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SparkFun OpenLCD Shield

SparkFun OpenLCD Shield

MPN: 16396
SparkFun Electronics
ATmega328P LCD Display Qwiic Platform Evaluation Expansion Board
Active103 in stock
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Overview

The SparkFun 16396 is an ATmega328P-based shield designed to simplify the integration of 16x2 or 20x4 character LCDs via I2C, SPI, or TTL serial interfaces. It utilizes the Qwiic connect system for solderless daisy-chaining and offloads the display timing and control tasks from the main host microcontroller.

Why Choose This Part

This platform features an onboard ATmega328P to handle all liquid crystal control logic, reducing the overhead on the primary MCU. It supports firmware updates via the Arduino IDE and provides three distinct communication protocols for maximum flexibility across different hardware platforms.

Applications

Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Quickly add visual feedback to industrial prototypes using standard character LCDs without consuming many GPIO pins.
Qwiic Ecosystem Prototyping
Integration into modular sensor networks where I2C addressability and daisy-chaining are required.
Legacy System Upgrades
Converting older parallel-bus LCD projects to modern serial or I2C communication protocols.

Key Specifications

Type For Female Sockets
Features Coupling Nut
Shielding Unshielded
Orientation Keyed
Contact Size 16
Contact Type Crimp
Housing Color Gray
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line)
Connector Type Plug Housing
Fastening Type Bayonet Lock
Shell Material Polyamide (PA), Nylon, Glass Filled
Ingress Protection IP68 - Dust Tight, Waterproof
Number of Positions 3
Shell Size - Insert 3-96
Material Flammability Rating UL94 V-1

Getting Started

Connect the shield to any Qwiic-enabled development board or utilize the standard Arduino shield headers. Use the SparkFun Serial LCD Arduino library to send commands over I2C or Serial, and leverage the onboard ISP header if custom firmware modifications to the ATmega328P are required.