Character LCD Modules
HD44780-compatible character LCD modules in standard and custom configurations, with LED backlight options and wide temperature variants.
Product Overview
Character LCD modules are among the most widely used display technologies in embedded systems — valued for their simplicity, reliability, and low cost of integration. Relialink manufactures a comprehensive range of character LCD modules compatible with the industry-standard HD44780 controller, making them directly interchangeable with existing designs and easy to program on virtually any microcontroller platform.
Our character LCD lineup covers the most common configurations in use today: 16x2 (16 characters, 2 rows), 20x4 (20 characters, 4 rows), 40x2, and 40x4, as well as less common sizes available on request. Display types include STN (standard), FSTN (film-compensated, for sharper black-and-white appearance), and VA (high contrast). All modules are available with LED backlights in a choice of colors — white, yellow-green, blue, and amber — with brightness customization available for specialized applications.
For applications requiring wide operating temperature performance, we offer industrial-grade variants rated from -20°C to +70°C and extended-range models rated from -40°C to +85°C, suitable for outdoor equipment, automotive accessories, and industrial instrumentation. Parallel (4-bit and 8-bit), SPI, and I2C interface options are available to suit different system architectures.
Relialink's character LCD modules are used in industrial equipment control panels, medical device user interfaces, HVAC systems, laboratory instruments, consumer appliances, and many other applications where clear, reliable text display is required. All modules are RoHS compliant and manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management.
Key Features
HD44780 Compatible
Direct drop-in replacement for the most widely supported character LCD controller; supported by virtually every microcontroller and single-board computer platform.
Multiple Display Types
STN, FSTN, and VA options for different contrast and aesthetic requirements.
Wide Interface Support
Parallel (4-bit and 8-bit MCU bus), SPI, and I2C — simplifying integration at any system complexity level.
LED Backlight Colors
White, yellow-green, blue, amber — with PWM dimming support for adjustable brightness.
Wide Temperature Options
Standard (0°C to +50°C), industrial (-20°C to +70°C), extended (-40°C to +85°C) — all variants in catalog.
Specifications
| Display Type | STN, FSTN, VA |
| Character Configuration | 8x1, 16x1, 16x2, 20x2, 20x4, 40x2, 40x4 |
| Character Font | 5x8 dots, 5x11 dots |
| Interface | 4-bit Parallel, 8-bit Parallel, SPI, I2C |
| Controller | HD44780 compatible (built-in) |
| Backlight Color | White, Yellow-Green, Blue, Amber, Red |
| Viewing Direction | 6 o'clock, 12 o'clock |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C / -20°C to +70°C / -40°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to +80°C (standard) |
| Supply Voltage | 5V (standard), 3.3V available |
| Compliance | RoHS, CE |
Applications
Industrial Control Panels
Character LCDs are widely used in PLCs, motor drives, and process controllers for displaying operating parameters, status messages, and alarm information. Their high reliability and wide temperature options suit industrial environments.
Medical Devices
Infusion pumps, CPAP machines, and diagnostic equipment use character LCDs for clear, simple user interfaces. Our medical-grade variants offer long-term supply commitments and quality documentation for regulatory support.
HVAC & Building Controls
Thermostats, air handling units, and building management terminals benefit from character LCD's simplicity and low power consumption for always-on display applications.
Consumer Electronics
Kitchen appliances, audio equipment, and home energy monitors use character LCDs for cost-effective, easy-to-read displays.
Laboratory Instruments
Balances, pH meters, and calibration equipment use character LCDs for numeric readouts and status indication.
Embedded Development
Character LCD modules are a staple of prototyping and embedded system development, compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and virtually every embedded platform.
Optional Configurations
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your character LCD modules compatible with HD44780-based libraries?
Yes. All Relialink character LCD modules use controllers fully compatible with the HD44780 instruction set. Standard Arduino LiquidCrystal library, STM32 HAL drivers, and Python libraries (e.g., RPLCD for Raspberry Pi) work without modification.
Can I get a 3.3V version?
Yes. 3.3V operation is available on most character LCD models. Please specify 3.3V when requesting a quotation or sample, as the standard catalog version operates at 5V.
Ready to Order or Evaluate?
Sample units available with 1-2 week delivery. MOQ 100 units for production orders. Contact our sales team for a quotation within 24 hours.