ST AN2656 Application Note

This application note describes how to drive liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with STM32F10xxx microcontrollers (MCUs), that is without any specific on-chip LCD driver hardware


ST AN2656 Application Note - cover page
Brand
STMicroelectronics
Category
microcontrollers
Document type
Application Note
Language
English
Pages
33
File format
PDF
File size
867 KB
Published
07 August, 2012
Updated
30 September, 2023
MD5 checksum
9C243A10F2CA6C912BEEB74C8A6C557C

About this manual

This document details a method for driving liquid crystal displays (LCD) using STM32F10xxx microcontrollers without relying on dedicated on-chip LCD driver hardware. It explains the principles of LCD operation and provides techniques for generating the necessary drive signals, including single, duplex, and quadruplex modes. The note covers firmware implementation details, such as using standard I/O ports and timers to control the display, and includes a description of the STM32F10xxx LCD glass library.

The guide also addresses low-power management strategies for battery-powered applications, offering measurements on current consumption and CPU load. It provides hardware implementation examples, including schematic diagrams and connection details for specific LCD models, ensuring users can integrate the solution with minimal external components.

What's inside

  • LCD principle
  • LCD drive signals
  • Single backplane LCD drive
  • Duplexed LCD drive
  • Quadruplex LCD drive
  • Example of a quadruplex LCD
  • Firmware description
  • LCD glass library usage
  • Low-power management
  • Hardware implementation

Specifications

CPU Loadaround 0.05% (at 72 MHz)
External Componentstwo external resistors per COM line
DC Value Limitnever more than 100 mV
Frequency Range30 Hz to 200 Hz typically

Frequently asked questions

Can STM32F10xxx MCUs drive LCDs without on-chip hardware?

Yes, the technique described allows driving LCDs without any specific on-chip LCD driver hardware.

How many external resistors are needed per COM line?

The solution keeps the number of external components to a minimum, requiring two external resistors per COM line.

What is the maximum allowed DC value for the LCD?

The applied DC value should never exceed 100 mV to prevent shortening the LCD lifetime.

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