16x1 Character LCD FSTN Transflective - MCU
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16x1 Character LCD FSTN Transflective - MCU
- 💹 Enjoy a 20% discount for orders over 500
- 📉 A 15% discount is available for orders ranging from 200 to 499
- 🎁 A 10% discount is available for orders ranging from 50 to 199
- 🎁 A 5% discount is available when ordering 10-49
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16×1 Character LCD FSTN Transflective – MCU
DM-LCD1601-412 is a 16-character × 1-line FSTN positive transflective LCD module for embedded products that need simple alphanumeric output and straightforward MCU connection. Built around the ST7066U controller, it supports a 6800-series MPU parallel interface in either 8-bit or 4-bit mode.
The module uses a 5V logic supply, an 80.0 × 36.0 × 13.5 mm MAX mechanical outline, and a 6:00 viewing direction. Its white LED backlight helps maintain visibility in low-light conditions; the specified LED current should be included separately when calculating total system power.
Verified Technical Specifications
The table below keeps the key model-level values from the DM-LCD1601-412 datasheet for display selection, mechanical layout, interface review, and sample evaluation. The related DM-LCD1601-411 variant should not be used as the source for this FSTN white-backlight specification.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | DM-LCD1601-412 |
| Display Format | 16 characters × 1 line |
| Display Mode | FSTN Positive, Transflective |
| Module Dimension | 80.0 × 36.0 × 13.5 mm (MAX) |
| Controller IC | ST7066U |
| Interface | 6800 Series MPU Parallel Interface (4-bit or 8-bit mode) |
| Power Supply (VDD) | 5.0V typical (4.5V to 5.5V range) |
| Digital Operation Current (IDD) | 1.2 mA typical (1.0 to 1.5 mA) at VDD = 5.0V |
| View Direction | 6:00 |
| Duty | 1/16 |
| Backlight | White LED, 4.1V typical (3.9 to 4.3V), 130 mA typical (117 to 156 mA) |
| Input Voltage Low (VIL) | VSS to 0.6V |
| Input Voltage High (VIH) | 0.7 × VDD to VDD |
| Contrast Ratio | 5 (Typ) |
| Response Time | 300 ms (Typ), 400 ms (Max) at 25°C |
| Luminance (without LCD) | 500 cd/m² (Typ), 400 cd/m² (Min) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to +80°C |
| Weight | 34.2 g |
FSTN Transflective Display Technology
These design points explain how the DM-LCD1601-412 is normally integrated into compact embedded character-display applications.
FSTN Positive Transflective Mode
The Film Super-Twisted Nematic (FSTN) positive transflective display is designed to use both reflected ambient light and transmitted LED backlight. This makes the module suitable for products that need character readability across changing lighting conditions without changing the LCD type.
Built-in Character Generator ROM
The ST7066U controller includes built-in character generator ROM and CGRAM for custom characters. Although the visible format is 16 characters × 1 line, this module uses 1/16 duty and should be initialized internally as 2-line / 5 × 8 operation.
6:00 View Direction with 1/16 Duty
The module is specified with a 6:00 viewing direction and 1/16 duty drive. The listed viewing angles are 30° top, 60° bottom, 45° left, and 45° right, which should be checked against the final mounting orientation during enclosure design.
Optical and Electrical Performance
Use the values below for brightness planning, timing margin review, and power budgeting. Note that the listed 1.2 mA IDD is the logic current only; the LED backlight current is specified separately.
Pin Configuration and Interface Details
The module uses a 16-pin 6800-series MPU parallel interface. Verify the pin assignment, contrast pin, backlight polarity, and logic thresholds before PCB layout or cable design.
| Pin | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VSS | Ground |
| 2 | VDD | Supply voltage for logic |
| 3 | VO | Operating voltage for LCD (variable, contrast adjustment) |
| 4 | RS | H: Data, L: Instruction code |
| 5 | R/W | H: Read, L: Write |
| 6 | E | Chip enable signal |
| 7 | DB0 | Data bit 0 |
| 8 | DB1 | Data bit 1 |
| 9 | DB2 | Data bit 2 |
| 10 | DB3 | Data bit 3 |
| 11 | DB4 | Data bit 4 |
| 12 | DB5 | Data bit 5 |
| 13 | DB6 | Data bit 6 |
| 14 | DB7 | Data bit 7 |
| 15 | A | Backlight supply (+) |
| 16 | K | Backlight supply (–) |
6800 MPU Interface
Bus modes: 8-bit or 4-bit parallel (selectable via Function Set instruction, DL bit)
Control signals: RS (register select), R/W (read/write), E (enable)
Data bus: DB0–DB7 (DB4–DB7 used in 4-bit mode)
Initialization: Follow the instruction-based initialization sequence in the datasheet for 8-bit or 4-bit mode (fosc = 270 kHz). For the DM-LCD1601-412, use the 2-line / 5 × 8 configuration required by the module's 1/16 duty drive.
Timing Parameters (Write)
Enable cycle time: 1200 ns min
Enable pulse width: 140 ns min
Address setup time: 0 ns min
Address hold time: 10 ns min
Data setup time: 40 ns min
Data hold time: 10 ns min
Enable rise/fall time: 25 ns max
Industry Applications
The DM-LCD1601-412 is suitable for embedded systems that need a compact character display, 5V logic operation, and a familiar 6800-series MPU parallel interface.
Industrial Control
Control panels, meters, test fixtures, and sensor displays that require simple alphanumeric status output within the specified -20°C to +70°C operating range.
Portable Instruments
Portable test, diagnostic, and monitoring instruments where compact character output and a standard MCU interface are required. The logic current is 1.2 mA typical; include the LED backlight current in the total power budget.
Consumer Electronics
Home appliances, POS terminals, and embedded instruments that benefit from ST7066U-compatible character LCD commands and 4-bit or 8-bit parallel bus options.
Reliability Test Conditions
The following conditions are datasheet reliability test references for engineering review. They should be treated as test conditions rather than broad certification claims. Function tests are conducted after 4 hours of storage at normal temperature and humidity following removal from the test chamber.
* High temperature/humidity operation is specified as a no-load condition excluding the polarizer. Function testing is conducted after 4 hours of storage at normal temperature and humidity after removal from the test chamber. Reliability entries are test conditions, not standalone certification claims.
Engineering Notes
Review the following items before PCB layout, firmware initialization, sample evaluation, and product integration. Confirm final implementation details with the datasheet and the DisplayModule engineering team.
Contrast Adjustment
The VO pin (pin 3) is used for LCD contrast adjustment. A variable contrast circuit is shown in the datasheet block diagram; confirm the optimal VO setting during sample evaluation because contrast depends on the final viewing condition and operating temperature.
Interface Mode Selection
The module supports 8-bit and 4-bit MPU interface modes selected through the Function Set instruction (DL bit). In 4-bit mode, data is transferred in two nibbles through DB4–DB7. Review the initialization sequence and timing margins for the chosen bus mode.
Backlight Drive
The white LED backlight is connected through pins 15 (A, anode) and 16 (K, cathode). The datasheet specifies 4.1V typical (3.9 to 4.3V) and 130 mA typical current (117 to 156 mA), so the LED driver or current-limiting design should be verified separately from the 5V logic supply.
Initialization Sequence
Follow the instruction-based initialization sequence specified in the datasheet for 8-bit or 4-bit mode (fosc = 270 kHz). For this 1/16-duty module, set the controller for 2-line / 5 × 8 operation during Function Set. Check the busy flag (BF), or provide the required delay margin, before sending subsequent instructions.
View Direction and Mounting
The module is specified with a 6:00 view direction. Confirm the mounting orientation in the product enclosure so the user views the display from the intended angle.
Sample and Volume
Contact DisplayModule for sample availability, lead time, MOQ, packing method, and customization scope before committing to a project timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What controller IC does the module use?
The DM-LCD1601-412 uses the ST7066U controller IC, supporting a 6800-series MPU parallel interface in 8-bit or 4-bit mode with built-in character generator ROM.
What interface modes are supported?
The module supports 8-bit and 4-bit 6800-series MPU parallel interface modes, selected through the Function Set instruction (DL bit). In 4-bit mode, data is transferred through DB4 to DB7 in two steps.
What is the power supply requirement?
The logic supply voltage (VDD) is 5.0V typical, with an operating range of 4.5V to 5.5V. The typical digital operation current is 1.2 mA at VDD = 5.0V. When the backlight is enabled, add the specified 4.1V typical, 130 mA LED backlight load to the total power budget.
What is the display format?
The visible display format is 16 characters × 1 line. Internally, the module uses 1/16 duty and 2-line addressing: character positions 1–8 use DDRAM addresses 00H–07H, while positions 9–16 use 40H–47H. Use the 5 × 8 font configuration for this module.
What is the operating temperature range?
The operating temperature range is -20°C to +70°C, and the storage temperature range is -30°C to +80°C. Review the reliability table for the exact test conditions before using these values in qualification documents.
How can I get technical support or samples?
The module datasheet and ST7066U controller documentation are available below. For samples, lead time, MOQ, packing method, and customization options, contact the DisplayModule engineering team.
Download Official Datasheet
Download the DM-LCD1601-412 datasheet for electrical characteristics, optical data, timing parameters, pin descriptions, instruction tables, initialization sequences, font information, reliability conditions, and mechanical drawings. The DM-LCD1601-411 datasheet is included only as a related STN yellow-green variant reference; it is not the same FSTN white-backlight specification as the DM-LCD1601-412. The ST7066U controller documentation provides additional command and interface details.