How to Use SPI-Display 1.8 128X160: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SPI-Display 1.8 128X160 is a compact color display module with a resolution of 128x160 pixels. It utilizes the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) for fast and efficient communication with microcontrollers. This display is ideal for embedded projects, graphical user interfaces, and applications requiring a small, vibrant screen. Its small form factor and low power consumption make it a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• Wearable devices and portable electronics
• Graphical user interfaces for embedded systems
• IoT dashboards and data visualization
• Gaming devices and retro-style displays
• Educational and prototyping projects

Below are the key technical details of the SPI-Display 1.8 128X160 module:

The SPI-Display 1.8 128X160 module typically has the following pinout:

To use the SPI-Display 1.8 128X160 with an Arduino UNO, follow these steps:

1. Wiring the Display: Connect the display module to the Arduino UNO as shown below:

   Display Pin	Arduino UNO Pin
   VCC	3.3V or 5V
   GND	GND
   SCL (CLK)	D13 (SCK)
   SDA (MOSI)	D11 (MOSI)
   RES (RST)	D8
   DC (A0)	D9
   CS	D10
   BLK (LED)	3.3V or PWM pin

2. Install Required Libraries:

   • Install the Adafruit GFX Library and Adafruit ST7735 Library from the Arduino Library Manager.

3. Example Code: Use the following example code to display text and graphics on the screen:

   // Include necessary libraries
   #include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
   #include <Adafruit_ST7735.h> // ST7735 driver library
   #include <SPI.h>             // SPI library
   
   // Define pins for the 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 the display
     tft.initR(INITR_BLACKTAB); // Initialize with ST7735 settings
     tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color
   
     // Display some text
     tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE); // Set text color to white
     tft.setTextSize(1);             // Set text size to 1
     tft.setCursor(0, 0);            // Set cursor to top-left corner
     tft.println("Hello, World!");   // Print text to the screen
   
     // Draw a red rectangle
     tft.fillRect(10, 20, 50, 30, ST77XX_RED);
   }
   
   void loop() {
     // Nothing to do here
   }
   

• Voltage Levels: Ensure the logic level of your microcontroller matches the display's requirements (3.3V). If using a 5V microcontroller, use level shifters for the SPI pins.
• Backlight Control: The backlight pin (BLK) can be connected to a PWM pin for brightness control or directly to 3.3V for full brightness.
• SPI Speed: Adjust the SPI clock speed in your code if you encounter communication issues.

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Verify all connections and ensure the VCC and GND pins are properly connected.
   • Check if the backlight pin (BLK) is connected to 3.3V or a PWM pin.

2. No Output on the Screen:

   • Ensure the correct pins are defined in the code for CS, DC, and RST.
   • Verify that the Adafruit GFX and ST7735 libraries are installed and up to date.

3. Flickering or Distorted Display:

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

4. Partial or Incorrect Graphics:

   • Ensure the correct initialization command (INITR_BLACKTAB) is used in the code.
   • Verify that the display module is compatible with the ST7735 driver.

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

Q: How do I control the brightness of the backlight?
A: Connect the BLK pin to a PWM-capable pin on your microcontroller and use analogWrite() to adjust brightness.

Q: Can I display images on this screen?
A: Yes, you can display BMP images by using the Adafruit ST7735 library. Refer to the library's documentation for details.

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