LCD block character displays

Introduction
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Introduction

Block Characters

Alphanumeric characters can also be built from block characters. The alphanumeric character is typically formed from a 5 X 7 matrix. The actual display often comprises 5 x 8 matrices which allows for an underline cursor or more complex Asian characters to be rendered. In the display panel, 5 x 8 matrices with a cursor typically have a 1 pixel space between them.

Unlike graphic/matrix panel LCDs, block characters cannot form a continuous image. The actual character patterns are stored in ROM of specially-equipped LCD drivers called character LCD drivers. Different character LCD drivers have different character maps stored in them, some of which may be programmable. Different drivers have varying numbers of characters and line capabilities. Unlike all other types of displays, this display type has the advantage of very low software overhead to control and manipulate the display since the composing of the individual character(s) is taken over by the display driver.

To further tailor and optimize the control of the display, there are additional possibilities. For example, a sequence of battery block characters slowly filling up can indicate charging. For many products, you can also create and download custom characters via software for this purpose.

Our PCF2113x and PCF2119x character LCD drivers have a special built-in feature called "icon mode". With this feature, you can control a large number of icons including 7-segment numbers with low software overhead. Please see the Character LCD Driver Functions page for more info.

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