SparkFun 20x4 SerLCD - RGB Backlight (Qwiic)

The SparkFun SerLCD is a versatile, AVR-based, serial enabled LCD that offers an easy and affordable solution for integrating a 20x4 Black on RGB Liquid Crystal Display into your projects. This revamped model features an ATmega328P on the back of the screen, eliminating the need for a backpack. The screen can communicate via serial, I²C, and SPI, and it comes equipped with a Qwiic connector, simplifying wiring and seamlessly integrating with the Qwiic ecosystem.

Powered by an on-board ATmega328P AVR microcontroller and a 11.0592 MHz crystal, the SerLCD offers enhanced communication accuracy. The adjustable baud rates range from 1200 through 1000000, default set at 9600. The firmware is fully open-source, allowing for custom modifications as per your project requirements.

It's important to note that the SerLCD operates on 3.3V, so ensure to convert to 3.3V logic depending on your chosen microcontroller or single board computer to avoid damaging your board.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an innovative ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields and cables designed to make prototyping faster and less error-prone. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector, saving valuable PCB space and eliminating connection errors with polarized connections.

Key features of the SparkFun SerLCD include a 20x4, Black on RGB Display, three communication options (Serial, I²C and SPI), adjustable I²C address, Qwiic connection, operational backspace character, incoming buffer that stores up to 80 characters, and pulse width modulation of backlight and contrast for direct control and software defined contrast amount. The user can define the splash screen, and the open-sourced firmware and Arduino-compatible bootloader enable updates via the Arduino IDE. The input voltage ranges from 3.3V-9V, with I/O logic levels at 3.3V. The dimensions are 97.67mm x 60.23mm x 15.32mm and it weighs approximately 4.34 grams.

Documentation for the SparkFun SerLCD includes a hookup guide, firmware hex file, GitHub firmware repository, dimensional drawings, and Python support.