Nokia 5110 LCD (PCD8544): specs and pinout
An 84 x 48 pixel monochrome LCD module that uses the PCD8544 controller/driver, which is controlled over a serial bus.
Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 84 columns x 48 rows (DDRAM 48 x 84 bits) | source Features (p.3) |
| Logic supply VDD | 2.7 V to 3.3 V | source Features (p.3); DC Characteristics (p.18) |
| LCD supply VLCD | 6.0 V to 8.5 V with internal generator; 6.0 V to 9.0 V when supplied externally | source Features (p.3) |
| Interface | Serial bus, up to 4.0 Mbit/s | source Features (p.3) |
| Input high level (VIH) | 0.7 x VDD min | source DC Characteristics (p.18) |
| Absolute maximum input voltage | -0.5 V to VDD + 0.5 V | source Limiting Values (p.17) |
| Absolute maximum VDD | +7 V when the LCD voltage is external; 5 V when it is generated internally | source Limiting Values (p.17), note 3 |
| Temperature range | -25 C to +70 C | source Features (p.3) |
| Power-down mode | Available | source Pin functions (p.5) |
Power
| Value | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Controller VDD 2.7-3.3 V; LCD voltage generated on chip (6.0-8.5 V). The module's backlight supply is not covered. | source Features (p.3); DC Characteristics (p.18) |
Chip pins
These are the pins of the chip on the module, from the chip datasheet. The module's own header may label or expose them differently.
These are PCD8544 chip pins. The module board (header labels, backlight pin, regulator) is not covered by an official document.
| Pin | Function | Voltage | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSS1, VSS2 | Ground | 0 V | Must be connected together. | source Pin functions (p.5) |
| VDD1, VDD2 | Positive supply | 2.7-3.3 V | Must be connected together. | source Pin functions (p.5) |
| VLCD1, VLCD2 | LCD power supply | Must be connected together. | source Pin functions (p.5) | |
| SDIN | Serial data input | source Pin functions (p.5) | ||
| SCLK | Serial clock input | 0 to 4.0 Mbit/s | source Pin functions (p.5) | |
| D/C | Mode select: command/address or data | source Pin functions (p.5) | ||
| SCE | Chip enable, active low | source Pin functions (p.5) | ||
| OSC | Oscillator; connect to VDD for the on-chip oscillator | source Pin functions (p.5) | ||
| RES | External reset input, active low | source Pin functions (p.5) |
Build with it
Project ideas for the Nokia 5110 LCD (PCD8544). Each link opens Soldr with the prompt filled in; Soldr assigns the pins, checks power and shows how to wire every part.
- Pocket thermometer: The ESP32's 3.3 V logic matches the controller's 2.7-3.3 V supply; learning project.
- Pico barometer: Both boards use 3.3 V logic; the display needs only a few serial lines.
- Mini clock: The clock module holds the time; the 84 x 48 screen shows it.
Common mistakes
- Driving the data lines from a 5 V board: the logic supply is 2.7-3.3 V and inputs must not exceed VDD + 0.5 V, so use 3.3 V logic or level shifting (source)
- Leaving the oscillator pin wrong: with the on-chip oscillator, the OSC input must be connected to VDD; the module board normally handles this but it is not documented (source)
- Not resetting the chip: the active-low RES signal must be applied to initialize it properly (source)
Not covered by the official source
- Module board (header labels, backlight pin and resistor, regulator): no official document.
- No operating current figures are quoted.
- Original Philips sheet, 1999; NXP may have a later revision.
Sources
- link (Philips PCD8544 product specification, 1999 Apr 12)