A KS0107/KS0108 based Graphics LCD Display GLCD BLOG THREAD

GLCD Package Description The GLCD Library is a collection of generalized C functions designed to interface a KS0107/KS0108 based 128x64 graphics LCD to an embedded processor application.  It includes a system font (all characters) and a limited large font ( 0-9,+,-,./ and :).  The large font is intended to display numeric values such as process readings and/or a clock display.  A video demo of the output can be seen HERE.   The package will require editing the HWSpec.h file to set control lines and ports for a specific MCU application.  Both text and graphics output is supported.  Refer to the Function Reference PDF below for details on all the functions.  All the header files and C demo programs have been included here for examination.  The idea is to help a potential user of the package determine if it meets their needs and requirements before it's purchased.  Graphic primitives include circles, boxes, fills and lines.  Chamfering and rounding of corners are also supported. Before using the GLCD library, its C source will need to be compiled into a link library compatible with the target MCU platform.  A C compiler, linker and librarian will be required to perform this step.  Make sure these tools are available as part of your development environment.  This package was developed using Microchip's MPLAB IDE and C18 toolset.  Using the package with other development environments is possible assuming they support C.  The C programs use simple coding techniques to increase ease of transportability.  Some PIC18Fxxxx specific tokens are included to manage memory storage, however.  These may need to be changed and/or removed for certain MCUs.  MCU device specific header files will also need to be changed.  All of these can be found in HWSpec.h and GraphicsLCD.h  Studying the documentation below will give you a good idea of what's included in the package and how it needs to be installed.  Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.  I hope this package helps you get your MCU application up and running faster. If you're interested in seeing a demo application of the GLCD library functions being used for a real time clock and calendar visit HERE.  This includes a video and slide show of all the displays incorporated in the clock application.  Source code can be found below:

Introduction - Covers the basics of how the 128 x 64 GLCD (graphics liquid crystal display) works at the hardware level.  Good to read if you decide to write your own interface library.  Also includes the complete instruction set.  Wiring options and schematics are also presented to help with connecting the GLCD to your MCU project.  An overview of the GLCD C library is also presented.

Function Reference - Covers all the text and graphics functions included in the GLCD library.  This is a system developer's level document designed to provide all the details on how each function would be used in an application. It's organized as a categorical reference and includes an explanation of the GLCD screen organization to better understand how to use the library's many features.  Important internal and system variables are also documented to allow custom logic to be developed for special applications.

Installation Guide - Covers in detail how to install the GLCD library software for a specific environment.  This is slanted towards Microchip's MPLAB IDE but can be easily adapted to other MCU platforms that support C.  A source code editor, compiler, linker and librarian are required to manage the C source code.  Following this guide allows you to create a link library of callable functions specific to your application environment.

Schematics - This document includes a collection of schematics that suggest various methods of wiring and interfacing a KS0107/KS0108 based 128x64 graphics LCD to an MCU for driving it with the GLCD library functions.   All circuits have been tested and work as described.  This may help some users get the most from their MCU I/O ports.

Feel free to download the documentation, C demos and header files to study the details to see if the GLCD C Library will help save you time developing your MCU application.  The complete C source code is available for purchase ($20 US).  It's supplied as a 73k WinZip file which I can email you as an attachment.  Please contact scott@muniac.com for more details or to answer any questions you may have.  Thanks for your interest.