How to Use TM1621: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Introduction

The TM1621 is a low-power, 16-segment LCD driver manufactured by Shenzhen Titan Micro Electronics. It is designed to drive LCD displays with high efficiency and minimal power consumption. The component features a serial interface for seamless communication with microcontrollers, making it ideal for applications requiring compact and energy-efficient display solutions.

Explore Projects Built with TM1621

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!

Cellular-Enabled IoT Device with Real-Time Clock and Power Management

This circuit features a LilyGo-SIM7000G module for cellular communication and GPS functionality, interfaced with an RTC DS3231 for real-time clock capabilities. It includes voltage sensing through two voltage sensor modules, and uses an 8-channel opto-coupler for isolating different parts of the circuit. Power management is handled by a buck converter connected to a DC power source and batteries, with a fuse for protection and a rocker switch for on/off control. Additionally, there's an LED for indication purposes.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Mega 2560-Based Wireless Joystick-Controlled Display with RTC

This circuit is a multi-functional embedded system using an Arduino Mega 2560 as the central controller. It interfaces with various peripherals including a DS3231 RTC for timekeeping, an NRF24L01 for wireless communication, a KY-023 joystick for user input, a 4x4 keypad for additional input, and a TM1637 display for output. The system is powered by a combination of 3.3V and 5V sources.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Nano 33 BLE Battery-Powered Display Interface

This circuit features a Nano 33 BLE microcontroller interfaced with a TM1637 4-digit 7-segment display for information output, powered by a 3.7V battery managed by a TP4056 charging module. The microcontroller communicates with the display to present data, while the TP4056 ensures the battery is charged safely and provides power to the system.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Mega 2560 Based Security System with Fingerprint Authentication and SMS Alerts

This circuit features an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller interfaced with a SIM800L GSM module, two fingerprint scanners, an I2C LCD display, an IR sensor, and a piezo buzzer. Power management is handled by a PowerBoost 1000 Basic Pad USB, a TP4056 charging module, and a Li-ion 18650 battery, with an option to use a Mini AC-DC 110V-230V to 5V 700mA module for direct power supply. The primary functionality appears to be a security system with GSM communication capabilities, biometric access control, and visual/audible feedback.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

• Digital clocks and timers
• Consumer electronics with LCD displays
• Industrial control panels
• Home appliances
• Handheld devices

Technical Specifications

The TM1621 is a versatile LCD driver with the following key specifications:

Pin Configuration

The TM1621 has 28 pins, with the following configuration:

Usage Instructions

Connecting the TM1621 to a Microcontroller

To use the TM1621 in a circuit, follow these steps:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VDD pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the VSS pin to ground.
2. LCD Connections: Connect the SEG1-SEG16 pins to the segment electrodes of the LCD and the COM1-COM4 pins to the common electrodes.
3. Oscillator: If using an external clock, connect a resistor or clock signal to the OSC pin. Otherwise, leave it unconnected to use the internal oscillator.
4. Serial Communication: Connect the CS, WR, and DATA pins to the corresponding pins on the microcontroller.
5. VLCD: Provide the appropriate LCD drive voltage to the VLCD pin.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

Below is an example of how to interface the TM1621 with an Arduino UNO to control an LCD display:

// TM1621 LCD Driver Example Code for Arduino UNO
// Author: Shenzhen Titan Micro Electronics
// Description: This code demonstrates basic communication with the TM1621.

#define TM1621_CS 10   // Chip Select pin connected to Arduino pin 10
#define TM1621_WR 11   // Write Clock pin connected to Arduino pin 11
#define TM1621_DATA 12 // Data pin connected to Arduino pin 12

void setup() {
  pinMode(TM1621_CS, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(TM1621_WR, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(TM1621_DATA, OUTPUT);

  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, HIGH); // Set CS high (inactive)
  digitalWrite(TM1621_WR, HIGH); // Set WR high (inactive)
  digitalWrite(TM1621_DATA, LOW); // Set DATA low (default state)

  initializeTM1621(); // Initialize the TM1621
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Send data to display "1234" on the LCD
  sendCommand(0x40); // Set display mode
  sendData(0x1234);  // Send example data
  delay(1000);       // Wait for 1 second
}

void initializeTM1621() {
  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, LOW); // Activate chip select
  sendCommand(0x80);           // System enable command
  sendCommand(0x44);           // Set bias and duty cycle
  sendCommand(0xC0);           // Turn on the display
  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, HIGH); // Deactivate chip select
}

void sendCommand(uint8_t command) {
  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, LOW); // Activate chip select
  shiftOut(TM1621_DATA, TM1621_WR, LSBFIRST, 0x80); // Command mode
  shiftOut(TM1621_DATA, TM1621_WR, LSBFIRST, command); // Send command
  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, HIGH); // Deactivate chip select
}

void sendData(uint16_t data) {
  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, LOW); // Activate chip select
  shiftOut(TM1621_DATA, TM1621_WR, LSBFIRST, 0xA0); // Data mode
  shiftOut(TM1621_DATA, TM1621_WR, LSBFIRST, data & 0xFF); // Send lower byte
  shiftOut(TM1621_DATA, TM1621_WR, LSBFIRST, (data >> 8) & 0xFF); // Send upper byte
  digitalWrite(TM1621_CS, HIGH); // Deactivate chip select
}

Best Practices

• Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF) near the VDD and VSS pins to reduce noise.
• Ensure the VLCD voltage matches the requirements of your LCD panel.
• Avoid leaving unused pins floating; connect them to ground if not in use.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

1. No Display Output:

   • Verify the power supply connections (VDD and VSS).
   • Check the VLCD voltage and ensure it matches the LCD panel's requirements.
   • Confirm the serial communication connections (CS, WR, DATA).

2. Flickering or Dim Display:

   • Ensure the oscillator is configured correctly (internal or external).
   • Check for loose connections or poor soldering on the LCD pins.

3. Incorrect Characters on Display:

   • Verify the data being sent to the TM1621 matches the LCD's segment mapping.
   • Ensure the microcontroller's timing matches the TM1621's communication protocol.

FAQs

Q: Can the TM1621 drive 7-segment displays?
A: Yes, the TM1621 can drive 7-segment displays by connecting the appropriate segment and common pins.

Q: What is the maximum number of segments the TM1621 can control?
A: The TM1621 can control up to 64 segments (16 segments × 4 commons).

Q: Can I use the TM1621 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the TM1621 operates within a voltage range of 2.4V to 5.5V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.

Q: Is an external oscillator required?
A: No, the TM1621 has an internal oscillator, but you can use an external clock if desired.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the TM1621 into your projects and troubleshoot common issues.