How to Use 1.44 TFT 8P 128*128 st7735: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 1.44-inch TFT 8P 128x128 ST7735 is a compact color display module featuring a resolution of 128x128 pixels. It is powered by the ST7735 driver, which provides efficient control over the display's graphical output. This module is ideal for applications requiring a small, vibrant display, such as embedded systems, IoT devices, handheld instruments, and DIY electronics projects.

• Wearable devices and smartwatches
• Portable gaming consoles
• IoT dashboards and status displays
• Sensor data visualization
• Educational and hobbyist projects

• Display Type: TFT LCD
• Screen Size: 1.44 inches
• Resolution: 128x128 pixels
• Driver IC: ST7735
• Interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V (logic level)
• Backlight Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
• Current Consumption: ~50mA (with backlight on)
• Color Depth: 65K (16-bit RGB)
• Viewing Angle: ~160 degrees
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 70°C

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

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Communication: Connect the SCL, SDA, CS, and DC pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Reset Pin: Connect the RES pin to a GPIO pin on your microcontroller for resetting the display.
4. Backlight Control: For a constant backlight, connect the BLK pin to VCC. For adjustable brightness, connect it to a PWM-capable GPIO pin.
5. Level Shifting: If your microcontroller operates at 5V logic, use level shifters to interface with the display, as it operates at 3.3V logic.

The following example demonstrates how to connect and use the 1.44-inch TFT display with an Arduino UNO:

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

// 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() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Initializing TFT...");

  // Initialize the display
  tft.initR(INITR_144GREENTAB); // Use the 1.44" green tab initialization
  tft.setRotation(1);          // Set display rotation (0-3)
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color

  // Display a test message
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(1);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, TFT!");
}

void loop() {
  // Add your code here to update the display
}

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the logic level of your microcontroller matches the display's 3.3V logic. Use level shifters if necessary.
• Backlight Control: For power-sensitive applications, consider using PWM to control the backlight brightness.
• SPI Speed: The ST7735 supports high-speed SPI communication. Experiment with different SPI clock speeds for optimal performance.
• Initialization: Always use the correct initialization sequence for the ST7735 driver to ensure proper operation.

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Verify the power connections (VCC and GND).
   • Ensure the BLK pin is connected to VCC or a PWM pin.

2. No Output on the Screen:

   • Check the SPI connections (SCL, SDA, CS, and DC).
   • Ensure the correct initialization sequence is used in the code.

3. Flickering or Distorted Display:

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

4. Backlight Not Working:

   • Confirm the BLK pin is connected to VCC or a PWM signal.
   • Verify the backlight voltage is within the specified range.

Q: Can I use this display with a 5V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but you must use level shifters for the SPI and control pins, as the display operates at 3.3V logic.

Q: What is the maximum SPI clock speed supported?
A: The ST7735 driver typically supports SPI clock speeds up to 15 MHz, but this may vary depending on your microcontroller and wiring quality.

Q: How do I display images on the screen?
A: You can use libraries like Adafruit GFX to load and display bitmap images. Ensure the images are formatted correctly for the display's resolution and color depth.

Q: Can I use this display with other microcontrollers?
A: Yes, the display is compatible with any microcontroller that supports SPI communication, such as ESP32, STM32, or Raspberry Pi.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the 1.44-inch TFT 8P 128x128 ST7735 display into your projects.