DIYables 1602A LCD Display Module, Blue Screen with Backlight, 16x2 Characters, Parallel Interface
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Quick Overview
The DIYables 1602A LCD Display Module is a classic 16x2 character display featuring a blue screen with bright backlight for clear visibility in both bright and dim environments. This display shows two lines of sixteen characters, making it perfect for menus, text output, and sensor readings in your Arduino, ESP32, and ESP8266 projects. Operating at 5V with a standard 16-pin parallel interface, this module uses the HD44780 compatible controller for easy integration with microcontroller platforms.
This 2-pack module comes with pre-soldered 16-pin headers for easy breadboard use and quick wiring without additional soldering. Please note this is a parallel interface LCD (not I2C) and does not include a serial adapter. The standard parallel connection provides direct control over the display and is compatible with widely available LCD libraries. The blue backlight ensures excellent readability and adds a professional look to your projects.
Perfect for DIY electronics projects, user interfaces, data display systems, sensor monitoring, menu systems, and embedded applications. The 16x2 character format is ideal for displaying temperature readings, status messages, menu options, and real-time data. Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and other microcontrollers using 5V or level-shifted systems. Important: Ensure correct VSS (ground) and VDD (5V) polarity during connection to avoid damage.
Key Features
- Clear 16x2 Display — Shows two lines of sixteen characters for menus, text output and sensor readings
- Blue Backlight Design — Bright backlight provides clear visibility in both bright and dim environments
- Parallel Interface Only — Uses the standard 16-pin parallel connection; not an I2C version and does not include a serial adapter
- Pre-Soldered Pin Header — Comes with a pre-soldered 16-pin header for easy breadboard use and quick wiring without soldering
- HD44780 Compatible Controller — Industry-standard controller with wide library support for easy programming
- 5V Operation — Operates at 5V logic level with stable performance
- High Contrast Display — Blue backlight with white characters provides excellent readability
- Adjustable Contrast — Built-in contrast adjustment via potentiometer for optimal viewing
- Easy Integration — Works with standard LCD libraries like LiquidCrystal for Arduino
- Reliable Character Display — Each character position is 5x8 dots for clear, readable text
- Wide Viewing Angle — Good visibility from different viewing positions
- Microcontroller Compatibility — Works with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266 and other 5V or level-shifted systems; ensure correct VSS and VDD polarity to avoid damage
- Tutorial Support — Comprehensive tutorials for Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi
- Versatile Applications — Perfect for user interfaces, data display, sensor readings, menu systems, status indicators, and embedded projects
- ...NOTE
- Important: This is a parallel interface LCD (not I2C). Ensure correct power polarity (VSS to GND, VDD to 5V) to avoid damage. For ESP32 and other 3.3V microcontrollers, use level shifters for data pins or power the LCD at 5V while using 3.3V logic (may work but not guaranteed).
- ...NOTE
SPECIFICATION
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Character LCD Display Module |
| Model | 1602A |
| Display Format | 16 characters x 2 lines |
| Controller | HD44780 compatible |
| Character Size | 5x8 dots per character |
| Display Color | White characters on blue background |
| Backlight | Blue LED backlight |
| Backlight Voltage | 5 V DC |
| Operating Voltage | 5 V DC (VDD) |
| Logic Level | 5V TTL (3.3V may work with reduced reliability) |
| Interface Type | Parallel (16-pin standard interface, NOT I2C) |
| Data Pins | 8-bit or 4-bit mode |
| Control Pins | RS, R/W, E (Enable) |
| Contrast Adjustment | Via onboard potentiometer |
| Viewing Angle | Wide viewing angle |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C |
| Dimensions | 80mm x 36mm x 13mm (approx.) |
| Pin Header | 16-pin pre-soldered header |
| Package Quantity | 2 pieces |
| Compatibility | Arduino, ESP32 (with level shifters or direct 3.3V, not guaranteed), ESP8266 (with level shifters), Raspberry Pi (with level shifters), and other 5V microcontrollers |
| Applications | User interfaces, data display, sensor readings, menu systems, temperature displays, status indicators, embedded systems, DIY electronics |
PACKAGE
A package includes:
| Qty | Items |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1602A LCD Display Modules (16x2, blue screen with backlight, pre-soldered pin headers) |
Tutorials
COMPATIBLE HARDWARE
- Arduino boards (UNO, Mega, Nano, etc.) — Direct 5V parallel connection with digital pins for RS, E, D4-D7
- Arduino Uno R4 WiFi/Minima — 5V logic compatible, direct parallel interface connection
- ESP32 development boards — Requires 5V power for LCD; 3.3V logic may work directly but level shifters recommended for reliability
- ESP8266 boards (NodeMCU, Wemos D1, etc.) — Requires 5V power for LCD; use level shifters for data pins or try direct 3.3V connection (not guaranteed)
- Raspberry Pi (all models) — Requires level shifters or voltage dividers for 3.3V to 5V conversion on data pins
- Raspberry Pi Pico — Requires level shifters for 3.3V to 5V interface conversion
- Arduino Nano ESP32 — Requires 5V power for LCD; level shifters recommended for data pins
- Any 5V microcontroller with digital outputs — Direct parallel interface connection with sufficient GPIO pins
- 3.3V microcontrollers — Requires 5V power supply and level shifters for reliable operation
- Temperature monitoring systems — Display sensor readings and environmental data
- User interface projects — Create menus and interactive displays
- Data logging displays — Show real-time measurements and status information
