How to Select an LCD Module
There are two main decisions that you have to make when it comes to looking for an LCD module. The first is the size and format that you want used to show the information on the screen. The second is what kind of optical characteristics you want. There are two types of dot matrix LCDs. This article is about the character LCD models (also called alphanumeric) instead of the optional fully-populated graphic module.
Character LCD modules will display certain numerals, characters and symbols. They may also have some graphics, but they will be very limited. These types of modules are the simplest ones that are available. That obviously also makes them one of the most cost effective options that are available on the market.
The range of the characters than can show on each line for this type of module is between 8 and 80. There can also be 1, 2 or 4 character lines. The display on a character LCD module can easily be seen during the day as well as the night when there is a backlighting option in the device. The displays that have multiple lines will offer you the best value because the "cost per character" will be much less than on the models that have fewer lines. There are also different models and options available that will allow the display to function within an extended temperature range of -20 degrees and 70 degrees Celsius.
If the display needs to be more than 4 lines and/or 40 characters wide, the graphic formatted module should be selected. This type of character LCD module is typically needed when there are special fonts that need to be displayed, like when Arabic or Chinese are being used.
Once you decide upon the specific format for the display that you need, you have to determine the exact model you want. For this decision you will need to consider many different factors. The type of power you have available should be considered as well as the lighting conditions and the temperatures the display will be expected to withstand.
When those decisions have made, the rest of the decision about your character LCD module is very subjective. At that point, you need to consider the overall look and feel of the display. The specific color, backlighting and type of fluid will all give the display a different look. You will need to review many different models so you can decide which look you like the best.
