16X2 LCD shield & motor driver

The 16X2 LCD shield is a crucial component for numerous DIY and industrial projects, offering a clear and efficient display solution. Designed for seamless integration with 28-40 pin PIC and DSPIC development boards, it operates on a standard 5V power supply while consuming approximately 1.5mA in typical conditions. The LCD features a resolution of 16 characters per line across two rows, making it ideal for displaying system statuses, sensor readings, and user prompts. Beyond its display capabilities, the shield incorporates an LMD18201 DC motor driver, capable of handling loads up to 3A continuous and 6A peak with a supply voltage range of 12V to 36V. It also includes four tact switches, which can be hardwired or configured via jumpers, and two adjustable trimmer potentiometers for contrast control and additional tuning. These features make the shield a powerful tool for automation, motor control, and interactive embedded systems.

Features and connectivity

One of the most notable features of this shield is the inclusion of the LMD18201 DC motor driver, which allows users to control DC motors with supply voltages ranging from 12V to 36V and a maximum continuous load of 3A (6A peak). This capability makes the shield ideal for automation and robotics applications. Additionally, it includes four tact switches, which can either be connected to predefined port pins using jumpers or assigned to any other port pin via female-to-female wire harnesses, offering flexibility in circuit design.

The LCD pins and H-Bridge signal inputs are connected through open-ended male headers, allowing for easy integration into various microcontroller projects. By using female-to-female wire harnesses, developers can freely connect these components to any required port pins, ensuring adaptability in complex circuits.

Adjustable settings and user interaction

To enhance usability, the shield features two trimmer potentiometers. One is dedicated to adjusting the LCD brightness, ensuring optimal visibility under different lighting conditions. The second and third trimmers serve as spare potentiometers, allowing customization for various user-defined applications. These adjustable settings add an extra layer of control, making the shield even more suitable for real-time measurement and automation projects.

Applications in embedded systems

The 16X2 LCD shield finds applications in numerous fields, particularly in automation and control systems. It is highly suitable for developing timers, measurement devices, and motor control units with display feedback. Projects such as DC motor pump controllers and automatic irrigation systems benefit from the combination of display and motor control capabilities. The ability to visualize real-time data on the LCD enhances the efficiency of monitoring and automation tasks.

Schematic

Part list

Conclusion

With its combination of an LCD display, LMD18201 motor driver, tact switches, and trimmer potentiometers, the 16X2 LCD shield is an invaluable tool for embedded system developers. Whether for industrial automation, robotics, or general-purpose microcontroller projects, this shield provides the flexibility and features necessary to create interactive and motor-driven applications efficiently.

Source :   electronics-lab.com (CC BY-SA 4.0)