Summary of How to display text on 16×2 LCD using PIC18F4550
This article explains displaying a string on a 16x2 character LCD using a PIC18F4550. It builds on a prior single-character example: LCD data pins connect to PortB, control pins to the first three pins of PortA. The process is configuring the LCD, storing the message in a character array (e.g., unsigned char data[20]=EngineersGarage;), looping until the null terminator, and sending each character with lcddata().
Parts used in the 16x2 LCD text display with PIC18F4550:
- PIC18F4550 microcontroller
- 16x2 character LCD module
- Connecting wires
- Power supply (suitable for PIC18F4550 and LCD)
- Potentiometer for LCD contrast (implied by standard LCD interfacing)
- Resistors as required for LCD backlight or signal conditioning
Several automated and semi-automated devices require a message to be displayed in order to indicate their working status. In continuation to LCD interfacing with PIC18F4550, this article explains how to display a message or string on a 16×2 character LCD.
In the previous article, a single character was displayed on LCD by properly configuring its data and command registers. A string is nothing but a sequential arrangement of several characters that can be displayed on LCD by using the programming steps mentioned here. The circuit connections and user-defined functions are same as earlier. The LCD data pins are connected to PortB of PIC18F4550 while the control pins are connected to first three pins of PortA.
· Use lcddata() function to send individual character values of the string to be displayed on LCD.
For more detail: How to display text on 16×2 LCD using PIC18F4550
- How are the LCD data pins connected to the PIC18F4550?
The LCD data pins are connected to PortB of PIC18F4550. - Where are the LCD control pins connected on the PIC?
The LCD control pins are connected to the first three pins of PortA. - How is a string stored for display in the code?
Store the message in a character array, for example unsigned char data[20]=EngineersGarage;. - How does the program know when to stop sending characters?
Run a loop until the loop counter encounters the null character of the string. - Which function is used to send individual characters to the LCD?
Use the lcddata() function to send individual character values to the LCD. - What are the main programming steps to display text?
Configure the LCD, store the string in a character array, loop until the null terminator, and send each character with lcddata().
