SparkFun 1.8 inch LCD Breakout (ILI9163C)
Overview
This 1.8 inch breakout board features the ILI9163C controller, providing a vibrant 128 x 160 RGB pixel display for embedded projects. It includes an integrated microSD card slot for storing graphical assets and a PWM-controllable LED backlight for adjustable brightness. The board is designed with a V-score edge, allowing engineers to snap off the mounting tabs to achieve a more compact footprint in final assemblies.
Why Choose This Part
The inclusion of a microSD slot on the same SPI bus simplifies the hardware design for data-heavy GUI applications. Support for up to 18-bit color depth and a 5V-tolerant input range (3.3V to 5V) ensures compatibility with a wide variety of microcontrollers without needing external level shifters.
Applications
Getting Started
Connect the display to your microcontroller via the SPI interface and use libraries like the Adafruit ILI9163 or SparkFun ILI9163C library for rapid development. Ensure your power supply provides at least 3.3V, and use PWM on the backlight pins to manage power consumption in battery-operated designs.
