How to Use 3.5 inch TFT touch color SPI serial LCD display module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 3.5 inch TFT Touch Color SPI Serial LCD Display Module (Manufacturer Part ID: ILI9488 480*320 SPI 3.5 Touch) is a versatile and vibrant display module designed for graphical user interfaces in embedded systems. It features a 480x320 resolution, a touch-sensitive interface, and uses the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) protocol for communication. This module is ideal for applications requiring a compact, interactive display, such as IoT devices, handheld instruments, and DIY electronics projects.

• Graphical user interfaces for embedded systems
• IoT dashboards and control panels
• Portable devices and handheld instruments
• Educational and hobbyist projects
• Industrial control systems

Below are the key technical details of the module:

The module typically has an 8-pin interface. Below is the pinout description:

Note: Some modules may include additional pins for touch functionality, such as T_IRQ, T_CS, T_CLK, and T_DIN. Refer to the specific datasheet for details.

To use the 3.5 inch TFT Touch Color SPI Serial LCD Display Module, follow these steps:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 5V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Communication: Connect the CS, RESET, DC/RS, SDI/MOSI, and SCK pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Backlight Control: Connect the LED pin to a 3.3V or 5V source through a current-limiting resistor (e.g., 220Ω) to control the backlight.
4. Touch Interface: If the module includes touch functionality, connect the touch-related pins (T_IRQ, T_CS, etc.) to the microcontroller as specified in the datasheet.

Below is an example of how to connect and program the module with an Arduino UNO:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ILI9488.h> // ILI9488 driver library
#include <SPI.h>             // SPI library

// Define pins for the TFT module
#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 color
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9488_BLUE);

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

  // Display text
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9488_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(60, 120);
  tft.print("Hello, World!");
}

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

Note: Install the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9488 libraries in the Arduino IDE before uploading the code.

• Use a level shifter if your microcontroller operates at 5V logic levels, as the module's logic operates at 3.3V.
• Avoid excessive current draw on the backlight pin by using an appropriate resistor.
• Ensure proper grounding to avoid noise or communication issues.

1. Can this module be used with 5V logic microcontrollers?

   • Yes, but a level shifter is recommended to convert 5V signals to 3.3V.

2. What is the maximum SPI clock speed supported?

   • The ILI9488 controller typically supports SPI clock speeds up to 10 MHz.

3. Does the module support capacitive touch?

   • Some variants of this module support capacitive touch. Check the product specifications to confirm.

4. Can I use this module with platforms other than Arduino?

   • Yes, the module can be used with other platforms like Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and STM32, provided the SPI interface is configured correctly.

By following this documentation, you can successfully integrate the 3.5 inch TFT Touch Color SPI Serial LCD Display Module into your projects and create stunning graphical interfaces.