Hitachi HD44780 style 2x16 text LCD.
TLCD BLOG THREAD
TLCD Package Description
The TLCD Library is a collection of generalized C functions designed to interface a Hitachi HD44780 or compatible alphanumeric displayp to an embedded processor application.  It includes a complete set of functions to provide virtual paging right down to accessing the LCD's hardware commands. The package will require editing the LumexLCD.h file to set control lines and ports for a specific MCU application.  Displays greater than 2 lines are 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.  A video demo of the output can be seen HERE.

Before using the TLCD 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 C30 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 PIC24 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 LumexLCD.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.

TLCD Available Documentation
(For Hitachi HD44780 compatible 2x16 LCDs)
Introduction - Covers the basics of Hitachi's HD44780 LCD controller (2 x 16 liquid crystal display) at the hardware level.  A complete instruction set table is included for reference.  LCD pin outs are discussed as well as the TLCD virtual paging system.   A basic overview of the TLCD C library functions is also presented to include some simple coding examples.  Photos of the display are included to coordinate with programming examples.  Good document to read first.

18 Pages (8.8 kB)
Function Reference - Covers all the TLCD C library functions in detail.  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 TLCD screen organization to better understand how to use the library's many features.  Internal and system variables are also documented to allow custom logic to be developed for special applications.  Virtual paging and macros are explained to help make using the library as easy as possible.

66 Pages (489.5 kB)
Installation Guide - Covers in detail how to install the TLCD 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.

16 Pages (392.3 kB)
TLCD Test Drive.zip - Here is a small subset of the TLCD library functions to experiment with in your MCU environment.  It includes all the low level hardware functions and a few functions to output to the display.  It also includes an MPLAB IDE v8.70 project using the C30 tool suite.  A batch build file is included to create your link library.  The Demo subdirectory contains the HelloWorld.c demo program and the MPLAB project files.  If this small demo runs on your application platform the entire TLCD library will work fine.

 399.3 kB
LumexLCD.h - Master TLCD system header file.  Includes variable definitions for the entire system and all the hardware/MCU specific details.  This will need to be modified to setup the TLCD system for a specific application.  Download this file and study the contents to get an idea of what's involved.  The Installation Guide will explain the details of what modifications are required and how to make them.

Feel free to download the documentation and header files and study the details to see if the TLCD 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.

Visit my graphics based LCD software package HERE.