Arduino LCDs

While in theory an Arduino can run any LCD, we believe that some LCDs are particularly suited to being an Arduino LCD display. We've currated this list of LCD displays that will make any Arduino-based project shine.

There are a few factors that make these LCD screens best for an Arduino.

First is the interface. All of these displays support SPI. Builders often ask themselves (or us) "which interface uses the fewest GPIO pins? AND is that interface fast enough to update the screen at an acceptable rate for my application?" When using the relatively small procesor of the Arduino, SPI is usually the best interface because it takes few wires (either 3 or 4) however it does limit the overall size (number of pixels) that can be quickly controlled. I2C is another choice of interface to leave GPIOs open. We tend to recommend SPI over I2C for Arduino displays because SPI is quicker and better at handling more complex data transfer, like pulling image data from an SD card.

Which brings us to the second factor in choosing an Arduino display: the number of pixels. We typically recommend a display with a resolution of 320x240 or less for use with Arduino. Take for example a 320x240 24-bit display. Such a display takes 230,400 bytes *(8 + 2) = 2,304,000 bits for a single frame. Divide that by 8,000,000 (Arduino SPI speed of 8MHZ) = 0.288 seconds per frame or 3.5 frames per second. 3.5 fps is fast enough for many applications, but is not particularly quick. Using fewer bits-per-pixel or a display with fewer pixels will result in higher frame rates. Use the calculator below to calculate the frame rate for a display using SPI with an Arduino.

Third, we want to recommend displays that are easy to connect to an Arduino. Each of these displays has a ZIF tail or easily solderable throughholes, so no fine pitch soldering is needed. These displays can either be brought up on the CFA10102 generic breakout board, or with a custom CFA breakout board.

Finally, we selected displays where the high panel voltage can either be supplied by the Arduino itself or by a compatible breakout board.

Arduino / SPI Frame Rate Calculator

Estimate the maximum SPI frame rate of a display by using this calculator.

SPI clock speed: Mhz (Arduino UNOs are 8Mhz)
Resolution: * = # of pixels

Monochrome Display: Bytes = # of pixels / 8
Grayscale: Bytes = # of pixels
TFT (16-bit): Bytes = # of pixels * 2
TFT (24-bit): Bytes = # of pixels * 3
Bytes * 10 = bits (assuming 20 % overhead)

The Best TFT Displays for an Arduino

The Best Graphic LCDs for an Arduino

The Best Character LCDs for an Arduino

Most character displays can be run via Parallel connection to an Arduino. You'll want to make sure you can supply enough current to operate the backlight.