Handson Technology

User Guide

I2C Serial Interface 20x4 LCD Module

This is I2C interface 20x4 LCD display module, a new high-quality 4 line 20 character LCD module with on-board
contrast control adjustment, backlight and I2C communication interface. For Arduino beginners, no more cumbersome
and complex LCD driver circuit connection. The real significance advantages of this I2C Serial LCD module will
simplify the circuit connection, save some I/O pins on Arduino board, simplified firmware development with widely
available Arduino library.

SKU: DSP-1165
Brief Data:
 Compatible with Arduino Board or other controller board with I2C bus.
 Display Type: Black on yellow green backlight.
 I2C Address:0x38-0x3F (0x3F default)
 Supply voltage: 5V
 Interface: I2C to 4bits LCD data and control lines.
 Contrast Adjustment : built-in Potentiometer.
 Backlight Control: Firmware or jumper wire.
 Board Size: 98x60 mm.

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Setting Up:
Hitachi’s HD44780 based character LCD are very cheap and widely available, and is an essential part for any project
that displays information. Using the LCD piggy-back board, desired data can be displayed on the LCD through the
I2C bus. In principle, such backpacks are built around PCF8574 (from NXP) which is a general purpose bidirectional
8 bit I/O port expander that uses the I2C protocol. The PCF8574 is a silicon CMOS circuit provides general purpose
remote I/O expansion (an 8-bit quasi-bidirectional) for most microcontroller families via the two-line bidirectional bus
(I2C-bus). Note that most piggy-back modules are centered around PCF8574T (SO16 package of PCF8574 in DIP16
package) with a default slave address of 0x27. If your piggy-back board holds a PCF8574AT chip, then the default
slave address will change to 0x3F. In short, if the piggy-back board is based on PCF8574T and the address
connections (A0-A1-A2) are not bridged with solder it will have the slave address 0x27.

Address selection pads in the I2C-to-LCD piggy-back board.

Address Setting of PCD8574A (extract from PCF8574A data specs).

Note: When the pad A0~A2 is open, the pin is pull up to VDD. When the pin is solder shorted, it is pull down to
VSS.
The default setting of this module is A0~A2 all open, so is pull up to VDD. The address is 3Fh in this case.
Reference circuit diagram of an Arduino-compatible LCD backpack is shown below. What follows next is information
on how to use one of these inexpensive backpacks to interface with a microcontroller in ways it was exactly intended.

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Reference circuit diagram of the I2C-to-LCD piggy-back board.

I2C LCD Display.

At first you need to solder the I2C-to-LCD piggy-back board to the 16-pins LCD module. Ensure that the I2C-to-LCD
piggy-back board pins are straight and fit in the LCD module, then solder in the first pin while keeping the I2C-to-
LCD piggy-back board in the same plane with the LCD module. Once you have finished the soldering work, get four
jumper wires and connect the LCD module to your Arduino as per the instruction given below.

LCD display to Arduino wiring.

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Arduino Setup
For this experiment it is necessary to download and install the “Arduino I2C LCD” library. First of all, rename the
existing “LiquidCrystal” library folder in your Arduino libraries folder as a backup, and proceed to the rest of the
process.
https://bitbucket.org/fmalpartida/new-liquidcrystal/downloads

Next, copy-paste this example sketch Listing-1 for the experiment into the blank code window, verify, and then
upload.
Arduino Sketch Listing-1:
/*==========================================================================
// Author : Handson Technology
// Project : I2C to LCD with Arduino Uno
// Description : LCD with I2C Interface.
// LiquidCrystal Library - I2C Serial to LCD
// Source-Code : I2C_LCD.ino
//==========================================================================
*/

/*-----( Import needed libraries )-----*/

#include <Wire.h> // Comes with Arduino IDE
// Get the LCD I2C Library here:
// https://bitbucket.org/fmalpartida/new-liquidcrystal/downloads
// Move any other LCD libraries to another folder or delete them
// See Library "Docs" folder for possible commands etc.

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
/*-----( Declare Constants )-----*/
// set the LCD address to 0x3F for PCF8574AT with A0,A1,A0 address line open, default
setting.
// Set the pins on the I2C chip used for LCD connections:
// (addr, en,rw,rs,d4,d5,d6,d7,bl,blpol)
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x3F, 2, 1, 0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 3, POSITIVE); // Set the LCD I2C
address

/*-----( Declare Variables )-----*/

void setup() /*----( SETUP: RUNS ONCE )----*/

{
Serial.begin(9600); // Used to type in characters

lcd.begin(20,4); // initialize the lcd for 20 chars 4 lines, turn on

backlight

// ------- Quick 3 blinks of backlight -------------

for(int i = 0; i< 3; i++)
{
lcd.backlight();
delay(250);
lcd.noBacklight();
delay(250);
}
lcd.backlight(); // finish with backlight on

//-------- Write characters on the display ------------------

// NOTE: Cursor Position: Lines and Characters start at 0
lcd.setCursor(3,0); //Start at character 4 on line 0
lcd.print("Hello, world!");
delay(1000);
lcd.setCursor(2,1);
lcd.print("From Handsontec ");

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 delay(1000);
lcd.setCursor(0,2);
lcd.print("20 by 4 Line Display");
lcd.setCursor(0,3);
delay(2000);
lcd.print(" www.handsontec.com ");
delay(8000);
// Wait and then tell user they can start the Serial Monitor and type in characters
to
// Display. (Set Serial Monitor option to "No Line Ending")
lcd.setCursor(0,0); //Start at character 0 on line 0
lcd.print("Start Serial Monitor");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Type char to display");

}/*--(end setup )---*/

void loop() /*----( LOOP: RUNS CONSTANTLY )----*/

{
{
// when characters arrive over the serial port...
if (Serial.available()) {
// wait a bit for the entire message to arrive
delay(100);
// clear the screen
lcd.clear();
// read all the available characters
while (Serial.available() > 0) {
// display each character to the LCD
lcd.write(Serial.read());
}
}
}

}/* --(end main loop )-- */

/* ( THE END ) */

If you are 100% sure that everything is okay, but you don’t see any characters on the display, try to adjust the contrast
control pot of the backpack and set it a position where the characters are bright and the background does not have dirty
boxes behind the characters. Following is a partial view of author’s experiment with the above described code with
20x4 display module. Since the display used by the author is a very clear bright “black on yellow” type, it is very
difficult to get a good catch due to polarization effects.

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This sketch will also display character send from serial Monitor:
In Arduino IDE, go to “Tools” > “Serial Monitor”. Set the correct baud rate at 9600. Type the character on the top
empty space and hit “SEND”.

The string of character will be displayed on the LCD module.

Resources:
 Handson Technology
 Lelong.com.my

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 Handsontec. com

HandsOn Technology provides a multimedia and interactive platform for

everyone interested in electronics. From beginner to diehard, from student
to lecturer. Information, education, inspiration and entertainment. Analog
and digital, practical and theoretical; software and hardware.

HandsOn Technology support Open Source Hardware (OSHW)

Development Platform.

Learn : Design : Share

www.handsontec.com

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The Face behind our product quality…
In a world of constant change and continuous technological development, a new or replacement
product is never far away – and they all need to be tested.
Many vendors simply import and sell wihtout checks and this cannot be the ultimate interests of
anyone, particularly the customer. Every part sell on Handsotec is fully tested. So when buying from
Handsontec products range, you can be confident you’re getting outstanding quality and value.

We keep adding the new parts so that you can get rolling on your next project.

Breakout Boards & Modules Connectors Electro-Mechanical Parts

P
Engineering Material Mechanical Hardware Electronics Components

Power Supply Arduino Board & Shield Tools & Accessory

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GDM2004D-FL-YBW SPECIFICATIONS OF
LCD MODULE

1.Features
1. 5x8 dots with cursor
2. STN(Yellow-Green), Positive, Transflective
3. 1/16 duty cycle
4. Viewing direction: 6:00 o’clock
5. Built-in controller (S6A0069 or equivalent)
6. +5V power supply
7. Yellow-Green LED BKL ,to be driven by A, K

2.Outline dimension

Unit: mm
3.Absolute maximum ratings
Item Symbol Standard Unit
Power voltage VDD-VSS 0 - 7.0
V
Input voltage Vin VSS - VDD
Operating temperature range Top -20 - +70
℃
Storage temperature range Tst -30 - +80
GDM2004D-FL-YBW

4.Block diagram

5.Interface pin description

External
Pin no. Symbol Function
connection
1 VSS Signal ground for LCM (GND)
2 VDD Power supply Power supply for logic (+5V) for LCM
3 V0 Contrast adjust
4 RS MPU Register select signal
5 R/W MPU Read/write select signal
6 E MPU Operation (data read/write) enable signal
Four low order bi-directional three-state data bus lines.
7~10 DB0~DB3 MPU Used for data transfer between the MPU and the LCM.
These four are not used during 4-bit operation.
Four high order bi-directional three-state data bus lines.
11~14 DB4~DB7 MPU
Used for data transfer between the MPU
15 A(LED+) LED BKL power Power supply for BKL(Anode)
16 K(LED-) Supply Power supply for BKL (GND)

6.Contrast adjust

VDD~V0: LCD Driving voltage

VR: 10k~20k

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7.Optical characteristics

θ1 φ1 φ2
θ2
12:00

9:00 3:00

6:00
STN type display module (Ta=25℃, VDD=5.0V)
Item Symbol Condition Min. Typ. Max. Unit
θ1 20
θ2 40
Viewing angle Cr≥3 deg
Φ1 35
Φ2 35
Contrast ratio Cr - 10 - -
Response time (rise) Tr - - 200 250
ms
Response time (fall) Tr - - 300 350
8.Electrical characteristics
Backlight circuit diagram(light 12X4)

COLOUR: YELLOW-GREEN
LED RATINGS
ITEM SYMBOL MIN TYP. MAX UNIT
FORWARD VOLTAGE VF 4.0 4.2 4.4 V
FORWARD CURRENT IF - 240 - MA
POWER P - 1.0 - W
PEAK WAVE LENGTH ΛP 569 571 573 NM
LUMINANCE LV - 340 - CD/M2
Operating temperature range Vop -20 - +70
℃
Storage temperature range Vst -25 - +80

DC characteristics
Parameter Symbol Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Unit
Supply voltage for LCD VDD-V0 Ta =25℃ - 4.5 - V
Input voltage VDD 4.7 5.0 5.5
Supply current IDD Ta=25℃, VDD=5.0V - 1.5 2.5 mA
Input leakage current ILKG - - 1.0 uA
“H” level input voltage VIH 2.2 - VDD V
“L” level input voltage VIL Twice initial value or less 0 - 0.6
“H” level output voltage VOH LOH=-0.25mA 2.4 - -
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“L” level output voltage VOL LOH=1.6mA - - 0.4
Backlight supply current IF VDD=5.0V,R=6.8Ω - 240 -
Write cycle (Ta=25℃, VDD=5.0V)
Parameter Symbol Test pin Min. Typ. Max. Unit
Enable cycle time tc 500 - -
Enable pulse width tw E 230 - -
Enable rise/fall time tr, tf - - 20
RS; R/W setup time tsu1 40 - - ns
RS; R/W
RS; R/W address hold time th1 10 - -
Data output delay tsu2 80 - -
DB0~DB7
Data hold time th2 10 - -
Write mode timing diagram

Read cycle (Ta=25℃, VDD=5.0V)

Parameter Symbol Test pin Min. Typ. Max. Unit
Enable cycle time tc 500 - -
Enable pulse width tw E 230 - -
Enable rise/fall time tr, tf - - 20
RS; R/W setup time tsu 40 - - ns
RS; R/W
RS; R/W address hold time th 10 - -
Data output delay td - - 120
DB0~DB7
Data hold time tdh 5 - -

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Read mode timing diagram

9. FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
System Interface
This chip has all two kinds of interface type with MPU : 4-bit bus and 8-bit bus. 4-bit bus and 8-bit bus is
selected by DL bit in the instruction register.
Busy Flag (BF)
When BF = "High", it indicates that the internal operation is being processed. So during this time the next
instruction cannot be accepted. BF can be read, when RS = Low and R/W = High (Read Instruction Operation),
through DB7 port. Before executing the next instruction, be sure that BF is not high.

Address Counter (AC)

Address Counter (AC) stores DDRAM/CGRAM address, transferred from IR. After writing into (reading from)
DDRAM/CGRAM, AC is automatically increased (decreased) by 1. When RS = "Low" and R/W = "High", AC
can be read through DB0 - DB6 ports.
Display Data RAM (DDRAM)
DDRAM stores display data of maximum 80 x 8 bits (80 characters). DDRAM address is set in the address
counter (AC) as a hexadecimal number.
Display position
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10 11 12 13
40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E 4F 50 51 52 53
14 15 16 17 18 19 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
54 55 56 57 58 59 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67
DDRAM address

CGROM (Character Generator ROM)

CGROM has a 5 x 8 dots 204 characters pattern and a 5 x 10 dots 32 characters pattern. CGROM has
204 character patterns of 5 x 8 dots.
CGRAM (Character Generator RAM)
CGRAM has up to 5 × 8 dot, 8 characters. By writing font data to CGRAM, user defined characters can be
used.

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Relationship between CGRAM Addresses, Character Codes (DDRAM) and Character patterns (CGRAM Data)
Notes:
1. Character code bits 0 to 2 correspond to CGRAM address bits 3 to 5 (3 bits: 8 types).
2. CGRAM address bits 0 to 2 designate the character pattern line position. The 8th line is the cursor position
and its display is formed by a logical OR with the cursor. Maintain the 8th line data, corresponding to the cursor
display position, at 0 as the cursor display. If the 8th line data is 1, 1 bit will light up the 8th line regardless of
the cursor presence.
3. Character pattern row positions correspond to CGRAM data bits 0 to 4 (bit 4 being at the left).
4. As shown Table, CGRAM character patterns are selected when character code bits 4 to 7 are all 0. However,
since character code bit 3 has no effect, the R display example above can be selected by either character code
00H or 08H.
5. 1 for CGRAM data corresponds to display selection and 0 to non-selection.
“-“: Indicates no effect.

Cursor/Blink Control Circuit

It controls cursor/blink ON/OFF at cursor position.

10.Instruction description
Outline
To overcome the speed difference between the internal clock of S6A0069 and the MPU clock, S6A0069
performs internal operations by storing control in formations to IR or DR. The internal operation is determined
according to the signal from MPU, composed of read/write and data bus (Refer to Table7).
Instructions can be divided largely into four groups:
1) S6A0069 function set instructions (set display methods, set data length, etc.)
2) Address set instructions to internal RAM
3) Data transfer instructions with internal RAM
4) Others
The address of the internal RAM is automatically increased or decreased by 1.

Note: during internal operation, busy flag (DB7) is read “High”.

Busy flag check must be preceded by the next instruction.
Instruction Table
Instruction Instruction code Description Execution
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DB DB time (fosc=
RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB0
5 1 270 KHZ
Write “20H” to DDRA and set
Clear
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 DDRAM address to “00H” from 1.53ms
Display AC
Set DDRAM address to “00H”
From AC and return cursor to
Return
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - Its original position if shifted. 1.53ms
Home The contents of DDRAM are
not changed.
Entry mode Assign cursor moving direction
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 I/D SH And blinking of entire display 39us
Set
Set display (D), cursor (C), and
Display ON/
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 D C B
Blinking of cursor (B) on/off
OFF control Control bit.
Set cursor moving and display
Cursor or Shift control bit, and the
0 0 0 0 0 1 S/C R/L - - Direction, without changing of
39us
Display shift
DDRAM data.
Set interface data length (DL:
8-
Function
0 0 0 0 1 DL N F - - Bit/4-bit), numbers of display 39us
set Line (N: =2-line/1-line) and,
Display font type (F: 5x11/5x8)
Set Set CGRAM address in
CGRAM 0 0 0 1 AC5 AC4 AC3 AC2 AC1 AC0 address 39us
Counter.
Address
Set Set DDRAM address in
DDRAM 0 0 1 AC6 AC5 AC4 AC3 AC2 AC1 AC0 address 39us
Counter.
Address
Whether during internal
Read busy Operation or not can be known
Flag and 0 1 BF AC6 AC5 AC4 AC3 AC2 AC1 AC0 By reading BF. The contents of 0us
Address Address counter can also be
read.
Write data Write data into internal RAM
to 1 0 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 (DDRAM/CGRAM). 43us
Address
Read data Read data from internal RAM
1 1 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 (DDRAM/CGRAM). 43us
From RAM

NOTE:
When an MPU program with checking the busy flag (DB7) is made, it must be necessary 1/2fosc is necessary
for executing the next instruction by the falling edge of the “E” signal after the busy flag (DB7) goes to
“Low”.

Contents
1) Clear display

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Clear all the display data by writing “20H” (space code) to all DDRAM address, and set DDRAM address
to “00H” into AC (address counter).
Return cursor to the original status, namely, bring the cursor to the left edge on the fist line of the display.
Make the entry mode increment (I/D=“High”).

2) Return home

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -

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Return home is cursor return home instruction.

Set DDRAM address to “00H” into the address counter.
Return cursor to its original site and return display to its original status, if shifted.
Contents of DDRAM does not change.

3) Entry mode set

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 I/D SH

Set the moving direction of cursor and display.

I/D: increment / decrement of DDRAM address (cursor or blink)

When I/D=“high”, cursor/blink moves to right and DDRAM address is increased by 1.
When I/D=“Low”, cursor/blink moves to left and DDRAM address is increased by 1.
*CGRAM operates the same way as DDRAM, when reading from or writing to CGRAM.
SH: shift of entire display
When DDRAM read (CGRAM read/write) operation or SH=“Low”, shifting of entire display is not performed. If
SH =“High” and DDRAM write operation, shift of entire display is performed according to I/D value. (I/D=“high”.
shift left, I/D=“Low”. Shift right).

4) Display ON/OFF control

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 D C B
Control display/cursor/blink ON/OFF 1 bit register.

D: Display ON/OFF control bit

When D=“High”, entire display is turned on.
When D=“Low”, display is turned off, but display data remains in DDRAM.

C: cursor ON/OFF control bit

When D=“High”, cursor is turned on.
When D=“Low”, cursor is disappeared in current display, but I/D register preserves its data.

B: Cursor blink ON/OFF control bit

When B=“High”, cursor blink is on, which performs alternately between all the “High” data and display
characters at the cursor position.
When B=“Low”, blink is off.

5) Cursor or display shift

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 0 0 1 S/C R/L - -

Shifting of right/left cursor position or display without writing or reading of display data.
This instruction is used to correct or search display data.
During 2-line mode display, cursor moves to the 2nd line after the 40th digit of the 1st line.
Note that display shift is performed simultaneously in all the lines.
When display data is shifted repeatedly, each line is shifted individually.
When display shift is performed, the contents of the address counter are not changed.

Shift patterns according to S/C and R/L bits

S/C R/L Operation

0 0 Shift cursor to the left, AC is decreased by 1
0 1 Shift cursor to the right, AC is increased by 1
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GDM2004D-FL-YBW
1 0 Shift all the display to the left, cursor moves according to the display
1 1 Shift all the display to the right, cursor moves according to the display

6) Function set

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 0 1 DL N F - -

DL: Interface data length control bit

When DL=“High”, it means 8-bit bus mode with MPU.
When DL=“Low”, it means 4-bit bus mode with MPU. Hence, DL is a signal to select 8-bit or 4-bit bus mode.
When 4-but bus mode, it needs to transfer 4-bit data twice.
N: Display line number control bit
When N=“Low”, 1-line display mode is set.
When N=“High”, 2-line display mode is set.
F: Display line number control bit
When F=“Low”, 5x8 dots format display mode is set.
When F=“High”, 5x11 dots format display mode.

7) Set CGRAM address

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 0 1 AC5 AC4 AC3 AC2 AC1 AC0

Set CGRAM address to AC.

The instruction makes CGRAM data available from MPU.

8) Set DDRAM address

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 0 1 AC6 AC5 AC4 AC3 AC2 AC1 AC0

Set DDRAM address to AC.

This instruction makes DDRAM data available form MPU.
When 1-line display mode (N=LOW), DDRAM address is form “00H” to “4FH”.In 2-line display mode (N=High),
DDRAM address in the 1st line form “00H” to “27H”, and DDRAM address in the 2nd line is from “40H” to
“67H”.
9) Read busy flag & address

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

0 1 BF AC6 AC5 AC4 AC3 AC2 AC1 AC0

This instruction shows whether S6A0069 is in internal operation or not.

If the resultant BF is “High”, internal operation is in progress and should wait BF is to be LOW, which by then
the nest instruction can be performed. In this instruction you can also read the value of the address counter.

10) Write data to RAM

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

1 0 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

Write binary 8-bit data to DDRAM/CGRAM.

The selection of RAM from DDRAM, and CGRAM, is set by the previous address set instruction (DDRAM
address set, CGRAM address set).
RAM set instruction can also determine the AC direction to RAM.
After write operation. The address is automatically increased/decreased by 1, according to the entry mode.

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GDM2004D-FL-YBW
11) Read data from RAM

RS R/W DB7 DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 DB1 DB0

1 1 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

Read binary 8-bit data from DDRAM/CGRAM.

The selection of RAM is set by the previous address set instruction. If the address set instruction of RAM
is not performed before this instruction, the data that has been read first is invalid, as the direction of AC is not
yet determined. If RAM data is read several times without RAM address instructions set before, read operation,
the correct RAM data can be obtained from the second. But the first data would be incorrect, as there is no
time margin to transfer RAM data.
In case of DDRAM read operation, cursor shift instruction plays the same role as DDRAM address set
instruction, it also transfers RAM data to output data register.
After read operation, address counter is automatically increased/decreased by 1 according to the entry
mode.
After CGRAM read operation, display shift may not be executed correctly.

NOTE: In case of RAM write operation, AC is increased/decreased by 1 as in read operation.

At this time, AC indicates next address position, but only the previous data can be read by the read
instruction.

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GDM2004D-FL-YBW
Standard character pattern(English/European )

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GDM2004D-FL-YBW

11.Quality Specifications
11.1 Standard of the product appearance test
Manner of appearance test: The inspection should be performed in using 20W x 2 fluorescent lamps.
Distance between LCM and fluorescent lamps should be 100 cm or more. Distance between LCM and
inspector eyes should be 25 cm or more.
Viewing direction for inspection is 35° from vertical against LCM.

LCM

Definition of zone:

A Zone
B Zone

A Zone: Active display area (minimum viewing area).

B Zone: Non-active display area (outside viewing area).

11.2 Specification of quality assurance

AQL inspection standard
Sampling method: GB2828-87, Level II, single sampling
Defect classification (Note: * is not including)

Classify Item Note AQL

Major Display state Short or open circuit 1 0.65
LC leakage
Flickering
No display
Wrong viewing direction
Contrast defect (dim, ghost) 2
Backlight 1,8
Non-display Flat cable or pin reverse 10
Wrong or missing component 11
Minor Display Background color deviation 2 1.0
state Black spot and dust 3
Line defect, Scratch 4
Rainbow 5
Chip 6
Pin hole 7
Protruded 12
Polarizer Bubble and foreign material 3
Soldering Poor connection 9
Wire Poor connection 10
TAB Position, Bonding strength 13

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Note on defect classification

No. Item Criterion

1 Short or open circuit Not allow

LC leakage

Flickering

No display

Wrong viewing direction

Wrong Back-light

2 Contrast defect Refer to approval sample

Background color deviation

3 Point defect, Point Acceptable Qty.

Y
Black spot, dust Size
(including Polarizer) X φ<0.10 Disregard
0.10<φ≤0.15 2
0.15<φ≤0.25 1
φ = (X+Y)/2
φ>0.25 0

Unit：Inch2

4 Line defect,
W
Line Acceptable Qty.
Scratch L W
L --- 0.05>W
3.0>L 0.1>W>0.05 Disregard
2.0>L 0.15≥W>0.1

Unit: mm

5 Rainbow Not more than two color changes across the viewing area.

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No Item Criterion

6 Chip
Acceptable criterion
X Y Z
Remark:
< L /8 0.5mm ≤t/2
X: Length direction
Y: Short direction
Z: Thickness direction
t: Glass thickness
W: Terminal width
L: Glass length Acceptable criterion
X Y X Y Z
≤2 0.5mm ≤t

Acceptable criterion
X Y Z
≤3 ≤2 ≤t
Y shall not reach to ITO

Acceptable criterion
W
Y X Y Z
Disregard ≤0.2 ≤t
Z
X

Y Acceptable criterion
X Y Z
≤5 ≤2 ≤t/3

Z
X

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No. Item Criterion

7 Segment (1) Pin hole

pattern
φ < 0.10mm is acceptable.
W = Segment width
φ = (X+Y)/2 X
X
Point Size Acceptable Qty
Y φ≤1/4W Disregard
Y 1/4W< φ≤1/2W 1
φ＞1/2W 0
W Unit: mm

8 Back-light
(1) The color of backlight should be in match with the
specification.
(2) Not allow flickering
9 Soldering
(1) Not allow heavy dirty and solder ball on PCB.
(The size of dirty refer to point and dust defect)
(2) Over 50% of lead should be soldered on Land.

Lead
Land

50% lead
10 Wire
(1) Copper wire should not be rusted
(2) Not allow crack on copper wire connection.
(3) Not allow reversing the position of the flat cable.
(4) Not allow exposed copper wire inside the flat cable.
11* PCB
(1) Not allow screw rust or damage.
(2) Not allow missing or wrong putting of component.

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No Item Criterion

12 Protruded

W: Terminal Width Acceptable criteria:

W Y ≤ 0.4
Y

13 TAB
1. Position
W
W1
ITO W1≤1/3W
H H1≤1/3H
H1 TAB

2 TAB bonding strength test

F

TAB

P (=F/TAB bonding width) ≥650gf/cm ,(speed rate: 1mm/min)

5pcs per SOA (shipment)

14 Total no. of acceptable

A. Zone
Defect
Maximum 2 minor non-conformities per one unit.
Defect distance: each point to be separated over 10mm

B. Zone
It is acceptable when it is no trouble for quality and assembly in customer’s end
product.

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11.3 Reliability of LCM

Reliability test condition:

Item Condition Time (hrs) Assessment

High temp. Storage 80°C 48

High temp. Operating 70°C 48

No abnormalities
Low temp. Storage -30°C 48
in functions
Low temp. Operating -20°C 48
and appearance
Humidity 40°C/ 90%RH 48

Temp. Cycle 0°C ← 25°C →50°C 10cycles

(30 min ← 5 min → 30min)

Recovery time should be 24 hours minimum. Moreover, functions, performance and appearance shall be free from
remarkable deterioration within 50,000 hours under ordinary operating and storage conditions room temperature
(20+8°C), normal humidity (below 65% RH), and in the area not exposed to direct sun light.

11.4 Precaution for using LCD/LCM

LCD/LCM is assembled and adjusted with a high degree of precision. Do not attempt to make any alteration or modification.
The followings should be noted.

General Precautions:
1. LCD panel is made of glass. Avoid excessive mechanical shock or applying strong pressure onto the surface of
display area.
2. The polarizer used on the display surface is easily scratched and damaged. Extreme care should be taken when
handling. To clean dust or dirt off the display surface, wipe gently with cotton, or other soft material soaked with
isoproply alcohol, ethyl alcohol or trichlorotriflorothane, do not use water, ketone or aromatics and never scrub hard.
3. Do not tamper in any way with the tabs on the metal frame.
4. Do not make any modification on the PCB without consulting XIAMEM OCULAR
5. When mounting a LCM, make sure that the PCB is not under any stress such as bending or twisting. Elastomer
contacts are very delicate and missing pixels could result from slight dislocation of any of the elements.
6. Avoid pressing on the metal bezel, otherwise the elastomer connector could be deformed and lose contact,
resulting in missing pixels and also cause rainbow on the display.
7. Be careful not to touch or swallow liquid crystal that might leak from a damaged cell. Any liquid crystal spreads
to skin or clothes, wash it off immediately with soap and water.

Static Electricity Precautions:

1. CMOS-LSI is used for the module circuit; therefore operators should be grounded whenever he/she comes into
contact with the module.
2. Do not touch any of the conductive parts such as the LSI pads; the copper leads on the PCB and the interface

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terminals with any parts of the human body.
3. Do not touch the connection terminals of the display with bare hand; it will cause disconnection or defective
insulation of terminals.
4. The modules should be kept in anti-static bags or other containers resistant to static for storage.
5. Only properly grounded soldering irons should be used.
6. If an electric screwdriver is used, it should be grounded and shielded to prevent sparks.
7. The normal static prevention measures should be observed for work clothes and working benches.
8. Since dry air is inductive to static, a relative humidity of 50-60% is recommended.

Soldering Precautions:
1. Soldering should be performed only on the I/O terminals.
2. Use soldering irons with proper grounding and no leakage.
3. Soldering temperature: 280°C+10°C
4. Soldering time: 3 to 4 second.
5. Use eutectic solder with resin flux filling.
6. If flux is used, the LCD surface should be protected to avoid spattering flux.
7. Flux residue should be removed.

Operation Precautions:
1. The viewing angle can be adjusted by varying the LCD driving voltage Vo.
2. Since applied DC voltage causes electro-chemical reactions, which deteriorate the display, the applied pulse
waveform should be a symmetric waveform such that no DC component remains. Be sure to use the specified
operating voltage.
3. Driving voltage should be kept within specified range; excess voltage will shorten display life.
4. Response time increases with decrease in temperature.
5. Display color may be affected at temperatures above its operational range.
6. Keep the temperature within the specified range usage and storage. Excessive temperature and humidity could
cause polarization degradation, polarizer peel-off or generate bubbles.
7. For long-term storage over 40°C is required, the relative humidity should be kept below 60%, and avoid direct
sunlight.

V: B 18/18 2008/06/02