Embedded LCD Modules
Embedded LCD Modules
An embedded LCD module is a character or graphic liquid-crystal display (a passive-matrix panel, typically TN / STN / FSTN) with its controller already onboard, so you drive it over a simple parallel, I²C, or SPI bus. Where a TFT is an active-matrix panel built for full-color graphics and video, an LCD module is the low-cost, low-power choice for text and simple graphics with almost no display code.
Embedded LCD module specifications
Standard ranges for the character and graphic LCD module families. For a specific format, interface, or backlight, start a custom project.
- Types: character (fixed-cell alphanumeric) and graphic (pixel-addressable) monochrome
- Character formats: 8×1 up to 40×4
- Graphic resolutions: 122×32 up to 320×240
- Assembly: COB and COG; STN / FSTN, positive or negative
- Interfaces: parallel (4/8-bit 6800 / 8080), I²C, SPI
- Onboard controllers: HD44780-class (S6A0069 / AC780S) on character; ST7565 / UC16xx / T6963C-class on graphic
- Backlight: LED (wide color range), EL, or none; transflective / transmissive / reflective
- Part families: AMC (character), AMG (graphic), JAZZ (128×64 modular)
Where it fits
Typical applications: instrument panels, meters, medical and lab instruments, industrial controls, appliances, and handhelds, or anywhere an MCU needs to show text or simple graphics at low cost and low power, without a dedicated display processor.
Embedded LCD vs embedded TFT: both are liquid-crystal displays with an onboard controller, but an LCD is passive-matrix (TN / STN / FSTN) for text and simple graphics at very low power and cost, while a TFT is active-matrix (a transistor at every pixel) for full color, high resolution, and video. Choose an LCD module when readable text or simple graphics on minimal power is the goal; choose embedded TFT modules when you need full color.
Within the LCD family: for fixed alphanumeric text, see character LCD; for pixel-addressable graphics, see graphic LCD; for a mix of backlight colors and touch on one 128×64 footprint, see JAZZ graphic LCD; and when you want just the segment glass and supply your own electronics, see LCD glass panels.
The family, small to large
Learn more before you buy
Background on embedded modules and how to drive a monochrome LCD.
Embedded Display Modules Explained
What an onboard controller adds, and when a module beats driving raw glass yourself.
Read the guideHow LCDs Are Driven
How a controller addresses the pixels and segments behind the module interface.
Read the guideChoosing a Display Interface
Parallel, I²C, and SPI: which interface fits your controller and update rate.
Read the guideDisplay Connector and Pinout Basics
Reading a module's connector, pin functions, and what to match on your carrier board.
Read the guideReady to spec an embedded LCD module?
Tell us the character format or resolution, the interface, and the backlight. The more detail on your MCU and enclosure, the faster we can match a module or quote a custom build.