How to Use LCD TFT 1.44 inch 128x128: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The LCD TFT 1.44 inch 128x128 is a compact, vibrant display module manufactured by LCD. It utilizes Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) technology to deliver a resolution of 128x128 pixels, making it ideal for displaying colorful graphics and text in embedded systems. This module is widely used in projects requiring a small, high-quality display, such as IoT devices, handheld gadgets, and DIY electronics.

• Portable devices and wearables
• IoT dashboards and status displays
• Embedded systems requiring graphical interfaces
• Educational and hobbyist projects
• Arduino and microcontroller-based projects

Below are the key technical details of the LCD TFT 1.44 inch 128x128 module:

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

To use this display with an Arduino UNO, connect the pins as follows:

Below is an example Arduino sketch to initialize and display text on the LCD using the Adafruit ST7735 library. Ensure you have the library installed via the Arduino Library Manager.

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7735.h> // Hardware-specific library for ST7735

// Define pins for the LCD
#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_144GREENTAB); // Initialize for 1.44" TFT with green tab
  tft.setRotation(1);          // Set display rotation (1 = landscape)

  // Fill the screen with black
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);

  // Set text color and size
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(1);

  // Display a message
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);       // Set cursor position
  tft.print("Hello, World!");  // Print text to the screen
}

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

1. Voltage Levels: Ensure the module is powered with 3.3V or 5V as per its specifications. If using a 3.3V microcontroller, ensure logic level compatibility.
2. Backlight Control: The BLK pin can be connected to a PWM pin for dimming the backlight. If not required, connect it to VCC for constant backlight.
3. Library Compatibility: Use the Adafruit ST7735 library for easy integration. Ensure the correct initialization parameters (INITR_144GREENTAB) are used for this specific display.

1. Blank Screen

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or power supply.
   • Solution: Double-check all connections and ensure the module is receiving the correct voltage.

2. Distorted or Noisy Display

   • Cause: SPI communication issues.
   • Solution: Verify the SPI connections and ensure the correct pins are used for SCL, SDA, and CS.

3. Backlight Not Turning On

   • Cause: BLK pin not connected properly.
   • Solution: Connect the BLK pin to VCC or a PWM pin for backlight control.

4. Text or Graphics Not Displaying Properly

   • Cause: Incorrect initialization parameters.
   • Solution: Ensure the correct initialization code (INITR_144GREENTAB) is used in the sketch.

1. Can I use this display with a 3.3V microcontroller?

   • Yes, the display is compatible with 3.3V logic levels. Ensure the power supply and logic levels match.

2. What is the maximum SPI clock speed supported?

   • The ST7735 driver typically supports SPI clock speeds up to 15 MHz. Check your microcontroller's capabilities.

3. Can I display images on this screen?

   • Yes, you can display BMP images using the Adafruit ST7735 library. Refer to the library documentation for details.

4. Is the backlight brightness adjustable?

   • Yes, connect the BLK pin to a PWM-capable pin on your microcontroller to control brightness.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the LCD TFT 1.44 inch 128x128 module into your projects and troubleshoot common issues.