Identify LCD panel

November 23, 2008 2:36 PM

Help me identify an Optrex 10 pin lcd panel/controller so I can program it.

I came across an lcd panel at a hardware store. It looks to be either 1 or 2 lines monochrome.

From the markings on it:
*Made by Optrex
*Serial number IM50240
*The chip on the back says: 3C4 7 HD44100H
*It has 10 pins

I've googled the serial numbers to no avail. Does anyone know where I can find the datasheet for this panel, or any other information about how to control/program it.

If needed, I can post pictures of it later.

Thanks

posted by fingo to computers & internet (4 comments total)

The HD44100 seems to be some sort of controller that works with the a very, very common HD44780 1- or 2-line text LCD controller. There are some datasheets here and there— I've only glanced at them, but my guess is that the interface will be some variation on the HD44780's.
posted by hattifattener at 2:54 PM on November 23, 2008

A bit of googling led me here. I'm not sure if this link is still valid (it's behind a forum registration), but it looks like it should have information on what you're looking for: http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?p=46241#post46241
posted by jangie at 2:59 PM on November 23, 2008

Aha, it looks like your IM50240 is just the driver (HD44100) without the controller (HD44780) that the typical module has. Here's a discussion with a pinout. Looks like you'll need to clock pixel data in kind of like driving a video display.
posted by hattifattener at 3:00 PM on November 23, 2008

The "HD44" means it's got to be a standard HD44780. 10 pins is weird as they usually have 16, but some quick Googling revealed this pinout for a 10 pin connection to an HD44780:

1: Gnd
2: VCC (5v)
3: Contrast (10k pot)
4: RS
5: R/W
6: E
7: DB4
8: DB5
9: DB6
10: DB7

Apparently you can only use it in "4 bit mode", thus the only 4 data lines. Frankly I wouldn't even bother with it. Standard, 16-pin HD44780 LCDs are like 8 or 9 bucks from Mouser.
posted by DecemberBoy at 3:04 PM on November 23, 2008