16x2 RS232 Character LCD from Crystalfontz

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16x2 RS232 Character LCDPart Number: CFA533-TFH-KSThis display has a serial interface with full swing RS232. This display is truly a front-panel solution, not just an LCD module.  Designed to fit in a 1U server enclosure, it is by no means confined to one.  This display can drive LEDs using the GPIOs provided, configure headless servers, or, with the right software, be a wired remote for your home theater PC.
It has four directional buttons, an enter (check) key, and cancel ('x') key.  Instead of using a corruptible stream-based communication protocol, it uses a 16-bit CRC protected packet-based protocol to communicate with its host, meaning that line noise, environmental interference, etc.,  won't cause the display to start any process on your host unless it was actually initiated by a user.  Because both the keypad and LCD are backlit, this display is great for low-light conditions.
The CFA533 is backward compatible with the CFA633 for its communication interface, but has added features such as 3.3v to 5v operating range, ability to change the keypad backlight brightness separately from the LCD backlight, a stainless steel bezel, and a single supply voltage for both logic and backlighting.  Voltage compensated single-supply 3.3v to 5.5v operation allows the module to easily work with a wide variety of power supplies.  The CFA533 is the logical progression for any application already using a CFA633, but not utilizing the CFA633 fan functionality.  With all its features, this display is perfect for the display and user interface of your next project that requires an LCD and keypad without fan control.
	Wide power supply voltage range (VDD = +3.3v to +5.5v) is perfect for embedded systems.
	Contrast and backlights are fully compensated over the supply voltage range. No adjustments are needed to the contrast setting or backlight brightness over the full range of power supply input voltage.
	Only a single supply is needed.
	Robust packet based communications protocol with 16-bit CRC.
	Compact size: fits in a 1U rack mount case (35mm overall height).
	Advanced digital GPIO control with PWM output.
	Integrated LED backlit 6-button translucent silicon keypad with screened legend.
Available in a 5.25" half-height LCD drive bay kit when adding to cart.
	ATX power supply control functionality allows the buttons on the CFA-533 to replace the "power" and "reset" buttons on your system, simplifying your front panel design
	Temperature monitoring: up to 32 channels at up to 0.5 deg C absolute accuracy. Ready-to-use WRDOWY17 Dallas Semiconductor 1-Wire temperature sensors are optional. Alternatively, you can create your own sensors using DS1822 or DS18B20 parts and the tutorial on creating temperature sensors.
	Non-volatile memory (EEPROM) capability: Customize the "power-on" display settings plus a 16-byte "scratch" register for storing IP, netmask, system serial number, etc.
Sample applications and source code readily available: cfTest, CrystalControl2, and Linux Example Code.

Not sure which RS232 display module to choose? Compare all of our intelligent display modules.

Currently Shipping: HW Version 1.4, Firmware Version: S1v2

Product VariationsInterfacesI2CLogic Level SerialRS232USB
ColorsDark on Light Gray
White LED BacklightWhite on Blue
White LED BacklightDark on Yellow-Green
Yellow-Green LED Backlight

 square_foot Physical Characteristics
Physical Characteristics

        Characters x Lines
            16 x 2


    Module Overall        width
        height
        depth
		  

        millimeters
        110.5
        35
        25.6
    

        inches
        4.35
        1.38
        1.01
    
*depth doesn't include Keypad


    PCB Outline        width
        height
		  

        millimeters
        110.5
        35
    

        inches
        4.35
        1.38
    


        Diagonal Dimension
            2.26"


    Viewing Area        Width
        Height
		  

        millimeters
        61
        15.8
    

        inches
        2.40
        0.62
    


    Active Area        Width
        Height
		  

        millimeters
        56.2
        11.5
    

        inches
        2.21
        0.45
    


    Character Size        Width
        Height
		  

        millimeters
        2.95
        5.55
    

        inches
        0.116
        0.219
    


    Character Pitch        Width
        Height
		  

        millimeters
        3.55
        5.95
    

        inches
        0.140
        0.234
    


    Dot Size        Width
        Height
		  

        millimeters
        0.55
        0.65
    

        inches
        0.022
        0.026
    


    Dot Pitch        Width
        Height
		  

        millimeters
        0.6
        0.7
    

        inches
        0.024
        0.028
    


        Weight
            41g


        Keystroke Travel
            2.4mm

 visibility Optical Characteristics
Optical Characteristics

        Glass Type/Glass Color
            FSTN/Light Gray
Polarizer
            Transflective
View Direction
            6 o'clock
Sunlight Readable
            Yes


        Backlight Color
            White
Backlight Type
            LED
Mode
            Positive
Foreground Color
            Dark
Background Color
            Light Gray

 nature Environmental
Environmental

    Operating Temperatures        min
        max
		  

        Celsius
        -20°
        70°
    

        Fahrenheit
        -4°
        158°
    


    Storage Temperatures        min
        max
		  

        Celsius
        -30°
        80°
    

        Fahrenheit
        -22°
        176°
    


    Humidity        min
        max
		  

        Non-condensing
        0%
        90%
    

 cable Electronics
Electronics

        Interface
            RS232

 picture_as_pdf Datasheets
picture_as_pdfCFA533-xxx-KSv1.4.pdf
(Hardware 1.4, Firmware s1v2)
 download Files and Downloads
folder_zip CAD Export - CFA533 KS / KL / KC -  3D CAD Reference Files
settings_application CAD Export - CFA533 KS / KL / KC - 3D E-Drawing Viewer File
settings_application CAD Export - CFA533 Family HW v1.1 2D CAD.dwg
settings_application CAD Export - CFA533 Family HW v1.1 2D CAD.dxf
picture_as_pdf 1 to 1 Template
 assured_workload Compliance Documents
 picture_as_pdf Declaration of Conformity RoHS2 
 picture_as_pdf Declaration of Conformity REACH

                       
                       
                                            
                            
                        
                                 

                    


Add to cart without customizations
Need a written quote? Add to cart, then enter your email address in the "request a quote" box.
 Quantity:
              
            
Price: 

    
        Prices without customizations:

        
            Quantity
            Unit Price
        

            1
            $63.69

            10
            $61.84

            20
            $57.32

            50
            $52.77

            100
            $48.28

            200
            $43.76

            500
            $39.24

            1000 *
            $34.72

817 Units In-Stock & Ready To Ship
 Pricing is subject to change.
* Contact us about potential lead times.

         

Interfaces	I2C Logic Level Serial RS232 USB

Colors	Dark on Light Gray White LED Backlight White on Blue White LED Backlight Dark on Yellow-Green Yellow-Green LED Backlight

Module Overall	width	height	depth
millimeters	110.5	35	25.6
inches	4.35	1.38	1.01
*depth doesn't include Keypad

PCB Outline	width	height
millimeters	110.5	35
inches	4.35	1.38

Viewing Area	Width	Height
millimeters	61	15.8
inches	2.40	0.62

Active Area	Width	Height
millimeters	56.2	11.5
inches	2.21	0.45

Character Size	Width	Height
millimeters	2.95	5.55
inches	0.116	0.219

Character Pitch	Width	Height
millimeters	3.55	5.95
inches	0.140	0.234

Dot Size	Width	Height
millimeters	0.55	0.65
inches	0.022	0.026

Dot Pitch	Width	Height
millimeters	0.6	0.7
inches	0.024	0.028

Operating Temperatures	min	max
Celsius	-20°	70°
Fahrenheit	-4°	158°

Storage Temperatures	min	max
Celsius	-30°	80°
Fahrenheit	-22°	176°

Humidity	min	max
Non-condensing	0%	90%

Prices without customizations:
Quantity	Unit Price
1	$63.69
10	$61.84
20	$57.32
50	$52.77
100	$48.28
200	$43.76
500	$39.24
1000 *	$34.72

Notices

Part Change Notices

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Part Change Notice #11243: Keypad LED Change

Products Affected:	CFA533-YYH-KS, CFA533-YYH-KU, CFA533-TMI-KS, CFA533-TMI-KU, CFA533-YYH-KL, CFA533-TMI-KL, CFA533-YYH-KC, CFA533-TMI-KC, CFA533-YYH-KI, CFA633-YYH-KS, CFA633-TMI-KS, CFA633-YYH-KU, CFA633-TMI-KU, CFA633-RDI-KU, CFA633-RDI-KS, CFA533-TFH-KU, CFA533-TFH-KS, CFA633-TFH-KU, CFA633-TFH-KS, CFA533-TFH-KL, CFA533-TFH-KC
Date Issued:	October 4, 2023
Summary:	Keypad LED Change
Description:	The keypad LEDs are changing to an alternative LED. There is no visual difference.
Reason:	Switching suppliers to improve manufacturability.
Availability:	Contact Crystalfontz Support for up-to-date information by emailing support@crystalfontz.com.

Part Change Notice #10725: CFA533 serial and USB firmware revision 1.1 to 1.2

Products Affected:	CFA533-YYH-KS, CFA533-TMI-KS, CFA533-TMI-KU, CFA533-YYH-KL, CFA533-TMI-KL, CFA533-TFH-KU, CFA533-TFH-KS, CFA533-TFH-KL
Date Issued:	July 8, 2016
Summary:	CFA533 serial and USB firmware revision 1.1 to 1.2
Last revision:	1.1
Description:	The CFA533 series of advanced display modules will be changing from the current serial and USB firmware version 1.1 to version 1.2. Firmware changes support hardware design changes; no functional changes were made or added. Firmware version 1.2 requires Hardware version 1.4 or newer.
Reason:	As part of our continuous improvement, firmware has been updated for use with updated hardware for the CFA533 series of advanced display modules.
Impact:	Command 1 (0x01): Get Hardware & Firmware Version This command will now report the following strings Serial versions (-KL and -KS suffix): "CFA533:h1.4,s1v2" USB version (-KU suffix): "CFA533:h1.4,u1v2"
Recommendation:	CFA533 firmware version 1.2 is considered a fit and form replacement. Testing of new firmware is recommended when the new hardware version 1.4 is available
Availability:	CFA533 hardware version 1.4 should begin shipping Q4 2016. Engineering samples for testing / validation of the firmware version 1.2 will be available during this same time frame.
Price Change:	No price change is currently scheduled.

Part Change Notice #10724: CFA533 series Hardware revision 1.1 to 1.4

Products Affected:	CFA533-YYH-KS, CFA533-YYH-KU, CFA533-TMI-KS, CFA533-TMI-KU, CFA533-YYH-KL, CFA533-TMI-KL, CFA533-YYH-KC, CFA533-TMI-KC, CFA533-TFH-KU, CFA533-TFH-KS, CFA533-TFH-KL, CFA533-TFH-KC
Date Issued:	July 8, 2016
Summary:	CFA533 series Hardware revision 1.1 to 1.4
Last revision:	1.1
Description:	The CFA533 series of advanced display modules will be changing from the current hardware version 1.1 to version 1.4. Design changes were made for backwards compatibility. Hardware version 1.4 requires firmware version 1.2 or newer.
Reason:	As part of our continuous improvement, design changes have been made to the hardware of the CFA533 series of advanced display modules for improved manufacturability, improved quality, and a lower current profile.
Impact:	Factory default configuration has no functional changes. Standard and custom configurations are not affected by the new hardware layout. CFA533 hardware version 1.4 should replace the previous version of the CFA533 with no physical changes and is considered a fit and form replacement. Six 0 ohm resistors have been added as factory default for closing the following jumpers: JPGPIO1 -> RJPGPIO1 JPUSBPWR -> RJPUSBPWR JP2 -> RJP2 JP4 -> RJP4 JP6 -> RJP6 JP8 -> RJP8 Solder jumpers are still in place for configuration after jumper resistor removed. Jumpers will appear open. Configuration changes not performed by Crystalfontz America, Inc. will need to make note of this manufacturing change.
Recommendation:	CFA533 hardware version 1.4 is considered a fit and form replacement. Testing of new hardware is recommended when available.
Availability:	CFA533 hardware version 1.4 should begin shipping Q4 2016. Engineering samples for testing / validation will be available during this same time frame.
Price Change:	No price change is currently scheduled.

Part Change Notice #10658: Deprecation of "Drive Bay Kit Configurator" / New part numbers for drive bay kits.

Products Affected:	CFA631-RMF-KU1, CFA631-RMF-KU2, CFA631-RMF-KU, CFA633-YYB-KS, CFA633-TMC-KS, CFA633-RMC-KS, CFA633-YYB-KU, CFA633-TMC-KU, CFA633-RMC-KU, CFA635-YYE-KS, CFA635-TMF-KS, CFA635-TFE-KS, CFA635-TMF-KL, CFA635-TFE-KL, CFA631-TMF-KU, CFA635-TFE-KU, CFA635-YYE-KL, CFA635-TMF-KU, CFA635-YYE-KU, DS635-AL, DS635-BG, DS635-BK, DS635-AK, CFA533-YYH-KS, CFA533-YYH-KU, CFA533-TMI-KS, CFA533-TMI-KU, CFA533-YYH-KL, CFA533-TMI-KL, CFA533-YYH-KC, CFA533-TMI-KC, CFA533-YYH-KI, CFA633-YYH-KS, CFA633-TMI-KS, CFA633-YYH-KU, CFA633-TMI-KU, CFA632-YFH-KS, CFA632-YDI-KS, CFA632-YFH-KU, CFA632-YDI-KU, CFA634-TFH-KS, CFA634-TMI-KS, CFA634-YFH-KS, CFA634-YDI-KS, CFA634-TFH-KU, CFA634-TMI-KU, CFA634-YFH-KU, CFA634-YDI-KU, CFA633-RDI-KU, CFA633-RDI-KS, CFA533-TFH-KU, CFA533-TFH-KS, CFA633-TFH-KU, CFA633-TFH-KS, CFA533-TFH-KL, CFA533-TFH-KC, CFA735-TFK-KR, CFA735-TFK-KT, CFA735-TML-KR, CFA735-TML-KT, CFA735-YYK-KR, CFA735-YYK-KT, CFA631-RMF-KU32, CFA631-RMF-KU128, CFA631-RMF-KU160, CFA631-RMF-KU33, CFA631-RMF-KU129, CFA631-RMF-KU161, CFA631-RMF-KU-162, CFA632-YDI-KL, CFA632-YDI-KN, CFA632-YDI-KC, CFA632-YDI-KP, CFA632-YFH-KL, CFA632-YFH-KN, CFA632-YFH-KC, CFA632-YFH-KP, CFA634-YDI-KC, CFA634-TMI-KC, CFA634-YFH-KC, CFA634-TFH-KC, CFA634-YFH-KL, CFA634-TFH-KL, CFA634-TMI-KL, CFA634-YDI-KL, CFA634-TFH-KP, CFA634-YFH-KP, CFA634-TMI-KP, CFA634-YDI-KP, CFA634-TFH-KN, CFA634-YFH-KN, CFA634-TMI-KN, CFA634-YDI-KN, CFA631P-TMF-KU
Date Issued:	July 1, 2015
Summary:	Deprecation of "Drive Bay Kit Configurator" / New part numbers for drive bay kits.
Description:	Starting August 1, 2015 the "Drive Bay Kit Configurator" located at https://www.crystalfontz.com/products/select_kit.html will no longer be functional for ordering one of our Serial or USB displays (CFA533, CFA631, CFA632, CFA633, CFA634, CFA635, and CFA735) in a bracket or SLED. This functionality is being moved to the Customize and Add to Cart process when checking out. This will allow for further customization by our customers to better fit their needs. This change will eliminate the current "kits", but will add options not previously available such as pre-configured ATX functionality, and ALL the currently available interfaces will be orderable in a drive bay bracket or SLED. The new part numbers will have the bracket / SLED and overlay type as a PREFIX to the configured part number. The choice for bracket / SLED to a display order will be via the cart options. Our CFA835 displays were introduced with these configuration options. To see how the new options will look, and what the new part numbers will look like, please see one of our CFA835 parts: https://www.crystalfontz.com/cart/addtocart.php?product_id=2277&qty=1 NOTE: The SLED is only available for the CFA635, CFA735, and CFA835 products.
Reason:	As part of our continuous improvement process, we are integrating the ordering of displays in drive bay and SLED kits as part of the display ordering process.
Impact:	Drive bay kits in their current configuration will no longer be available.
Recommendation:	Place orders prior to 2015-08-01 for upcoming production needs via our website or by contacting our logistics department via email: sales@crystalfontz.com, or by calling 1-888-206-9720 (International call +1-509-892-1200). After the 2015-08-01, please contact our engineering department via support@crystalfontz.com to assist you with ordering your bracket / SLED kits.
Availability:	Starting 2015-08-01, the bracket and SLED options for our serial and USB display will be part of the ordering process for the displays
Price Change:	Pricing bracket / SLED configurations will reflect manufacturing costs.

Product Update #10356: New Product in Intelligent Serial LCD Modules: CFA533-TFH-KS

New Product:	CFA533-TFH-KS
Date Issued:	August 4, 2011
Summary:	New Product in Intelligent Serial LCD Modules: CFA533-TFH-KS
Description:	16x2 serial character LCD module with keypad,White LED Backlight, FSTN Positive, Transflective -20°C to 70°C,6:00

Part Change Notice #10352: CFA533 USB and Serial firmware v1.1

Products Affected:	CFA533-YYH-KS, CFA533-YYH-KU, CFA533-TMI-KS, CFA533-TMI-KU, CFA533-YYH-KL, CFA533-TMI-KL, CFA533-TFH-KU, CFA533-TFH-KS, CFA533-TFH-KL
Date Issued:	August 2, 2011
Summary:	CFA533 USB and Serial firmware v1.1
Last revision:	v1.0
Description:	With the release of CFA533 v1.1 hardware, PCN 10351 the firmware for the Serial - KL and KS suffix, and USB - KU suffix interface modules is being revised to v1.1. The following changes are being implemented in this release: Bug fixes: Command 11 - Cursor movement and control Command 20 - DOW command input correction for data size limits Command 9 - Improved data input checking Command 10 - Corrected response from controller for line 1 of DDRAM Enhancements: Command 28, data[1] - ATX power functionality pulse width variable effects power on, power off, and reset pulses. Command 28, data[1] - ATX power functionality pulse width option of 255 to hold pulse low until +5v state changes. Command 28 - ATX power functionality power off feature is more compatible with well power managed systems. This is a passive feature and not configurable. Baud rate for serial interface is now more accurate across the module's range of operating voltages. NOTE: CFA533 v1.1 firmware will only ship on CFA533 v1.1 hardware.
Reason:	As part of our continuous improvement process, the CFA533 family is being revised to firmware v1.1. This was done based on customer feedback to improve the functionality and reliability of the CFA533 family.
Impact:	The changes in the CFA533 v1.1 firmware should be a drop in replacement in most applications. The exception will be if a data[1] of 255 was used with Command 28 when setting up the module. This value will not longer be an 8 second pulse, but conform to the new functionality.
Recommendation:	Participate in discounted pricing for first run CFA533 v1.1 hardware /firmware based modules through September 30, 2011.
Availability:	First run CFA533 v1.1 hardware based modules with v1.1 firmware, and datasheet will be available for customer qualification / in-house approval on August 8, 2011 through September 30, 2011 for a maximum quantity of three at the currently published 50 piece price. Volume shipment end of Q3 2011 Shipments of v1.0 hardware with v1.0 firmware will continue until inventory levels exhausted. Full transition to v1.1 hardware and firmware expected by end of Q4 2011.
Price Change:	No price change is scheduled at this time. Pricing will be reviewed Q1 2012.

Part Change Notice #10351: CFA533 family hardware revision v1.1

Products Affected:	CFA533-YYH-KS, CFA533-YYH-KU, CFA533-TMI-KS, CFA533-TMI-KU, CFA533-YYH-KL, CFA533-TMI-KL, CFA533-YYH-KC, CFA533-TMI-KC, CFA533-YYH-KI, CFA533-TFH-KU, CFA533-TFH-KS, CFA533-TFH-KL, CFA533-TFH-KC
Date Issued:	August 2, 2011
Summary:	CFA533 family hardware revision v1.1
Last revision:	v1.0
Description:	The CFA533 v1.1 hardware changes are as follows: New inductor package for backlight control circuit. This is being done to improve the manufacturabilty of the CFA533. Addition of JPGPIO1. This jumper will be closed by default and bypasses a 5KΩ pull-up resistor that is in line with GPIO[1] to the micro-controller. Improved Yellow-green backlight for the YYH variants. The backlight now has a total of 10 yellow-green LEDs instead of 6. This improves the visual quality and appearance of the LCD backlight. Typical weight will increase to 43g, from 41g for the CFA533 YYH variants.
Reason:	As part of our continuous improvement process, the CFA533 family is being revised to hardware v1.1. This was done based on customer feedback to improve the functionality and appearance of the CFA533 family.
Impact:	Hardware v1.1 should be a drop in replacement for most applications. No form or fit changes have been implemented. The exception may be with the YYH variants. Due to the increased number of yellow-green LEDs in the LCD backlight, the current profile of these variants has increased.
Recommendation:	Participate in discounted pricing for first run CFA533 v1.1 hardware based modules through September 30, 2011.
Availability:	First run CFA533 v1.1 hardware based modules and datasheet will be available for customer qualification / in-house approval on August 8, 2011 through September 30, 2011 for a maximum quantity of three at the currently published 50 piece price. Volume shipment end of Q3 2011 Shipments of v1.0 hardware will continue until inventory levels exhausted. Full transition to v1.1 hardware expected by end of Q4 2011.
Price Change:	No price change is scheduled at this time. Pricing will be reviewed Q1 2012.
Attachment:	CFA533_1-1_HW_PCN.pdf (828KB)