Frequently Asked Questions

Our support team sometimes notices they’ve received the same question a few times. When that occurs, we add it to our FAQ queue, to make a blog post accessible to everyone. These FAQs include how to get devices working, questions about the display industry, questions about microcontrollers, and more! Do you have a question not covered here? Contact Crystalfontz Support.

Crystalfontz 160x80 Parallel Graphic LCD

Transmissive vs Transflective vs Reflective Displays

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between transmissive, transflective, and reflective display modules? We’ve added 3 new terms to the Crystalfontz Glossary this week. Here is a quick intro about the main defining feature for each type of display module. Click on each link to learn more, see photos, and find applicable Crystalfontz displays for

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Understanding Passive STN Segment, Alphanumeric, and Graphic Displays

Learn about the three major types of Passive STN (Super Twisted Nematic) LCDs: segment, alphanumeric, and graphic. Passive STN (Super Twisted Nematic) displays come in three major types: Let’s take a closer look at these 3 types of displays. What are Passive STN Segment, Alphanumeric, and Graphic Displays? Segment LCDs A segment display is the

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OLED in hand - Crystalfontz.com

5 Key Engineering Advantages of OLEDs

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology represents a significant leap from traditional LCDs because it utilizes organic compounds that emit light directly when an electric current is applied. Unlike standard displays that require a persistent backlight, each pixel in an OLED module acts as its own light source. This fundamental difference is why engineers and designers

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Crystalfontz e-paper 200x200

A Closer Look: Crystalfontz ePaper 200×200 1.54″ Zero-Power Display

This black and white 200×200 e-paper display module is a perfect size for small, low power electronic shelf labels. Once the epaper’s eink image is shown, it remains visible with zero additional power! These e-Paper displays will retain the last image shown on their screen indefinitely, with no electrical connections and zero power consumption. Additional Benefits

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Why does the initialization code for a 20x4 LCD specify 2-line mode? Source: crystalfontz.com

FAQ: Why does the initialization code for a 20×4 LCD specify 2-line mode?

When working with a 20×4 character LCD, you might be surprised to see the controller set to 2-line mode: Write_To_LCD(COMMAND,0x38); //SET 2 LINE,5*8 FONT Why would a 4-line LCD’s controller be set to 2-line mode? It has to do with the way the LCD glass is laid out. Essentially the display is the right and

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FAQ: What is the Difference Between a TFT, LCD, and OLED?

Confused about the differences between TFTs, LCDs, and OLEDs? What Do They Stand For? How Do They Work? TFT displays are also known as an “Active Matrix TFT LCD module” and have an array of thin film transistors fabricated on the glass that makes the LCD. There is one of these transistors for each pixel on the

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Going Postal - crystalfontz.com

New: US Postal Shipping Options for Domestic LCD Sample Shipments

Crystalfontz ships via major domestic and international express carriers, on our account or yours. While we strive to provide the best rates and fastest ship times, some small packages may ship more efficiently using postal mail. You asked for US Postal shipping options. We heard you. USPS option is available if you’re placing an order

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1985 HD44780 Controller Data Book - crystalfontz.com

A Look Back in Tech History: The HD44780 Controller Data Sheet

Sherman, set the wayback machine to 1985: We are going to take a look at the original HD44780 Data Sheet. Some time back, we wrote about the legendary HD44780 controller, to which the modern character LCD industry owes much of its existence. Having been in the business of designing embedded electronics for some time, we

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