1. Introduction
The Waveshare 1.28-inch Round LCD Display Module with Touch Panel is a compact and versatile display solution. It features a 240x240 resolution IPS screen with 65K colors, offering clear and vibrant visuals. The module integrates a GC9A01 driver chip for the display and a CST816S capacitive touch control chip, utilizing SPI and I2C communication respectively. This design minimizes the required I/O pins, making it compatible with various controller boards such as Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico, and STM32.
Image 1: Top view of the Waveshare 1.28-inch Round LCD Display Module, showing the main board, connector, and mounting holes.
2. Features
- Display: 240×240 resolution, 65K colors, IPS panel for clear and colorful displaying effect.
- Touch Panel: High touch screen transmittance, fast response, and long lifetime.
- Driver Chips: Embedded GC9A01 driver chip for display and CST816S capacitive touch control chip.
- Communication: Uses SPI for display and I2C for touch, minimizing required I/O pins.
- Compatibility: Supports controller boards like Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico, and STM32.
3. Package Content
The package includes the following items:
- 1.28inch Touch LCD x1
- GH1.25 13Pin cable x1
Image 2: The package contains one 1.28-inch Touch LCD module and one GH1.25 13-pin cable.
4. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V / 5V |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Display Driver | GC9A01 |
| Display Interface | 4-wire SPI |
| Touch Driver | CST816S |
| Touch Interface | I2C |
| Display Panel | IPS |
| Touch Type | Capacitive |
| Display Size | Φ32.4mm |
| Pixel Size | 0.135 x 0.135 mm |
| Module Size | 39.89 × 38.50mm |
5. Control Interfaces
The module features a 13-pin connector for interfacing with various microcontrollers. Below is a diagram of the control interfaces and a table describing each pin's function.
Image 3: Diagram showing the pin labels on the 1.28-inch Touch LCD module's connector.
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power (3.3V / 5V input) |
| GND | Ground |
| MISO | SPI MISO pin |
| MOSI | SPI MOSI pin |
| SCLK | SPI Clock pin |
| LCD_CS | LCD Chip Selection, low active |
| LCD_DC | LCD Data/Command selection (high for data, low for command) |
| LCD_RST | LCD Reset, low active |
| LCD_BL | LCD Backlight |
| TP_SDA | TP Data pin |
| TP_SCL | TP Clock pin |
| TP_INT | TP Interrupt pin |
| TP_RST | TP Reset, low active |
For detailed pin connections to specific controller boards, refer to the Pin Connection Reference section.
6. Setup
To set up your 1.28-inch Touch LCD module, follow these general steps:
- Identify Pins: Refer to the "Control Interfaces" section to understand the function of each pin on the module's connector.
- Connect Cable: Use the provided GH1.25 13Pin cable to connect the display module to your chosen microcontroller board (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Pico, Arduino, STM32). Ensure correct pin-to-pin mapping for VCC, GND, SPI (MISO, MOSI, SCLK, CS, DC, RST, BL), and I2C (SDA, SCL, INT, RST) lines.
- Power Supply: Connect the VCC and GND pins to the appropriate power supply (3.3V or 5V) from your microcontroller.
- Software Configuration: Install necessary libraries and drivers for the GC9A01 display controller and CST816S touch controller on your microcontroller. Waveshare provides online development resources and example code for various platforms.
- Initial Test: Run a basic example program to verify that the display and touch functions are working correctly.
6.1 Pin Connection Reference
The table below provides a reference for connecting the 1.28-inch Touch LCD to common development boards.
| 1.28inch TOUCH LCD | RASPBERRY PI (BCM) | PICO | ARDUINO | STM32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCC | 3.3V | 3.3V | 5V | 3.3V |
| GND | GND | GND | GND | GND |
| MISO | 9 | GP12 | 12 | PA6 |
| MOSI | 10 | GP11 | 11 | PA7 |
| SCLK | 11 | GP10 | 13 | PA5 |
| LCD_CS | 8 | GP9 | 10 | PB6 |
| LCD_DC | 25 | GP14 | 7 | PA8 |
| LCD_RST | 27 | GP8 | 8 | PA9 |
| LCD_BL | 18 | GP15 | 9 | PC7 |
| TP_SDA | 2 | GP6 | SDA | PB9 |
| TP_SCL | 3 | GP7 | SCL | PB8 |
| TP_INT | 4 | GP17 | 3 | PB10 |
| TP_RST | 17 | GP16 | 4 | PA10 |
Image 4: Visual representation of the pin connection reference table for various microcontrollers.
7. Operating
Once the module is correctly wired and the necessary software is loaded onto your microcontroller, you can begin operating the display and touch functions.
- Display Initialization: Ensure your code initializes the GC9A01 display controller correctly, setting up the resolution, color depth, and other display parameters.
- Drawing Graphics: Use the provided graphics libraries (or implement your own) to draw text, shapes, and images on the LCD.
- Touch Input: The CST816S touch controller communicates via I2C. Your software should periodically read touch data from the controller to detect touches, gestures, and coordinates.
- Interaction: Implement logic in your microcontroller code to respond to touch inputs, such as button presses, swipes, or taps, to control your application or display different information.
8. Usage Example
The 1.28-inch Touch LCD module can be integrated into various projects. A common application involves connecting it to a development board like a Raspberry Pi or an STM32 board to create a compact user interface.
Image 5: The 1.28-inch Touch LCD module connected via its 13-pin cable to an mbed ARM Cortex-M0/M3/M4 development board, displaying a circular user interface.
This setup allows for displaying real-time data, controlling device functions, or creating interactive menus. The module's small size and touch capability make it suitable for wearable projects, smart home devices, or compact control panels.
Product Overview Video
Video 1: An official Waveshare video demonstrating the 1.28-inch Touch LCD module's features, including its touch functionality, display clarity, and compatibility with various development boards like Raspberry Pi, Pico, and Arduino.
9. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your display module:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the screen surface. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the display or touch layer.
- Handling: Handle the module by its edges to avoid touching the sensitive components on the PCB or applying pressure to the display.
- Storage: Store the module in a dry, anti-static environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Power: Always ensure the correct voltage (3.3V or 5V) is supplied to the module. Incorrect voltage can cause permanent damage.
10. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your 1.28-inch Touch LCD module, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Display:
- Check power connections (VCC, GND) and ensure correct voltage.
- Verify SPI connections (MISO, MOSI, SCLK, CS, DC, RST, BL) are secure and correctly mapped.
- Confirm display driver (GC9A01) initialization in your software.
- Ensure the backlight pin (LCD_BL) is correctly configured and receiving power.
- Touch Not Responding:
- Check I2C connections (TP_SDA, TP_SCL) and ensure they are secure.
- Verify touch controller (CST816S) initialization and I2C communication in your software.
- Ensure the TP_INT and TP_RST pins are correctly connected and handled by your microcontroller.
- Clean the screen surface for any obstructions.
- Incorrect Colors/Graphics:
- Review your display initialization code, especially color depth and pixel format settings.
- Check for correct data transmission over SPI.
- Flickering Display:
- Ensure stable power supply.
- Check for loose connections.
- Verify SPI clock speed is within the recommended range for the GC9A01.
For more detailed troubleshooting and specific error codes, please refer to the official Waveshare documentation and community forums.
11. Warranty and Support
Waveshare provides electronic development resources and manuals for their products. For the most up-to-date information, detailed tutorials, sample code, and technical support, please visit the official Waveshare website.
Official Website: www.waveshare.com
Please check the product page on the official website for specific warranty information and contact details for technical assistance.
