Knowledge Base

For small quantities the simplest thing to do is to buy an LCD module as a SPLat accessory product. It will be pre-wired to plug into your SPLat controller, saving you time and effort.

If you are using a lot of LCD modules, or if you want a size we don’t supply, you may decide to buy your own LCD modules directly from the supplier. See the OBLCD_Type instruction for a definition of the types supported.

A few manufacturers make LCD modules with a serial interface. That is not the type SPLat requires. SPLat requires the much more common, and cheaper, parallel or microprocessor interface.

There are a very large number of manufacturers of parallel interface LCD modules, and most manufacturers give you a large choice of models. They all share the same logical interface (i.e. which signals they require and how those signals work), but physical size and pinouts can vary. Connecting user supplied LCD module describes how to correctly identify the pins and make connections.

LCD modules come with optional backlighting. SPLat does not provide support circuitry for backlighting, but you can do your own if you have the basic electronic skills. There is some information in Backlighting.

We cannot possibly list all manufacturers and models of suitable LCD modules. Your best bet is to call a few local electronic component distributors, you will soon identify a number of choices.

From May 2009 we will be gradually introducing backlit LCD modules that are capable of being dimmed by the MMi202 with Firmware V3.21 or later.