Compatible Graphic Display Controllers – Are Firmware Changes Still Needed?

In this article, firmware changes for compatible graphic display controllers will be discussed. When deciding on a replacement graphic LCD the engineer must account for any firmware changes if the new display uses a different controller. Many graphic controller chips for monochrome displays are fundamentally compatible with each other. Minimal changes to firmware can be achieved if a display with a compatible controller is selected.

Figure 1: Focus LCDs G12864A1-FTW-LW63 Graphic LCD

Graphic LCDs come in many sizes, but the more common sizes include 128 x 32 and 128 x 64 pixels. These displays typically come with a controller designed to drive up to 132 x 64 pixels. This information can be found in the controller datasheet.

Included in the datasheet is the table of commands, which is how the display is configured and controlled. In the display above, the controller for the G12864A-FTW-LW63 is the NT7534 and the table of commands can be found on page 41, table 16. When looking at a display with a different controller, besides the electrical and optical characteristics, the command set can inform the engineer if the firmware will be reusable.

Figure 2: G12864A-FTW-LW63 with NT7534 Display Controller

The microcontroller firmware developed for a 128 x 32 pixel display with the ST7565 controller was reused in a couple of examples here. The command sets for the NT7534 and ST7565 are the same. This allowed driving the G12864A-FTW-LW63 with the ST7565 firmware. There were a few code changes to get the display to operate correctly. The changes are shown in the code below:

As shown, these minor changes for Bias and Contrast were all that was necessary for the same code to be used with a different display. In most instances, the only adjustment required would be the contrast level.

Figure 3: G12864A1-FTW-LW63 with AIP31565CR Display Controller

The code was reused with the G12864A1-FTW-LW63 display, even though the controller is an AIP31565CR. After the modification for the NT7534, only the contrast was changed on the G12864A1 display. The changes are shown in the code below:

Since the command set of all three controllers (AIP31565CR, NT7534, and ST7565) were the same, only the differences between the display Bias (1/7 vs. 1/9) and Contrast levels needed to be adjusted. Other possible adjustments that might arise during development can include adjusting the internal resistor ratio or setting the partial display duty, bias, and start line. The last setting is for displays with a resolution smaller than 128 x 32.

Graphic displays with compatible controllers can reuse code developed if their command sets are the same. Minor adjustments might be required if the display resolution or contrast are different between them. Review the controller datasheet to verify that the same commands will work for the replacement display.

Code reuse can be a major concern when having to replace a display in a product. Verifying that the new display has a compatible controller can ease those concerns. The ability to reuse the display code, possibly with minor changes, will help get the project back on track.

DISCLAIMER

Buyers and others who are developing systems that incorporate FocusLCDs products (collectively, “Designers”) understand and agree that Designers remain responsible for using their independent analysis, evaluation, and judgment in designing their applications and that Designers have full and exclusive responsibility to assure the safety of Designers’ applications and compliance of their applications (and of all FocusLCDs products used in or for Designers’ applications) with all applicable regulations, laws, and other applicable requirements.

Designer represents that, with respect to their applications, Designer has all the necessary expertise to create and implement safeguards that:

(1) anticipate dangerous consequences of failures

(2) monitor failures and their consequences, and

(3) lessen the likelihood of failures that might cause harm and take appropriate actions.

The designer agrees that prior to using or distributing any applications that include FocusLCDs products, the Designer will thoroughly test such applications and the functionality of such FocusLCDs products as used in such applications.