Frequently Asked Questions Archives

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

July 18, 2017January 3, 2017

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

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

July 18, 2017December 7, 2016

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

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

FAQ: What Is ISO 9001:2008 Certification?

November 29, 2016November 29, 2016

Crystalfontz Production Line - static guards

What is involved in ISO certification (and annual recertification) and what does it mean for a company to be ISO certified? This post takes a deeper look at everything involved in ISO certification for our LCD electronics-based company.

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

January 6, 2023October 31, 2016

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

New: US Postal Shipping Options for Domestic LCD Sample Shipments

February 28, 2018October 17, 2016

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 … Read more New: US Postal Shipping Options for Domestic LCD Sample Shipments

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

July 18, 2017September 22, 2016

1985 HD44780 Controller Data Book - crystalfontz.com

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

FAQ: LCDs for Servers

July 18, 2017September 8, 2016

Question from our tech forum: I’m looking to put LCDs on my new servers, which are pretty significantly complex even before you get into the software on them. This customer had a complex set of requirements for LCDs to be used in a server set up. Summary: Need to drive four LEDs, and need 14 … Read more FAQ: LCDs for Servers

FAQ: Where can I purchase Transparent or Flexible OLEDs?

May 2, 2019September 2, 2016

Crystalfontz 160x32 Flexible OLED Display

The proliferation of cell phones over the last two decades has dramatically impacted the embedded display market. Update to this blog post: Crystalfontz now carries a selection of flexible and transparent displays. Crystalfontz 128×56 Transparent OLED Related blog post: Crystalfontz Transparent Displays Crystalfontz 160×32 flexible OLED display Crystalfontz 2.13″ Flexible ePaper Display Flexible ePaper Development Kit The … Read more FAQ: Where can I purchase Transparent or Flexible OLEDs?

FAQ: Are Crystalfontz LCD Modules Waterproof?

July 18, 2017August 26, 2016

Waterproof Housing for the Crystalfontz 633 Keypad Module

This is a frequent question for our tech team: What displays (if any) are waterproof? Answer: It’s complicated. It is technically possible, but not without some work to ensure the water stays out. The display itself is sealed, but not sealed in a way that would be friendly to submerging it in a liquid. The polarizer … Read more FAQ: Are Crystalfontz LCD Modules Waterproof?

RAM, ROM, GROM….What Do These Terms Mean?

July 18, 2017August 12, 2016

Acronyms are easily recognizable and a quick shorthand when reading technical documents. But they can also be confusing when they are similar in appearance and what they represent. Memory and Character Generators New additions to the Crystalfontz Glossary: RAM, ROM, DDRAM, CGRAM, and CGROM. These glossary entries outline what these acronyms stand for and how … Read more RAM, ROM, GROM….What Do These Terms Mean?

A Quick ePaper Primer

July 18, 2017August 1, 2016

Did you know that ePaper modules emulate ink used for paper? Check out the meaning of the glossary term electrophoresis and how it relates to ePaper module displays. Need ePaper for Your Project? For assistance in determining what ePaper module is the best one for your application, please contact our knowledgeable and friendly support staff by email, phone, or … Read more A Quick ePaper Primer