Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module User Manual

1. Introduction

The Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module is a compact, high-resolution display designed for various embedded applications. It features a 240x240 pixel resolution with 65K RGB colors, providing a clear and vibrant visual experience. The module utilizes an SPI interface, minimizing the number of required I/O pins for connection to microcontrollers and single-board computers. It is embedded with the GC9A01 driver and is compatible with popular development boards such as Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano, Arduino, and STM32.

Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module front view showing a colorful watch face interface.

Figure 1: Front view of the Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module displaying a watch face with time, date, steps, distance, and calorie information.

2. Key Features

Resolution: 240x240 pixels, offering clear and detailed visuals.
Color Depth: 65K RGB colors for rich and vibrant display effects.
Interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) for efficient data transfer and reduced pin count.
Driver: Embedded GC9A01 display driver.
Compatibility: Supports various controller boards including Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano, Arduino, and STM32.
Development Resources: Comes with example code and documentation for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and STM32.

Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module with key specifications highlighted: 1.28 inch size, 240x240 resolution, 65K RGB colors, SPI interface, and GC9A01 driver.

Figure 2: Overview of the 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module highlighting its main features and specifications.

3. Package Contents

Upon opening the package, you should find the following items:

1x Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module
1x PH2.0 8PIN 20cm cable

Image showing the package contents: one 1.28inch LCD Module and one PH2.0 8PIN 20cm cable.

Figure 3: Contents included in the product package.

4. Setup and Hardware Connection

This section details the physical connection of the 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module to compatible development boards. The module uses an SPI interface for communication.

4.1 Pinout Description

Back view of the Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module showing the pinout labels: VCC, GND, DIN, CLK, CS, DC, RST, BL.

Figure 4: Back view of the display module showing the 8-pin connector and pin labels.

Pin Label	Description
VCC	Power supply (3.3V / 5V input)
GND	Ground
DIN	SPI data input (MOSI)
CLK	SPI clock input (SCK)
CS	Chip selection, low active
DC	Data/Command selection (high for data, low for command)
RST	Reset, low active
BL	Backlight control

4.2 Connecting with Raspberry Pi

Follow the diagram below to connect the display module to a Raspberry Pi board. Ensure correct pin mapping for VCC, GND, DIN (MOSI), CLK (SCK), CS, DC, RST, and BL.

Wiring diagram showing connection of the 1.28inch LCD module to a Raspberry Pi. VCC to 3.3V, GND to GND, DIN to MOSI, CLK to SCLK, CS to CE0, DC to P25, RST to P24, BL to P18.

Figure 5: Hardware connection diagram for Raspberry Pi.

4.3 Connecting with Arduino Board

Refer to the diagram for connecting the display module to an Arduino board. Pay attention to the specific digital and analog pins used for SPI communication and control signals.

Wiring diagram showing connection of the 1.28inch LCD module to an Arduino board. VCC to 5V, GND to GND, DIN to D11, CLK to D13, CS to D10, DC to D9, RST to D8, BL to D7.

Figure 6: Hardware connection diagram for Arduino.

For other compatible boards like Jetson Nano or STM32, consult the respective board's documentation and the Waveshare product wiki for specific wiring instructions and example code.

5. Operation and Programming

The Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module requires programming to display content. Waveshare provides comprehensive development resources, including example code and libraries, for various platforms.

5.1 Software Setup

Obtain Resources: Visit the official Waveshare product wiki page for the 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module to download the latest development resources, including drivers, libraries, and example code for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and STM32.
Install Libraries: Follow the instructions provided in the downloaded resources to install the necessary libraries for your chosen development environment (e.g., Arduino IDE, Python for Raspberry Pi).
Load Example Code: Open and compile the provided example code to verify the display's functionality and understand basic operations.

5.2 Basic Display Control

The display is controlled via the SPI protocol. Key functions typically include:

Initialization: Sending a sequence of commands to the GC9A01 driver to configure the display.
Drawing Pixels/Shapes: Writing pixel data to the display memory.
Text Display: Using fonts to render text on the screen.
Image Display: Loading and displaying bitmap images.
Backlight Control: Adjusting the brightness of the display backlight via the BL pin.

Refer to the provided example code for detailed implementation of these functions.

6. Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Waveshare 1.28inch Round LCD Display Module, follow these general maintenance guidelines:

Handling: Handle the module by its edges to avoid touching the display surface or electronic components.
Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth, slightly dampened with water or a mild screen cleaner, to gently wipe the display surface. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Storage: Store the module in a dry, dust-free environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Power Supply: Ensure the power supply voltage is within the specified range (3.3V / 5V) to prevent damage.
Static Electricity: Take precautions against electrostatic discharge (ESD) when handling the module, as electronic components are sensitive to static.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your display module, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

No Display/Blank Screen:
- Verify all connections (VCC, GND, DIN, CLK, CS, DC, RST, BL) are secure and correctly wired according to the diagrams.
- Check the power supply to the module and the host board.
- Ensure the backlight (BL) pin is correctly controlled and receiving power.
- Confirm that the initialization code for the GC9A01 driver is correctly executed in your program.
Incorrect or Garbled Display:
- Double-check your SPI communication settings (mode, clock speed).
- Ensure the data format and command sequences sent to the GC9A01 driver match the specifications.
- Verify that the display buffer is being updated correctly in your code.
Slow Refresh Rate:
- SPI communication speed can impact refresh rates. Ensure your host board is configured for the fastest stable SPI clock speed.
- Optimize your drawing routines to minimize the amount of data sent over SPI.
Module Gets Warm:
- Some heat generation is normal, especially with continuous operation. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Verify that the input voltage is not exceeding 5V.
Compatibility Issues:
- While compatible with many boards, specific libraries or pin mappings might be required. Consult Waveshare's documentation for your exact host board. (Note: Some users reported issues with Teensy 4, while it worked with Arduino Nano/Teensy 3.2/3.5).

8. Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display Size	1.28 inches (round)
Resolution	240 x 240 pixels
Color Depth	65K RGB colors
Driver IC	GC9A01
Interface	4-wire SPI
Operating Voltage	3.3V / 5V
Dimensions	40.4 x 37.5mm (overall), φ32.4mm (display area)
Pixel Size	0.135 x 0.135mm
Item Weight	0.704 ounces
Manufacturer	Waveshare

Detailed specifications table for the 1.28inch LCD module, including operating voltage, resolution, communication interface, display panel type, driver, display size, pixel size, and dimensions.

Figure 7: Detailed technical specifications and pin descriptions.

9. Support and Resources

For further assistance, detailed documentation, and the latest development resources, please visit the official Waveshare website or product wiki page for this module. You can typically find:

Detailed tutorials and guides.
Example code for various programming languages and platforms.
Datasheets for the GC9A01 driver IC.
Community forums or contact information for technical support.

Manufacturer: Waveshare

Official Website: www.waveshare.com

For specific product support, search for "1.28inch Round LCD Display Module" on the Waveshare wiki.

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Waveshare 1.28inch LCD Module