LCD Module equality

[Azaruk]

I have been given a couple of LCD modules to play with. I know nothing about these things but am keen to play and learn.

They are made by POWERTIP, part number PC1602F

My question:-

Are modules of this type interchangeable? In other words if I have a module from manufacturer A, will it work with code written for manafacturer B's code, assuming the basic specs - number of characters, lines, etc are the same?

Forgive me if this is a seriously dumb question!

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

If they are Hitachi compatible LCD text modules, then they are interchangeable with other manufacturers - it's really a quite successful standard, and it's rare to find a module which doesn't comply.

 

[HarveyH42]

Search a little, datasheet didn't list a driver. got this from one of the search results, might help...

I think this module uses the KS0066U controller chip. Here is a link to the datsheet.
www.eio.com/ks0066u.pdf

 

[eng1]

I've used the Powertip 1602(G) lcd for a number of projects.
No problems, it's 44780-based.
Check the pin lay-out on the datasheet!

 

[HarveyH42]

https://www.powertip.com.tw/products_1.php?area_id=1170985616&area_name=Character Module

Manufacturer website says its a Samsung ks0066u controller. Not sure its the same.

 

[eng1]

Manufacturer website says its a Samsung ks0066u controller. Not sure its the same.

Hi HarveyH42, you're correct. I didn't remember that the 1602 lcd uses the ks0066 controller (and the S6A0069). From my experience and after reading some old posts on other forums, I believe that they're clone of the most famous HT44780. The 1602 lcd's do work with 44780 routines, but now I'm curious to check the datasheets and look for any differences.

 

[HarveyH42]

I haven't actually gotten my first LCD project going yet, but it's mostly working a lot of overtime lately. The Samsung driver seems much simpler and some good features I didn't see in the 44780 (huge data sheet). The Samsung sheet didn't go into the commands much. I have very little experience, but have been studying this quite a bit lately.

 

[eng1]

I've found some differences in the initizialization method. I'll have to check this more carefully! EDIT: the timings are different for example. It should be easy to modify the routines for the 44780 and meet the requirements of the ks0066.

 

[atferrari]

Not Hitachi compatible?

Has anyone out there run across a 2x16 LCD display module NOT compatible with the 44780 chip?

Personally, never heard of/seen one.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Has anyone out there run across a 2x16 LCD display module NOT compatible with the 44780 chip?

Personally, never heard of/seen one.

I've never actually had one, but back in the early days of LCD modules there were various different incompatible types - but for years every one I've ever seen has been 44780 compatible.