How to Use TFT-Display 1.9" 170x320 : Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TFT-Display 1.9" 170x320 is a compact thin-film transistor (TFT) display module with a resolution of 170x320 pixels. It is designed for use in a variety of electronic applications, including handheld devices, IoT projects, and embedded systems. This display offers vibrant colors, high contrast, and a wide viewing angle, making it ideal for graphical interfaces and text-based outputs.

• Portable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers
• IoT dashboards and control panels
• Embedded systems requiring graphical user interfaces
• Educational and hobbyist projects with microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi
• Displaying sensor data, animations, or custom graphics

The following table outlines the key technical details of the TFT-Display 1.9" 170x320:

The TFT-Display 1.9" 170x320 typically has an 8-pin interface. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Communication: Connect the SCL and SDA pins to the SPI clock and data lines of your microcontroller, respectively.
3. Control Pins:
   • Connect the RES pin to a GPIO pin on your microcontroller for resetting the display.
   • Use the DC pin to differentiate between data and command signals.
   • Connect the CS pin to a GPIO pin to enable or disable the display.
4. Backlight: Connect the BL pin to 3.3V for constant backlight or to a PWM-capable GPIO pin for brightness control.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all signal lines operate at 3.3V logic levels. Use level shifters if your microcontroller operates at 5V.
• Initialization: The display requires proper initialization commands to function. Refer to the display driver datasheet for details.
• SPI Speed: Use an appropriate SPI clock speed (typically up to 10 MHz) to ensure reliable communication.
• Backlight Control: Use a PWM signal to adjust the brightness of the backlight and reduce power consumption.

Below is an example of how to interface the TFT-Display 1.9" 170x320 with an Arduino UNO using the Adafruit GFX and ST7789 libraries (assuming the display uses the ST7789 driver):

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

// 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("TFT Display Test");

  // Initialize the display
  tft.init(170, 320); // Initialize with resolution 170x320
  tft.setRotation(1); // Set display orientation

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

  // Display some text
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, TFT!");
}

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

• Install the Adafruit GFX and Adafruit ST7789 libraries via the Arduino Library Manager before running the code.
• Adjust the pin definitions and initialization parameters as needed for your specific setup.

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Verify the power supply connections and ensure the VCC pin is receiving 3.3V.
   • Check the GND connection.

2. No Output on the Screen:

   • Ensure the SPI connections (SCL, SDA, CS, DC) are correctly wired.
   • Verify that the display driver (e.g., ST7789) matches the library being used.

3. Flickering or Unstable Display:

   • Reduce the SPI clock speed to improve communication stability.
   • Check for loose or poor-quality connections.

4. Backlight Not Working:

   • Ensure the BL pin is connected to 3.3V or a PWM signal.
   • Verify the backlight voltage is within the specified range (3.0V to 3.3V).

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

Q: What is the maximum SPI clock speed supported?
A: The display typically supports SPI clock speeds up to 10 MHz. Check the driver datasheet for exact specifications.

Q: How do I adjust the brightness of the backlight?
A: Use a PWM signal on the BL pin to control the brightness. A higher duty cycle increases brightness.

Q: Can I use this display in outdoor environments?
A: The display is not sunlight-readable and is best suited for indoor use. Ensure the operating temperature is within the specified range (-20°C to 70°C).