How to Use 3.5 inch TFT Display 320*480 pixels with Touchscreen - SPI - ILI9488 - 3.3V: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 3.5-inch TFT Display with a resolution of 320x480 pixels is a versatile and vibrant display module featuring a touchscreen interface. It is powered by the ILI9488 driver IC and communicates via the SPI protocol, ensuring fast and efficient data transfer. Operating at 3.3V, this display is ideal for use with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi.

• Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for embedded systems
• Portable devices and handheld instruments
• Industrial control panels
• DIY electronics projects
• Educational and prototyping purposes

Below are the key technical details of the 3.5-inch TFT Display:

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

To use the 3.5-inch TFT Display with an Arduino UNO, follow these steps:

1. Wiring: Connect the display pins to the Arduino as shown below:

   Display Pin	Arduino Pin
   VCC	3.3V
   GND	GND
   CS	D10
   RESET	D9
   DC/RS	D8
   SDI/MOSI	D11
   SCK	D13
   LED	3.3V

2. Install Libraries: Download and install the following libraries in the Arduino IDE:

   • Adafruit_GFX (for graphics rendering)
   • Adafruit_ILI9488 (for ILI9488 driver support)

3. Upload Example Code: Use the following example code to display a simple graphic:

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

// Define pins for the display
#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() {
  tft.begin();                  // Initialize the display
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9488_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color

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

  // Display text
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9488_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.println("Hello, TFT!");
}

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

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the display operates at 3.3V. Using 5V logic levels without a level shifter may damage the module.
• SPI Speed: Adjust the SPI clock speed if you encounter communication issues. A typical value is 4 MHz.
• Backlight Control: For adjustable brightness, connect the LED pin to a PWM-capable pin on the microcontroller.

1. Display Not Turning On:

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

2. No Image or Incorrect Display:

   • Check the SPI connections (CS, RESET, DC, SDI/MOSI, SCK).
   • Ensure the correct pins are defined in the code.
   • Confirm that the Adafruit_ILI9488 library is installed and properly configured.

3. Touchscreen Not Responding:

   • Ensure the touchscreen library (if required) is installed.
   • Verify the touchscreen pins (if separate) are correctly connected.

4. Flickering or Artifacts:

   • Reduce the SPI clock speed in the code.
   • Check for loose or poor-quality connections.

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

Q: Does the display support parallel communication?
A: No, this module uses SPI communication only.

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

Q: Is the touchscreen resistive or capacitive?
A: The touchscreen is resistive, requiring a slight pressure to register input.

By following this documentation, you can successfully integrate and use the 3.5-inch TFT Display in your projects!