220Ω) for the LED pin to prevent overcurrent.
3. Library Compatibility: Install the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9488 libraries via the Arduino Library Manager.
4. Wiring: Double-check connections to avoid short circuits or incorrect pin mapping.

1. Blank Screen:

   • Verify power supply connections (VCC and GND).
   • Check if the RESET pin is properly connected.
   • Ensure the correct SPI pins are used.

2. Distorted or No Graphics:

   • Confirm the display driver (ILI94888) is correctly initialized in the code.
   • Check for loose or incorrect wiring.

3. Backlight Not Working:

   • Ensure the LED pin is connected to 3.3V via a resistor.
   • Verify the backlight voltage and current requirements.

4. Slow Refresh Rate:

   • Use hardware SPI for faster communication.
   • Optimize the code to reduce unnecessary redraws.

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

Q: What is the maximum frame rate supported?
A: The frame rate depends on the SPI clock speed. At 10MHz SPI, the display can achieve approximately 30 FPS.

Q: Can I use this display in outdoor environments?
A: The display is not sunlight-readable and is best suited for indoor use. However, it can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C.

Q: Is touch functionality supported?
A: This specific module does not include a touch panel. However, some variants of the 3.5" ILI94888 displays may include touch functionality. Check your module's specifications.