How to Use Waveshare ESP32-S3 2inch Capacitive Touch Display IPS 240×320: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Waveshare ESP32-S3 2inch Capacitive Touch Display is a compact and versatile display module designed for interactive applications. Featuring a 2-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 240x320 pixels, it delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The module integrates seamlessly with the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, making it ideal for IoT projects, smart home devices, handheld interfaces, and educational tools. Its capacitive touch functionality enables intuitive user interaction, enhancing the usability of your projects.

• IoT dashboards and control panels
• Smart home automation interfaces
• Portable device displays
• Educational and prototyping projects
• Interactive kiosks and handheld devices

To use the Waveshare ESP32-S3 2inch Capacitive Touch Display, connect the module to the ESP32-S3 microcontroller as follows:

Below is an example of how to initialize and use the display with the ESP32-S3 using the Arduino IDE. This example uses the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9341 libraries for the display and the Wire library for touch input.

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_ILI9341.h>
#include <Wire.h>

// Define pins for the display
#define TFT_CS   5   // Chip select
#define TFT_DC   16  // Data/Command
#define TFT_RST  17  // Reset
#define TFT_BL   4   // Backlight control

// Initialize the display
Adafruit_ILI9341 tft = Adafruit_ILI9341(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("Initializing display...");

  // Initialize the display
  tft.begin();
  tft.setRotation(1); // Set display orientation
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9341_BLACK); // Clear the screen

  // Display a test message
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9341_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, ESP32-S3!");

  // Turn on the backlight
  pinMode(TFT_BL, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(TFT_BL, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Add your main code here
}

1. Power Supply: Ensure the module is powered with 3.3V. Supplying higher voltages may damage the display.
2. Backlight Control: Use the BL pin to control the backlight brightness via PWM or turn it on/off.
3. Touch Controller: The touch functionality uses the I2C interface. Ensure the SDA and SCL pins are correctly connected.
4. Library Dependencies: Install the Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9341 libraries in the Arduino IDE for display control.

1. Display Not Turning On

   • Verify the power connections (VCC and GND).
   • Ensure the backlight pin (BL) is set to HIGH or connected to 3.3V.

2. No Display Output

   • Check the SPI connections (SCK, MOSI, CS, DC).
   • Ensure the correct pins are defined in the code.

3. Touch Not Responding

   • Verify the I2C connections (SDA and SCL).
   • Check if the touch controller (FT6236) is properly initialized in your code.

4. Flickering or Dim Display

   • Ensure a stable 3.3V power supply.
   • Check the backlight control pin (BL) for proper PWM signals.

Q: Can I use this display with a 5V microcontroller?
A: No, the display operates at 3.3V. Using a 5V microcontroller requires level shifters for the SPI and I2C lines.

Q: How do I adjust the screen brightness?
A: Use the BL pin to control the backlight brightness via PWM or connect it to 3.3V for full brightness.

Q: What libraries are required for this display?
A: The Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ILI9341 libraries are recommended for display control. For touch functionality, use an I2C library like Wire.

Q: Can I use this display in landscape mode?
A: Yes, the display orientation can be changed using the setRotation() function in the code.