Frequently Asked Questions

Our support team sometimes notices they’ve received the same question a few times. When that occurs, we add it to our FAQ queue, to make a blog post accessible to everyone. These FAQs include how to get devices working, questions about the display industry, questions about microcontrollers, and more! Do you have a question not covered here? Contact Crystalfontz Support.

Crystalfontz e-paper 200x200

A Closer Look: Crystalfontz ePaper 200×200 1.54″ Zero-Power Display

This black and white 200×200 e-paper display module is a perfect size for small, low power electronic shelf labels. Once the epaper’s eink image is shown, it remains visible with zero additional power! These e-Paper displays will retain the last image shown on their screen indefinitely, with no electrical connections and zero power consumption. Additional Benefits […]

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Why does the initialization code for a 20x4 LCD specify 2-line mode? Source: crystalfontz.com

FAQ: Why does the initialization code for a 20×4 LCD specify 2-line mode?

When working with a 20×4 character LCD, you might be surprised to see the controller set to 2-line mode: Write_To_LCD(COMMAND,0x38); //SET 2 LINE,5*8 FONT Why would a 4-line LCD’s controller be set to 2-line mode? It has to do with the way the LCD glass is laid out. Essentially the display is the right and

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FAQ: What is the Difference Between a TFT, LCD, and OLED?

Confused about the differences between TFTs, LCDs, and OLEDs? What Do They Stand For? How Do They Work? TFT displays are also known as an “Active Matrix TFT LCD module” and have an array of thin film transistors fabricated on the glass that makes the LCD. There is one of these transistors for each pixel on the

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Going Postal - crystalfontz.com

New: US Postal Shipping Options for Domestic LCD Sample Shipments

Crystalfontz ships via major domestic and international express carriers, on our account or yours. While we strive to provide the best rates and fastest ship times, some small packages may ship more efficiently using postal mail. You asked for US Postal shipping options. We heard you. USPS option is available if you’re placing an order

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1985 HD44780 Controller Data Book - crystalfontz.com

A Look Back in Tech History: The HD44780 Controller Data Sheet

Sherman, set the wayback machine to 1985: We are going to take a look at the original HD44780 Data Sheet. Some time back, we wrote about the legendary HD44780 controller, to which the modern character LCD industry owes much of its existence. Having been in the business of designing embedded electronics for some time, we

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Crystalfontz 160x32 Flexible OLED Display

FAQ: Where can I purchase Transparent or Flexible OLEDs?

The proliferation of cell phones over the last two decades has dramatically impacted the embedded display market. Update to this blog post: Crystalfontz now carries a selection of flexible and transparent displays. Crystalfontz 128×56 Transparent OLED  Related blog post: Crystalfontz Transparent Displays Crystalfontz 160×32 flexible OLED display Crystalfontz 2.13″ Flexible ePaper Display  Flexible ePaper Development Kit The

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Sample CGROM - www.crystalfontz.com

RAM, ROM, GROM….What Do These Terms Mean?

Acronyms are easily recognizable and a quick shorthand when reading technical documents. But they can also be confusing when they are similar in appearance and what they represent. Memory and Character Generators New additions to the Crystalfontz Glossary: RAM, ROM, DDRAM, CGRAM, and CGROM. These glossary entries outline what these acronyms stand for and how

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