Zero Cost 84×48 Graphical LCD for the Freedom Board

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The Freedom KL25Z board has a great price of less than $15. Adding a typical LCD usually will add a multiple of that price to the budget. But hey, there is a way to add a LCD to that board at almost no costs! With the idea that I have an old outdated Nokia phone, and the cost of a small capacitor plus some wires are considered as ‘zero’ ;-).

Say Hello from the Freedom Board

Say Hello from the Freedom Board

All what I need is:

  1. An old Nokia phone with one of these monocolor LCD displays
  2. Disassemble the phone to grab the display
  3. Adding a small capacitor and wires to my FRDM-KL25Z board
  4. Using a Processor Expert component as display driver
  5. Having fun 🙂

Nokia ‘Classic’ Phones

A key reason for low price is high production volume. Similar to boards, this applies to other electronic goods as well, and this includes mobile phones. They are definitely produced in high volumes. Today is the area of smart phones, but not a long time ago Nokia was dominating the market with phones like the 3310:

Nokia 3310 Mobile Phone

Nokia 3310 Mobile Phone

The Nokia 3310 and similar models are still available today in second-hand markets for a handful Euros. Or even available free of charge if you collect them from recycling stations. what is of interest for me are the displays: the phone features a 84×48 graphical LCD display.

Another Way of Recycling

I had one as well years ago, and was very happy with it. It still works. Since then, it was in a box with other ‘old’ electronics intended to use maybe later on. And I guess many of you have the same thing: such an old phone stored somewhere. So I decided give my old phone a new life (well, only for the display). And I have asked around in my family, and guess what: they were happy to give me their old phones. Asking students: and I had even more old phone displays to use :-).

I have found that I’m able to use the displays from following phone types:

  • Nokia 3210
  • Nokia 3310
  • Nokia 3330
  • Nokia 5510

Disassembling the phone is rather easy. More problematic is to find out what kind of display/controller is used. Thanks to the SerDispLib project a lot of reverse engineering information is already available.

Type 1 or Type 2?

There are two different types of displays known:

 Type 1 displays
   +-----------------------+
   |    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8    |
   +-----------------------+
   |                       |
   |       Rear View       |
   |(Connector is visible) |
   |       LPH7779         |
   +-----------------------+

Type 1 display has following pinout:

  • 1: Vdd (+5V or 3.3V, up to 7.4 mA)
  • 2: SCKL (SPI Clock)
  • 3: MOSI (SPI Master Out Slave In)
  • 4: D/C (Data or Command)
  • 5: SCE (SPI Chip Enable (Chip Select, active low))
  • 6: GND (Ground)
  • 7: VOUT (Display voltage out, connect with 1-4.7uF to ground, not connected to the microcontroller)
  • 8: RST (Reset, active low)
 Type 2 displays
   +-----------------------+
   |   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   |
   +-----------------------+
   |                       |
   |       Rear View       |
   |(Connector is visible) |
   |       LPH7366         |
   |                       |
   +-----------------------+

Type 2 display has following pinout:

  • 1: Vdd (+5V or 3.3V, up to 7.4 mA)
  • 2: SCKL (SPI Clock)
  • 3: MOSI (SPI Master Out Slave In)
  • 4: D/C (Data or Command)
  • 5: SCE (SPI Chip Enable (Chip Select, active low))
  • 6: External clock. Connect to Vdd.
  • 7: GND (Ground)
  • 8: VOUT (Display voltage out, connect with 1-4.7uF to ground, not connected to the microcontroller)
  • 9: RST (Reset, active low)

Display Connector

Basically the difference is the number of pins.  I have found that some Nokia 3310 are especially useful as they have metal pins on the backside which makes it easy to solder wires on it, plus the needed capacitor:

Nokia 3310 Display Rear Side with Pinout

Nokia 3310 Display Rear Side with Pinout

Other Nokia phones like the 5110 and 6150 are more problematic. The following picture shows the backside of the board:

Backside of Nokia 5110 and 6150

Backside of Nokia 5110 and 6150

The issue is that not normal metal connectors are used. It uses kind of conductive ‘gum’ connector:

Nokia 6150 LCD connector

Nokia 6150 LCD connector

💡 Note the writing “LPH7366” on the backside of the display which tells me the display controller used :-).

So instead of using metal contacts, it is using such conductive material to connect to the board. For this, the LCD display is pressed on the front side contacts of the board:

Contacts on the front side of the board

Contacts on the front side of the board

The LCD itself has a metal frame which is clipped on the board. I decided to cut the board to have a connector plus the 6 green backlight LED on it:

Board Cut

Board Cut

To connect to the my microcontroller board, I had to solder connection wires, and clipped the board to the PCB:

Wired 5110 Display with LCD clipped on

Wired 5110 Display with LCD clipped on

Both the Nokia 5110 and 6150 have backlight LED’s on the board which I can use too :-). The picture below shows the board wired to a breadboard and the green backlight LED’s of the display turned on:

Breadboard Wiring with Backlight on

Breadboard Wiring with Backlight on

‘Gum’ Connector

But other (earlier?) Nokia 3310 are different again: their board has a lot of component on it:

Nokia Phone Board with Connector

Nokia Phone Board with Connector

Here as well the ‘gum’ connector type is used:

Nokia 3310 Display with 'Gum' Connector

Nokia 3310 Display with ‘Gum’ Connector

With these phones, the phone plastic cover is pressing the LCD on the base board. So for this kind of display another approach had to be used: a PCB with the connectors replicated and the capacitor on it:

Connector PCB

Connector PCB (Front Side)

The back side of the board has a 2×5 connector on it for easier wiring:

Connector PCB Back Side

Connector PCB Back Side

Then the display needs to be pressed on the PCB to make contact:

Pressing Display on Connector PCB

Pressing Display on Connector PCB

A second revision of the connector board includes a plexiglass cover to press the display on the connector:

LCD with Plexiglass Cover

LCD with Plexiglass Cover

Additionally, the second revision of the boards integrates LCD’s with backlight LED’s:

Plexiglass cover with backlight LED display

Plexiglass cover with backlight LED display

Test Wiring to the Freedom Board

I used a bread board to connect the Display to the Freedom board. To verify the signals, a logic analyzer is used.

Connection to theFreedom Board

Connection to the Freedom Board

PDC8544 Processor Expert Component

According to the information in the internet, the display features a Philips PDC8544 controller. So the next thing was to develop a Processor Expert driver for it:

PDC8544 Processor Expert Component

PDC8544 Processor Expert Component

The driver implements the low-level protocol and basic routines, including writing text to the display. Graphical routines like drawing lines/etc are subject of another component. But it is easy to write some text to the display with the low-level component.

As there are different variants of the display, the type of the display plus supply voltage is configured in the component properties:

PDC8544 Properties

PDC8544 Properties

Initialization Sequence and Communication Protocol

The display uses 5 communication lines (beside of GND and Vcc):

  • D_C: Data or Command. Low for Command, High for Data
  • CLK: SPI clock signal
  • MOSI: SPI Master Out-Slave In
  • RES: Display Reset line
  • SCE: SPI chip select

The display has no MISO line, as it is not possible to read from the display.

The component Init() method initializes the display automatically:

  1. Setting RES and SCE to HIGH
  2. Waiting for 10 ms
  3. Setting RES to LOW
  4. Waiting 100 ms
  5. Setting RES to HIGH again

The sequence is best shown with a logic analyzer:

LCD Initialization Start Sequence

LCD Initialization Start Sequence

Next, a sequence of command bytes is sent to the display:

LCD Initialization Sequence

LCD Initialization Sequence

With 3V power supply, the sequence is 0x21 0xC8 0x13 0x 20 0x09, while for 5V display supply voltage it is 0x21 0xC2 0x13 0x 20 0x09.

The screenshot below shows the SPI details of the first command:

Sending 0x21 command

Sending 0x21 command

This means:

  • 8bit per transfer
  • MSB (Most Significant Byte) first
  • Clock Idle Polarity high (CPOL=1)
  • Data is valid on Clock Leading Edge (CPHA=0)

Using it with the Freedom Board

I used following connections on the FRDM-KL25Z Arduino header:

  • D3: RES
  • D8: SCE
  • D9: D_C
  • D12: MOSI
  • D13: CLK
FRDM-KL25Z Board Connections

FRDM-KL25Z Board Connections

This means following connections for the KL25Z microcontroller on the FRDM-KL25Z board:

=================================================================
 SIGNAL LIST
-----------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNAL-NAME [DIR]        => PIN-NAME [PIN-NUMBER]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CLK_D13 [Output]         => ADC0_SE5b/PTD1/SPI0_SCK/TPM0_CH1 [74]
D_C_D9 [Output]          => ADC0_SE6b/PTD5/SPI1_SCK/UART2_TX/TPM0_CH5 [78]
MOSI_D12 [Output]        => PTD3/SPI0_MISO/UART2_TX/TPM0_CH3/SPI0_MOSI [76]
RES_D3 [Output]          => PTA12/TPM1_CH0 [32]
SCE_D8 [Output]          => PTA13/TPM1_CH1 [33]
=================================================================

A Simple Demo Program

Here is how to create a simple demo program to test the display:

After having created a Processor Expert project in CodeWarrior for MCU10.3 (File > New > Bareboard Project), I add the PDC8544 component to my project. It will ask me to add a new Wait component. The PDC8544 will show an error as I need to further configure it:

Added PDC8544

Added PDC8544

I need to add a new SPI component in the PDC1 properties:

Add new SPIMaster_LDD Component

Add new SPIMaster_LDD Component

SPI Bus, RES and D/C Signals

This will create a new SPIMaster_LDD component:

Note: Processor Expert in MCU10.3 creates a new folder ‘Referenced_Components’

The SPI component gets configured according to my pin mapping:

SPI Configuration

SPI Configuration

If communication does not work well, try a slower clock rate. For me it worked well above 1 MHz.

Next to configure the RES, SCE and D_C pins:

RES Pin Configuration

RES Pin Configuration

SCE Pin Configuration

SCE Pin Configuration

D_C Pin Configuration

D_C Pin Configuration

Display Settings

Finally, the display driver properties:

The Type has to correspond to the display type used. The following types are supported:

  • LPH7366: Nokia 5110, 5120, 5130, 5160, 6110, 6150
  • LPH7677: Nokia 3210, 5510
  • LPH7779: Nokia 3310, 3315, 3330, 3350, 3410

The Contrast is a bit tricky: depending on the display type, that value needs to be set differently. LPH7677 and LPH7779 typically need a value of 68, where LPH7366 needs a value around 50. In doubt, you need to experiment with that value. Additionally you can change the contract using the SetContrast() method at runtime. Last but not least it is needed to specify the correct supply voltage of the display, as the initialization is different for 3.3V and 5V displays:

PDC8544 Display Properties

PDC8544 Display Properties

Writing Text

Now time to generate Processor Expert code and to add a few lines of code to write some text. WriteLineStr() writes a string to a line starting with number 1. To keep things simple I add my code into the main() routine in ProcessorExpert.c:

int main(void)
/*lint -restore Enable MISRA rule (6.3) checking. */
{
  /* Write your local variable definition here */

  /*** Processor Expert internal initialization. DON'T REMOVE THIS CODE!!! ***/
  PE_low_level_init();
  /*** End of Processor Expert internal initialization.                    ***/

  /* Write some text */
  PDC1_WriteLineStr(1, "Hello World");
  PDC1_WriteLineStr(2, "from the");
  PDC1_WriteLineStr(3, "KL25Z Freedom");
  PDC1_WriteLineStr(4, "Board!");
  /*** Don't write any code pass this line, or it will be deleted during code generation. ***/
  /*** RTOS startup code. Macro PEX_RTOS_START is defined by the RTOS component. DON'T MODIFY THIS CODE!!! ***/
  #ifdef PEX_RTOS_START
    PEX_RTOS_START();                  /* Startup of the selected RTOS. Macro is defined by the RTOS component. */
  #endif
  /*** End of RTOS startup code.  ***/
  /*** Processor Expert end of main routine. DON'T MODIFY THIS CODE!!! ***/
  for(;;){}
  /*** Processor Expert end of main routine. DON'T WRITE CODE BELOW!!! ***/
} /*** End of main routine. DO NOT MODIFY THIS TEXT!!! ***/

Compile, download and the result should be like this:

Hello World

Hello World

Summary

I’m able to get a free-of-charge used Nokia phones, or very cheap replacement parts from the internet. With this and the Processor Expert component created, it is very easy to integrate a small graphical LCD display to my FRDM-KL25Z board (or any other board). Which is a great thing and enhancements of my Freedom board for many projects. I hope you enjoy it as I do.

Software

A demo project is available on this page. The needed Processor Expert components are available from www.steinerberg.com/EmbeddedComponents:  Wait and PDC8544.

More? Yes!

Well, it does not stop here. There are other Processor Expert components to draw lines, boxes, circles, images and fonts, as already shown in some of the pictures above. But this is a subject for a follow-up blog :-).

Further Information

Happy Nokiaing 🙂

72 thoughts on “Zero Cost 84×48 Graphical LCD for the Freedom Board”

  2. Hi Erich, thank you for another wonderful project for the FRDM board!

    I’d done quite a few projects (using AVR MCUs) with the NOKIA 3310 LCDs (LCD + keyboard assembly)…

    I could buy them dirt cheap for US$ 1.50 (in India where I live) from mobile spare parts shops. Sadly, they have now disappeared :-(,

    The Nokia 5110 LCDs are now available, but no longer at mobile repair shops….and they need to be bought already mounted on breakout boards … and this works much more expensive than the old favourite, the 3310 LCD.

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    Reply ↓

    • I have found it more efficient to buy old phones for $1-2 instead of buying the displays only. Because I see that some are selling the displays for around $10, while the whole phone is much cheaper. Contacting the local recycle center might be a good source of plenty of old phones too.

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  5. I just had a look in a drawer and found 3 x Nokia 7110s – screwdrivers are coming out NOW! (I have 3 Freedom boards, in addition to the one I’ve modified to act as a programmer.)

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  7. Is your Processor Expert component configured for Kinetis only, or should it be usable with HCS08? (I see you have a Hardware Non-LDD thing in there, was wondering if this was for non-Kinetis parts.)

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  10. Hello! I am using this component in CodeWarrior 10.4 with a FRMD K20D50M with MQX Lite, I follow all the steps from post, and when the app call the method WriteCmd() don’t receive the DataReceivedFlag. Please do you know what it maybe happen?

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    Reply ↓

    • It looks like this is an issue with interrupts and MQX-Lite. Can you try if it works for you without the RTOS?
      The DataReceivedFlag gets set by the interrupt service routine. So if it is not set, it sounds like your interrupts are not properly enabled?

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      Reply ↓

      • Yes that is! I put the initialization method of the LCD in the begin of the task of MQX Lite and the command sent successfully, but now the characters don’t show in the screen after the WriteLineStr, I will touch the contrast. Thanks! I hope the LCD screen works fine

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      • I tried everything and the LCD don’t shine the pixels. The only don’t try is put the capacitor, but maybe I will search the arduino board to test the nokia 5110. Do you have something to recommend to know if the hardward works fine or is a software problem?

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        Reply ↓

        • Hi Carlos,
          you need to add this capacitor, otherwise I think it will not work. I have never tried it without this capacitor.
          And have you set the type to ‘LPH7366’? And it could be that different displays are used in your Nokia 5110, so check the display type/(writing on it)? Contrast should be 50 for the LPH7366 (at least this worked for me).
          If you google for ‘arduino nokia 5110 display’ then you get plenty of hits of companies which should be able to sell you such a display.

          Like

  11. Thanks a bunch for the init sequence for the LCD. Was having quite a hard time figuring out how to init the LCD with my MSP430 Launchpad.

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  13. Super work sir….i having nokia 2102 display old model, it having 12 pins. how can i find pin configuration. Display backside many numbers are written which one is display modal number.

    Thanks & Regards

    Ikram Khan.S.I

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  16. We buy these displays in Kenya at local phone repair shops at Kshs 150, which translates to $1.73. I have used them with a zilog 8-bit microcontroller: https://github.com/Muriukidavid/z8_64k/blob/master/board.jpg, but thats in my little museum now. The good thing is that I can reuse with my custom kl05z boards now. Thanks for the contribution to the library of Processor Expert components, I enjoy using them. You seem to have made all the components I would think of making. I am making a new circuit tonight with this display for my undergrad students projects and I had to refer. Always a pleasure.

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  17. Hi Erich,
    This post is very interesting and it works for me. How do I use the Gdisplay componen? When I try to write something, it says that the line is out of range. Do You have any ideas?

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  19. hi Erich,
    is there a reason why your PDC8544 PE component should not work with freescale ke02z board? I’ve tried with kz25z and it works perfectly, while I can’t get it on with ke02.

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    Reply ↓

      • actually I thought ke02z logic level is 3.3v, although the board is supposed to be 5V. I will try to see if the 5V initialization solves the issue. The nokia 5110 lcd I’m using can handle 5V signals, I’ve used it with arduino and it seemed ok.

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        Reply ↓

        • I have used the displays only with 3.3V logic, that’s why I asked. Can you check your wiring/connections, possibly with a logic analyzer? Maybe there is such a problem like wrong pins used?

          Like

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  22. Hi,

    I am currently running this on a 32 bit version of the frdm kl25z board, it runs fine but there seems to be an error in timing somewhere along the line but I can’t figure out where this is. I have checked every output and stepped through, they all seem fine but yet the 3310 LCD screen is not displaying anything at all (I have plugged it into an arduino and tested the screen on there and it works fine).
    Does anyone have any ideas?

    Thanks
    Tom

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    Reply ↓

      • Hi Erich,
        Thank you for the very speedy response!
        I did verify most of the signals, however PD1 for the Clock is going to the built in LED. What would you advise for this?
        Thanks
        Tom

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        Reply ↓

        • With that LED on your signal, you are very likely changing the signal characteristics, so this would be a reason why it does not work for you. I have used that such a ‘led signal’ pin for things like chip selects (no fast signal). Using that pin for a clock is very problematic.
          Either use a different pin, or remove the resistor or LED for that signal path.

          Like

      • Hi Erich,
        Apologies, tried changing all of the pins to no avail, I should get access to a signal analyser again in the next few weeks.
        Thanks again for the help
        Tom

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  24. But i have to say i see why your second revision has a plexiglass plate on top. The connection with the gum is not very stable. 😦
    For my use as a bike computer it is not usable. I think i have to order a version on a pcb or i have to look for a 5110 with the port connector.

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    Reply ↓

    • In the Nokia phone, the upper frame/case is pressing the display and keep it in position. This is why I used a plexiglass to press the display down. It is still not very reliabel that way (I need to adjust it from time to time). A better way would be to glue it in position horizontally. Still you need to press it down to the contacts.
      You are far better of with contacts you can solder. Or simply order a display which has that problem solved, e.g. the display I have used in this post: https://mcuoneclipse.com/2014/07/04/snake-game-on-the-frdm-kl25z-with-nokia-5110-display/. Link to where I have ordered it is in that post too, just in case.

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  25. And another thing. I found the correct name of this gum connector type. Its name is zebra connector. Hope that helps other people when angry about this evil connector type.

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  26. Hi! Those ‘gum’ connectors, from what I know, are called elastomeric connectors. I’ve tried to scavenge an LCD from an old guitar tuner and it had one of these connectors. At the time I didn’t know how I could use it, so I just put it back together.

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  28. Hello Erich,

    I have installed your PE component pack to my KDS 3.0, and I noticed that now, at least for my FRDM-K64 board, the SPI component asks for some extra parameters (right below “Clock rate”): “Delay after transfer”, “CS to CLK delay”, and “CLK to CS delay”. What values should I use for my Nokia5110 display?

    Thanks,

    Antonio

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