How to Use Waveshare 2 Inch LCD Display Module 240x320: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Waveshare 2 Inch LCD Display Module (Part ID: EC-5480) is a compact and versatile display solution designed for embedded systems and projects requiring a high-quality visual interface. With a resolution of 240x320 pixels and support for multiple communication interfaces, this module is ideal for applications such as IoT devices, handheld instruments, and graphical user interfaces for microcontroller-based systems. Its small form factor and vibrant display make it a popular choice for developers and hobbyists alike.

• IoT devices with graphical interfaces
• Portable monitoring systems
• Embedded system development
• Educational and prototyping projects
• Visual output for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontrollers

Below are the key technical details of the Waveshare 2 Inch LCD Display Module:

The module features a standard pin header for easy connection. Below is the pinout description:

To use the Waveshare 2 Inch LCD Display Module, follow these steps:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Interface: Connect the SCL (clock) and SDA (data) pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Control Pins:
   • Connect the RES pin to a GPIO pin for resetting the display.
   • Use the DC pin to toggle between data and command modes.
   • Connect the CS pin to a GPIO pin to enable or disable the display.
4. Backlight: The BL pin can be connected to a PWM-capable GPIO pin for brightness control or directly to 3.3V for constant backlight.

Below is an example of how to interface the display with an Arduino UNO using the Adafruit GFX and Adafruit ST7789 libraries:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7789.h> // ST7789 driver library
#include <SPI.h>             // SPI library

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

// Initialize the display object
Adafruit_ST7789 tft = Adafruit_ST7789(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

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

  // Initialize the display
  tft.init(240, 320); // Initialize with 240x320 resolution
  tft.setRotation(1); // Set display orientation

  // Fill the screen with a color
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, Waveshare!");
}

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

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the module is powered with 3.3V. Using 5V may damage the display.
• SPI Speed: Use an appropriate SPI clock speed to avoid communication errors.
• Backlight Control: If using PWM for backlight control, ensure the frequency is high enough to avoid visible flicker.
• Library Compatibility: Use libraries compatible with the ST7789 driver for seamless integration.

1. No Display Output:

   • Verify all connections, especially power and SPI lines.
   • Ensure the CS pin is correctly toggled to enable the display.
   • Check if the RES pin is properly initialized in your code.

2. Flickering or Artifacts:

   • Reduce the SPI clock speed in your code.
   • Ensure proper grounding to avoid noise interference.

3. Backlight Not Working:

   • Confirm the BL pin is connected to 3.3V or a PWM-capable GPIO pin.
   • Check for loose connections or damaged traces.

4. Incorrect Colors or Orientation:

   • Verify the initialization code and ensure the correct driver (ST7789) is used.
   • Adjust the setRotation() parameter to match your desired orientation.

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

Q: What is the maximum SPI clock speed supported?
A: The ST7789 driver typically supports SPI clock speeds up to 15 MHz. Check your microcontroller's capabilities for compatibility.

Q: Can I use this display with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the module is compatible with Raspberry Pi. Use the SPI interface and appropriate libraries (e.g., luma.lcd or Pillow) for integration.

Q: How do I control the backlight brightness?
A: Connect the BL pin to a PWM-capable GPIO pin and adjust the duty cycle in your code to control brightness.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate and utilize the Waveshare 2 Inch LCD Display Module in your projects.