Nokia 5110 LCD with a Raspberry Pi using WiringPi

Nokia 5110 LCD PCD8544 driver with a Raspberry Pi using WiringPi

Introduction

Setting up the Nokia 5110 LCD Display with a Raspberry Pi is a great way to get started with small, low-power displays. The LCD uses the PCD8544 controller and connects to the Raspberry Pi via the SPI interface. Below is a complete guide to wiring, setting up libraries, and writing a Python program to interact with the display.

Wiring the Nokia 5110 LCD to Raspberry Pi

Pinout for Nokia 5110 LCD (PCD8544):

Nokia 5110 Pin Function Raspberry Pi GPIO Pin
1 (RST) Reset GPIO 17 (Pin 11)
2 (CE/CS) Chip Select GPIO 8 (Pin 24, SPI0_CE0)
3 (DC) Data/Command GPIO 22 (Pin 15)
4 (DIN) Data In (MOSI) GPIO 10 (Pin 19, SPI0_MOSI)
5 (CLK) Clock (SCK) GPIO 11 (Pin 23, SPI0_SCLK)
6 (VCC) Power (3.3V) 3.3V (Pin 1 or 17)
7 (BL) Backlight (LED) GND (or PWM pin)
8 (GND) Ground GND (Pin 6 or 14)

Wiring Notes:

  • Make sure the VCC is connected to 3.3V and GND to ground.
  • BL (Backlight) pin is optional; it can be connected to GND if you don't need the backlight, or connected to a PWM pin to control brightness.
  • RST, CE, DC, DIN, and CLK are connected to available GPIO pins as indicated.

Steps to Use WiringPi

Install WiringPi (if not installed)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wiringpi

Enable SPI on Raspberry Pi

Interface Options → SPI → Enable.

Check SPI Connection

Verify SPI is enabled:

sudo reboot
ls /dev/spi*

You should see /dev/spidev0.0 and /dev/spidev0.1.

Install Required Libraries

To communicate with the Nokia 5110 LCD using Python, we need a Python library. There are several available, but a popular one is the PCD8544 library. We’ll also need the SPI interface, so ensure you have spidev installed.

  
    #include "PCD8544.h"

// An abs() :)
#define abs(a) (((a) < 0) ? -(a) : (a))

// bit set
#define _BV(bit) (0x1 << (bit))

// LCD port variables
static uint8_t cursor_x, cursor_y, textsize, textcolor;
static int8_t _din, _sclk, _dc, _rst, _cs;

// font bitmap
static unsigned char  font[] = {
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x3E, 0x5B, 0x4F, 0x5B, 0x3E,
		0x3E, 0x6B, 0x4F, 0x6B, 0x3E,
		0x1C, 0x3E, 0x7C, 0x3E, 0x1C,
		0x18, 0x3C, 0x7E, 0x3C, 0x18,
		0x1C, 0x57, 0x7D, 0x57, 0x1C,
		0x1C, 0x5E, 0x7F, 0x5E, 0x1C,
		0x00, 0x18, 0x3C, 0x18, 0x00,
		0xFF, 0xE7, 0xC3, 0xE7, 0xFF,
		0x00, 0x18, 0x24, 0x18, 0x00,
		0xFF, 0xE7, 0xDB, 0xE7, 0xFF,
		0x30, 0x48, 0x3A, 0x06, 0x0E,
		0x26, 0x29, 0x79, 0x29, 0x26,
		0x40, 0x7F, 0x05, 0x05, 0x07,
		0x40, 0x7F, 0x05, 0x25, 0x3F,
		0x5A, 0x3C, 0xE7, 0x3C, 0x5A,
		0x7F, 0x3E, 0x1C, 0x1C, 0x08,
		0x08, 0x1C, 0x1C, 0x3E, 0x7F,
		0x14, 0x22, 0x7F, 0x22, 0x14,
		0x5F, 0x5F, 0x00, 0x5F, 0x5F,
		0x06, 0x09, 0x7F, 0x01, 0x7F,
		0x00, 0x66, 0x89, 0x95, 0x6A,
		0x60, 0x60, 0x60, 0x60, 0x60,
		0x94, 0xA2, 0xFF, 0xA2, 0x94,
		0x08, 0x04, 0x7E, 0x04, 0x08,
		0x10, 0x20, 0x7E, 0x20, 0x10,
		0x08, 0x08, 0x2A, 0x1C, 0x08,
		0x08, 0x1C, 0x2A, 0x08, 0x08,
		0x1E, 0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0x10,
		0x0C, 0x1E, 0x0C, 0x1E, 0x0C,
		0x30, 0x38, 0x3E, 0x38, 0x30,
		0x06, 0x0E, 0x3E, 0x0E, 0x06,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x5F, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x07, 0x00, 0x07, 0x00,
		0x14, 0x7F, 0x14, 0x7F, 0x14,
		0x24, 0x2A, 0x7F, 0x2A, 0x12,
		0x23, 0x13, 0x08, 0x64, 0x62,
		0x36, 0x49, 0x56, 0x20, 0x50,
		0x00, 0x08, 0x07, 0x03, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x1C, 0x22, 0x41, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x41, 0x22, 0x1C, 0x00,
		0x2A, 0x1C, 0x7F, 0x1C, 0x2A,
		0x08, 0x08, 0x3E, 0x08, 0x08,
		0x00, 0x80, 0x70, 0x30, 0x00,
		0x08, 0x08, 0x08, 0x08, 0x08,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x60, 0x60, 0x00,
		0x20, 0x10, 0x08, 0x04, 0x02,
		0x3E, 0x51, 0x49, 0x45, 0x3E,
		0x00, 0x42, 0x7F, 0x40, 0x00,
		0x72, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x46,
		0x21, 0x41, 0x49, 0x4D, 0x33,
		0x18, 0x14, 0x12, 0x7F, 0x10,
		0x27, 0x45, 0x45, 0x45, 0x39,
		0x3C, 0x4A, 0x49, 0x49, 0x31,
		0x41, 0x21, 0x11, 0x09, 0x07,
		0x36, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x36,
		0x46, 0x49, 0x49, 0x29, 0x1E,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x14, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x40, 0x34, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x08, 0x14, 0x22, 0x41,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0x14,
		0x00, 0x41, 0x22, 0x14, 0x08,
		0x02, 0x01, 0x59, 0x09, 0x06,
		0x3E, 0x41, 0x5D, 0x59, 0x4E,
		0x7C, 0x12, 0x11, 0x12, 0x7C,
		0x7F, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x36,
		0x3E, 0x41, 0x41, 0x41, 0x22,
		0x7F, 0x41, 0x41, 0x41, 0x3E,
		0x7F, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x41,
		0x7F, 0x09, 0x09, 0x09, 0x01,
		0x3E, 0x41, 0x41, 0x51, 0x73,
		0x7F, 0x08, 0x08, 0x08, 0x7F,
		0x00, 0x41, 0x7F, 0x41, 0x00,
		0x20, 0x40, 0x41, 0x3F, 0x01,
		0x7F, 0x08, 0x14, 0x22, 0x41,
		0x7F, 0x40, 0x40, 0x40, 0x40,
		0x7F, 0x02, 0x1C, 0x02, 0x7F,
		0x7F, 0x04, 0x08, 0x10, 0x7F,
		0x3E, 0x41, 0x41, 0x41, 0x3E,
		0x7F, 0x09, 0x09, 0x09, 0x06,
		0x3E, 0x41, 0x51, 0x21, 0x5E,
		0x7F, 0x09, 0x19, 0x29, 0x46,
		0x26, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x32,
		0x03, 0x01, 0x7F, 0x01, 0x03,
		0x3F, 0x40, 0x40, 0x40, 0x3F,
		0x1F, 0x20, 0x40, 0x20, 0x1F,
		0x3F, 0x40, 0x38, 0x40, 0x3F,
		0x63, 0x14, 0x08, 0x14, 0x63,
		0x03, 0x04, 0x78, 0x04, 0x03,
		0x61, 0x59, 0x49, 0x4D, 0x43,
		0x00, 0x7F, 0x41, 0x41, 0x41,
		0x02, 0x04, 0x08, 0x10, 0x20,
		0x00, 0x41, 0x41, 0x41, 0x7F,
		0x04, 0x02, 0x01, 0x02, 0x04,
		0x40, 0x40, 0x40, 0x40, 0x40,
		0x00, 0x03, 0x07, 0x08, 0x00,
		0x20, 0x54, 0x54, 0x78, 0x40,
		0x7F, 0x28, 0x44, 0x44, 0x38,
		0x38, 0x44, 0x44, 0x44, 0x28,
		0x38, 0x44, 0x44, 0x28, 0x7F,
		0x38, 0x54, 0x54, 0x54, 0x18,
		0x00, 0x08, 0x7E, 0x09, 0x02,
		0x18, 0xA4, 0xA4, 0x9C, 0x78,
		0x7F, 0x08, 0x04, 0x04, 0x78,
		0x00, 0x44, 0x7D, 0x40, 0x00,
		0x20, 0x40, 0x40, 0x3D, 0x00,
		0x7F, 0x10, 0x28, 0x44, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x41, 0x7F, 0x40, 0x00,
		0x7C, 0x04, 0x78, 0x04, 0x78,
		0x7C, 0x08, 0x04, 0x04, 0x78,
		0x38, 0x44, 0x44, 0x44, 0x38,
		0xFC, 0x18, 0x24, 0x24, 0x18,
		0x18, 0x24, 0x24, 0x18, 0xFC,
		0x7C, 0x08, 0x04, 0x04, 0x08,
		0x48, 0x54, 0x54, 0x54, 0x24,
		0x04, 0x04, 0x3F, 0x44, 0x24,
		0x3C, 0x40, 0x40, 0x20, 0x7C,
		0x1C, 0x20, 0x40, 0x20, 0x1C,
		0x3C, 0x40, 0x30, 0x40, 0x3C,
		0x44, 0x28, 0x10, 0x28, 0x44,
		0x4C, 0x90, 0x90, 0x90, 0x7C,
		0x44, 0x64, 0x54, 0x4C, 0x44,
		0x00, 0x08, 0x36, 0x41, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x77, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x41, 0x36, 0x08, 0x00,
		0x02, 0x01, 0x02, 0x04, 0x02,
		0x3C, 0x26, 0x23, 0x26, 0x3C,
		0x1E, 0xA1, 0xA1, 0x61, 0x12,
		0x3A, 0x40, 0x40, 0x20, 0x7A,
		0x38, 0x54, 0x54, 0x55, 0x59,
		0x21, 0x55, 0x55, 0x79, 0x41,
		0x21, 0x54, 0x54, 0x78, 0x41,
		0x21, 0x55, 0x54, 0x78, 0x40,
		0x20, 0x54, 0x55, 0x79, 0x40,
		0x0C, 0x1E, 0x52, 0x72, 0x12,
		0x39, 0x55, 0x55, 0x55, 0x59,
		0x39, 0x54, 0x54, 0x54, 0x59,
		0x39, 0x55, 0x54, 0x54, 0x58,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x45, 0x7C, 0x41,
		0x00, 0x02, 0x45, 0x7D, 0x42,
		0x00, 0x01, 0x45, 0x7C, 0x40,
		0xF0, 0x29, 0x24, 0x29, 0xF0,
		0xF0, 0x28, 0x25, 0x28, 0xF0,
		0x7C, 0x54, 0x55, 0x45, 0x00,
		0x20, 0x54, 0x54, 0x7C, 0x54,
		0x7C, 0x0A, 0x09, 0x7F, 0x49,
		0x32, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x32,
		0x32, 0x48, 0x48, 0x48, 0x32,
		0x32, 0x4A, 0x48, 0x48, 0x30,
		0x3A, 0x41, 0x41, 0x21, 0x7A,
		0x3A, 0x42, 0x40, 0x20, 0x78,
		0x00, 0x9D, 0xA0, 0xA0, 0x7D,
		0x39, 0x44, 0x44, 0x44, 0x39,
		0x3D, 0x40, 0x40, 0x40, 0x3D,
		0x3C, 0x24, 0xFF, 0x24, 0x24,
		0x48, 0x7E, 0x49, 0x43, 0x66,
		0x2B, 0x2F, 0xFC, 0x2F, 0x2B,
		0xFF, 0x09, 0x29, 0xF6, 0x20,
		0xC0, 0x88, 0x7E, 0x09, 0x03,
		0x20, 0x54, 0x54, 0x79, 0x41,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x44, 0x7D, 0x41,
		0x30, 0x48, 0x48, 0x4A, 0x32,
		0x38, 0x40, 0x40, 0x22, 0x7A,
		0x00, 0x7A, 0x0A, 0x0A, 0x72,
		0x7D, 0x0D, 0x19, 0x31, 0x7D,
		0x26, 0x29, 0x29, 0x2F, 0x28,
		0x26, 0x29, 0x29, 0x29, 0x26,
		0x30, 0x48, 0x4D, 0x40, 0x20,
		0x38, 0x08, 0x08, 0x08, 0x08,
		0x08, 0x08, 0x08, 0x08, 0x38,
		0x2F, 0x10, 0xC8, 0xAC, 0xBA,
		0x2F, 0x10, 0x28, 0x34, 0xFA,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x7B, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x08, 0x14, 0x2A, 0x14, 0x22,
		0x22, 0x14, 0x2A, 0x14, 0x08,
		0xAA, 0x00, 0x55, 0x00, 0xAA,
		0xAA, 0x55, 0xAA, 0x55, 0xAA,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x00,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0xFF, 0x00,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0xFF, 0x00,
		0x10, 0x10, 0xFF, 0x00, 0xFF,
		0x10, 0x10, 0xF0, 0x10, 0xF0,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0xFC, 0x00,
		0x14, 0x14, 0xF7, 0x00, 0xFF,
		0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x00, 0xFF,
		0x14, 0x14, 0xF4, 0x04, 0xFC,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x17, 0x10, 0x1F,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x1F, 0x10, 0x1F,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0x1F, 0x00,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0xF0, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x1F, 0x10,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0x1F, 0x10,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0xF0, 0x10,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x10,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0x10,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0xFF, 0x10,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x14,
		0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x00, 0xFF,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x1F, 0x10, 0x17,
		0x00, 0x00, 0xFC, 0x04, 0xF4,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x17, 0x10, 0x17,
		0x14, 0x14, 0xF4, 0x04, 0xF4,
		0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x00, 0xF7,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0x14,
		0x14, 0x14, 0xF7, 0x00, 0xF7,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0x17, 0x14,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x1F, 0x10, 0x1F,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0xF4, 0x14,
		0x10, 0x10, 0xF0, 0x10, 0xF0,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x1F, 0x10, 0x1F,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x1F, 0x14,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFC, 0x14,
		0x00, 0x00, 0xF0, 0x10, 0xF0,
		0x10, 0x10, 0xFF, 0x10, 0xFF,
		0x14, 0x14, 0x14, 0xFF, 0x14,
		0x10, 0x10, 0x10, 0x1F, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xF0, 0x10,
		0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF,
		0xF0, 0xF0, 0xF0, 0xF0, 0xF0,
		0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0xFF,
		0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0F,
		0x38, 0x44, 0x44, 0x38, 0x44,
		0x7C, 0x2A, 0x2A, 0x3E, 0x14,
		0x7E, 0x02, 0x02, 0x06, 0x06,
		0x02, 0x7E, 0x02, 0x7E, 0x02,
		0x63, 0x55, 0x49, 0x41, 0x63,
		0x38, 0x44, 0x44, 0x3C, 0x04,
		0x40, 0x7E, 0x20, 0x1E, 0x20,
		0x06, 0x02, 0x7E, 0x02, 0x02,
		0x99, 0xA5, 0xE7, 0xA5, 0x99,
		0x1C, 0x2A, 0x49, 0x2A, 0x1C,
		0x4C, 0x72, 0x01, 0x72, 0x4C,
		0x30, 0x4A, 0x4D, 0x4D, 0x30,
		0x30, 0x48, 0x78, 0x48, 0x30,
		0xBC, 0x62, 0x5A, 0x46, 0x3D,
		0x3E, 0x49, 0x49, 0x49, 0x00,
		0x7E, 0x01, 0x01, 0x01, 0x7E,
		0x2A, 0x2A, 0x2A, 0x2A, 0x2A,
		0x44, 0x44, 0x5F, 0x44, 0x44,
		0x40, 0x51, 0x4A, 0x44, 0x40,
		0x40, 0x44, 0x4A, 0x51, 0x40,
		0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x01, 0x03,
		0xE0, 0x80, 0xFF, 0x00, 0x00,
		0x08, 0x08, 0x6B, 0x6B, 0x08,
		0x36, 0x12, 0x36, 0x24, 0x36,
		0x06, 0x0F, 0x09, 0x0F, 0x06,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x18, 0x18, 0x00,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x10, 0x10, 0x00,
		0x30, 0x40, 0xFF, 0x01, 0x01,
		0x00, 0x1F, 0x01, 0x01, 0x1E,
		0x00, 0x19, 0x1D, 0x17, 0x12,
		0x00, 0x3C, 0x3C, 0x3C, 0x3C,
		0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,
};

// the memory buffer for the LCD
uint8_t pcd8544_buffer[LCDWIDTH * LCDHEIGHT / 8] = {0,};

// Le: get the bitmap assistance here! : http://en.radzio.dxp.pl/bitmap_converter/
// Andre: or here! : http://www.henningkarlsen.com/electronics/t_imageconverter_mono.php
const uint8_t pi_logo [] = {
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0010 (16) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xF8, 0xF8, 0xFC, 0xAE, 0x0E, 0x0E, 0x06, 0x0E, 0x06,   // 0x0020 (32) pixels
0xCE, 0x86, 0x8E, 0x0E, 0x0E, 0x1C, 0xB8, 0xF0, 0xF8, 0x78, 0x38, 0x1E, 0x0E, 0x8E, 0x8E, 0xC6,   // 0x0030 (48) pixels
0x0E, 0x06, 0x0E, 0x06, 0x0E, 0x9E, 0xFE, 0xFC, 0xF8, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0040 (64) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0050 (80) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0060 (96) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x03, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0xFE,   // 0x0070 (112) pixels
0xF8, 0xF0, 0x60, 0x60, 0xE0, 0xE1, 0xE3, 0xF7, 0x7E, 0x3E, 0x1E, 0x1F, 0x1F, 0x1F, 0x3E, 0x7E,   // 0x0080 (128) pixels
0xFB, 0xF3, 0xE1, 0xE0, 0x60, 0x70, 0xF0, 0xF8, 0xBE, 0x1F, 0x0F, 0x07, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0090 (144) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x00A0 (160) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x00B0 (176) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x80, 0xC0,   // 0x00C0 (192) pixels
0xE0, 0xFC, 0xFE, 0xFF, 0xF3, 0x38, 0x38, 0x0C, 0x0E, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0E, 0x3C, 0x38, 0xF8,   // 0x00D0 (208) pixels
0xF8, 0x38, 0x3C, 0x0E, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0E, 0x0C, 0x38, 0x38, 0xF3, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0xF8, 0xE0,   // 0x00E0 (224) pixels
0x80, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x00F0 (240) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0100 (256) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0110 (272) pixels
0x00, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0xE7, 0xC3, 0xC1, 0xE0, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0x78, 0xE0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xE0,   // 0x0120 (288) pixels
0x60, 0x78, 0x38, 0x3F, 0x3F, 0x38, 0x38, 0x60, 0x60, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xE0, 0xF8, 0x7F,   // 0x0130 (304) pixels
0xFF, 0xE0, 0xC1, 0xC3, 0xE7, 0x7F, 0x3E, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0140 (320) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0150 (336) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0160 (352) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x03, 0x0F, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0xF1, 0xE0, 0xC0, 0x80, 0x01,   // 0x0170 (368) pixels
0x03, 0x9F, 0xFF, 0xF0, 0xE0, 0xE0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xC0, 0xE0, 0xE0, 0xF0, 0xFF, 0x9F,   // 0x0180 (384) pixels
0x03, 0x01, 0x80, 0xC0, 0xE0, 0xF1, 0x7F, 0x1F, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x0190 (400) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x01A0 (416) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x01B0 (432) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x01,   // 0x01C0 (448) pixels
0x03, 0x03, 0x07, 0x07, 0x0F, 0x1F, 0x1F, 0x3F, 0x3B, 0x71, 0x60, 0x60, 0x60, 0x60, 0x60, 0x71,   // 0x01D0 (464) pixels
0x3B, 0x1F, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x0F, 0x07, 0x03, 0x03, 0x01, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x01E0 (480) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00,   // 0x01F0 (496) pixels
0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 
};

// reduces how much is refreshed, which speeds it up!
// originally derived from Steve Evans/JCW's mod but cleaned up and optimized
//#define enablePartialUpdate

static void my_setpixel(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t color)
{
	if ((x >= LCDWIDTH) || (y >= LCDHEIGHT))
		return;
	// x is which column
	if (color)
		pcd8544_buffer[x+ (y/8)*LCDWIDTH] |= _BV(y%8);
	else
		pcd8544_buffer[x+ (y/8)*LCDWIDTH] &= ~_BV(y%8);
}

void LCDshowLogo()
{
	uint32_t i;
	for (i = 0; i < LCDWIDTH * LCDHEIGHT / 8; i++  )
	{
		pcd8544_buffer[i] = pi_logo[i];
	}
	LCDdisplay();
}

#ifdef enablePartialUpdate
static uint8_t xUpdateMin, xUpdateMax, yUpdateMin, yUpdateMax;
#endif

static void updateBoundingBox(uint8_t xmin, uint8_t ymin, uint8_t xmax, uint8_t ymax) {
#ifdef enablePartialUpdate
	if (xmin < xUpdateMin) xUpdateMin = xmin;
	if (xmax > xUpdateMax) xUpdateMax = xmax;
	if (ymin < yUpdateMin) yUpdateMin = ymin;
	if (ymax > yUpdateMax) yUpdateMax = ymax;
#endif
}

void LCDInit(uint8_t SCLK, uint8_t DIN, uint8_t DC, uint8_t CS, uint8_t RST, uint8_t contrast)
{
	_din = DIN;
	_sclk = SCLK;
	_dc = DC;
	_rst = RST;
	_cs = CS;
	cursor_x = cursor_y = 0;
	textsize = 1;
	textcolor = BLACK;

	// set pin directions
	pinMode(_din, OUTPUT);
	pinMode(_sclk, OUTPUT);
	pinMode(_dc, OUTPUT);
	pinMode(_rst, OUTPUT);
	pinMode(_cs, OUTPUT);

	// toggle RST low to reset; CS low so it'll listen to us
	if (_cs > 0)
		digitalWrite(_cs, LOW);

	digitalWrite(_rst, LOW);
	_delay_ms(500);
	digitalWrite(_rst, HIGH);

	// get into the EXTENDED mode!
	LCDcommand(PCD8544_FUNCTIONSET | PCD8544_EXTENDEDINSTRUCTION );

	// LCD bias select (4 is optimal?)
	LCDcommand(PCD8544_SETBIAS | 0x4);

	// set VOP
	if (contrast > 0x7f)
		contrast = 0x7f;

	LCDcommand( PCD8544_SETVOP | contrast); // Experimentally determined

	// normal mode
	LCDcommand(PCD8544_FUNCTIONSET);

	// Set display to Normal
	LCDcommand(PCD8544_DISPLAYCONTROL | PCD8544_DISPLAYNORMAL);

	// set up a bounding box for screen updates
	updateBoundingBox(0, 0, LCDWIDTH-1, LCDHEIGHT-1);

}

void LCDdrawbitmap(uint8_t x, uint8_t y,const uint8_t *bitmap, uint8_t w, uint8_t h,uint8_t color)
{
	uint8_t j,i;
	for ( j=0; j<h; j++)
	{
		for ( i=0; i<w; i++ )
		{
			if (*(bitmap + i + (j/8)*w) & _BV(j%8))
			{
				my_setpixel(x+i, y+j, color);
			}
		}
	}
	updateBoundingBox(x, y, x+w, y+h);
}

void LCDdrawstring(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, char *c)
{
	cursor_x = x;
	cursor_y = y;
	while (*c)
	{
		LCDwrite(*c++);
	}
}

void LCDdrawstring_P(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, const char *str)
{
	cursor_x = x;
	cursor_y = y;
	while (1)
	{
		char c = (*str++);
		if (! c)
			return;
		LCDwrite(c);
	}
}

void LCDdrawchar(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, char c)
{
	if (y >= LCDHEIGHT) return;
	if ((x+5) >= LCDWIDTH) return;
	uint8_t i,j;
	for ( i =0; i<5; i++ )
	{
		uint8_t d = *(font+(c*5)+i);
		uint8_t j;
		for (j = 0; j<8; j++)
		{
			if (d & _BV(j))
			{
				my_setpixel(x+i, y+j, textcolor);
			}
			else
			{
				my_setpixel(x+i, y+j, !textcolor);
			}
		}
	}

	for ( j = 0; j<8; j++)
	{
		my_setpixel(x+5, y+j, !textcolor);
	}
	updateBoundingBox(x, y, x+5, y + 8);
}

void LCDwrite(uint8_t c)
{
	if (c == '\n')
	{
		cursor_y += textsize*8;
		cursor_x = 0;
	}
	else if (c == '\r')
	{
		// skip em
	}
	else
	{
		LCDdrawchar(cursor_x, cursor_y, c);
		cursor_x += textsize*6;
		if (cursor_x >= (LCDWIDTH-5))
		{
			cursor_x = 0;
			cursor_y+=8;
		}
		if (cursor_y >= LCDHEIGHT)
			cursor_y = 0;
	}
}

void LCDsetCursor(uint8_t x, uint8_t y)
{
	cursor_x = x;
	cursor_y = y;
}

// bresenham's algorithm - thx wikpedia
void LCDdrawline(uint8_t x0, uint8_t y0, uint8_t x1, uint8_t y1, uint8_t color)
{
	uint8_t steep = abs(y1 - y0) > abs(x1 - x0);
	if (steep)
	{
		swap(x0, y0);
		swap(x1, y1);
	}

	if (x0 > x1)
	{
		swap(x0, x1);
		swap(y0, y1);
	}

	// much faster to put the test here, since we've already sorted the points
	updateBoundingBox(x0, y0, x1, y1);

	uint8_t dx, dy;
	dx = x1 - x0;
	dy = abs(y1 - y0);

	int8_t err = dx / 2;
	int8_t ystep;

	if (y0 < y1)
	{
		ystep = 1;
	} else
	{
		ystep = -1;
	}

	for (; x0<=x1; x0++)
	{
		if (steep)
		{
			my_setpixel(y0, x0, color);
		}
		else
		{
			my_setpixel(x0, y0, color);
		}
		err -= dy;
		if (err < 0)
		{
			y0 += ystep;
			err += dx;
		}
	}
}

// filled rectangle
void LCDfillrect(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h,  uint8_t color)
{
	// stupidest version - just pixels - but fast with internal buffer!
	uint8_t i,j;
	for ( i=x; i<x+w; i++)
	{
		for ( j=y; j<y+h; j++)
		{
			my_setpixel(i, j, color);
		}
	}
	updateBoundingBox(x, y, x+w, y+h);
}

// draw a rectangle
void LCDdrawrect(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h, uint8_t color)
{
	// stupidest version - just pixels - but fast with internal buffer!
	uint8_t i;
	for ( i=x; i<x+w; i++) {
		my_setpixel(i, y, color);
		my_setpixel(i, y+h-1, color);
	}
	for ( i=y; i<y+h; i++) {
		my_setpixel(x, i, color);
		my_setpixel(x+w-1, i, color);
	}

	updateBoundingBox(x, y, x+w, y+h);
}

// draw a circle outline
void LCDdrawcircle(uint8_t x0, uint8_t y0, uint8_t r, uint8_t color)
{
	updateBoundingBox(x0-r, y0-r, x0+r, y0+r);

	int8_t f = 1 - r;
	int8_t ddF_x = 1;
	int8_t ddF_y = -2 * r;
	int8_t x = 0;
	int8_t y = r;

	my_setpixel(x0, y0+r, color);
	my_setpixel(x0, y0-r, color);
	my_setpixel(x0+r, y0, color);
	my_setpixel(x0-r, y0, color);

	while (x<y)
	{
		if (f >= 0)
		{
			y--;
			ddF_y += 2;
			f += ddF_y;
		}
		x++;
		ddF_x += 2;
		f += ddF_x;

		my_setpixel(x0 + x, y0 + y, color);
		my_setpixel(x0 - x, y0 + y, color);
		my_setpixel(x0 + x, y0 - y, color);
		my_setpixel(x0 - x, y0 - y, color);

		my_setpixel(x0 + y, y0 + x, color);
		my_setpixel(x0 - y, y0 + x, color);
		my_setpixel(x0 + y, y0 - x, color);
		my_setpixel(x0 - y, y0 - x, color);

	}
}

void LCDfillcircle(uint8_t x0, uint8_t y0, uint8_t r, uint8_t color)
{
	updateBoundingBox(x0-r, y0-r, x0+r, y0+r);
	int8_t f = 1 - r;
	int8_t ddF_x = 1;
	int8_t ddF_y = -2 * r;
	int8_t x = 0;
	int8_t y = r;
	uint8_t i;

	for (i=y0-r; i<=y0+r; i++)
	{
		my_setpixel(x0, i, color);
	}

	while (x<y)
	{
		if (f >= 0)
		{
			y--;
			ddF_y += 2;
			f += ddF_y;
		}
		x++;
		ddF_x += 2;
		f += ddF_x;

		for ( i=y0-y; i<=y0+y; i++)
		{
			my_setpixel(x0+x, i, color);
			my_setpixel(x0-x, i, color);
		}
		for ( i=y0-x; i<=y0+x; i++)
		{
			my_setpixel(x0+y, i, color);
			my_setpixel(x0-y, i, color);
		}
	}
}

// the most basic function, set a single pixel
void LCDsetPixel(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t color)
{
	if ((x >= LCDWIDTH) || (y >= LCDHEIGHT))
		return;

	// x is which column
	if (color)
		pcd8544_buffer[x+ (y/8)*LCDWIDTH] |= _BV(y%8);
	else
		pcd8544_buffer[x+ (y/8)*LCDWIDTH] &= ~_BV(y%8);
	updateBoundingBox(x,y,x,y);
}

// the most basic function, get a single pixel
uint8_t LCDgetPixel(uint8_t x, uint8_t y)
{
	if ((x >= LCDWIDTH) || (y >= LCDHEIGHT))
		return 0;

	return (pcd8544_buffer[x+ (y/8)*LCDWIDTH] >> (7-(y%8))) & 0x1;
}

void LCDspiwrite(uint8_t c)
{
	shiftOut(_din, _sclk, MSBFIRST, c);
}

void LCDcommand(uint8_t c)
{
	digitalWrite( _dc, LOW);
	LCDspiwrite(c);
}

void LCDdata(uint8_t c)
{
	digitalWrite(_dc, HIGH);
	LCDspiwrite(c);
}

void LCDsetContrast(uint8_t val)
{
	if (val > 0x7f) {
		val = 0x7f;
	}
	LCDcommand(PCD8544_FUNCTIONSET | PCD8544_EXTENDEDINSTRUCTION );
	LCDcommand( PCD8544_SETVOP | val);
	LCDcommand(PCD8544_FUNCTIONSET);
}

void LCDdisplay(void)
{
	uint8_t col, maxcol, p;

	for(p = 0; p < 6; p++)
	{
#ifdef enablePartialUpdate
		// check if this page is part of update
		if ( yUpdateMin >= ((p+1)*8) )
		{
			continue;   // nope, skip it!
		}
		if (yUpdateMax < p*8)
		{
			break;
		}
#endif

		LCDcommand(PCD8544_SETYADDR | p);


#ifdef enablePartialUpdate
		col = xUpdateMin;
		maxcol = xUpdateMax;
#else
		// start at the beginning of the row
		col = 0;
		maxcol = LCDWIDTH-1;
#endif

		LCDcommand(PCD8544_SETXADDR | col);

		for(; col <= maxcol; col++) {
			//uart_putw_dec(col);
			//uart_putchar(' ');
			LCDdata(pcd8544_buffer[(LCDWIDTH*p)+col]);
		}
	}

	LCDcommand(PCD8544_SETYADDR );  // no idea why this is necessary but it is to finish the last byte?
#ifdef enablePartialUpdate
	xUpdateMin = LCDWIDTH - 1;
	xUpdateMax = 0;
	yUpdateMin = LCDHEIGHT-1;
	yUpdateMax = 0;
#endif

}

// clear everything
void LCDclear(void) {
	//memset(pcd8544_buffer, 0, LCDWIDTH*LCDHEIGHT/8);
	uint32_t i;
	for ( i = 0; i < LCDWIDTH*LCDHEIGHT/8 ; i++)
		pcd8544_buffer[i] = 0;
	updateBoundingBox(0, 0, LCDWIDTH-1, LCDHEIGHT-1);
	cursor_y = cursor_x = 0;
}

// bitbang serial shift out on select GPIO pin. Data rate is defined by CPU clk speed and CLKCONST_2. 
// Calibrate these value for your need on target platform.
void shiftOut(uint8_t dataPin, uint8_t clockPin, uint8_t bitOrder, uint8_t val)
{
	uint8_t i;
	uint32_t j;

	for (i = 0; i < 8; i++)  {
		if (bitOrder == LSBFIRST)
			digitalWrite(dataPin, !!(val & (1 << i)));
		else
			digitalWrite(dataPin, !!(val & (1 << (7 - i))));

		digitalWrite(clockPin, HIGH);
		for (j = CLKCONST_2; j > 0; j--); // clock speed, anyone? (LCD Max CLK input: 4MHz)
		digitalWrite(clockPin, LOW);
	}
}

// roughly calibrated spin delay
void _delay_ms(uint32_t t)
{
	uint32_t nCount = 0;
	while (t != 0)
	{
		nCount = CLKCONST_1;
		while(nCount != 0)
			nCount--;
		t--;
	}
}
  

  
    #include <stdint.h>

#define BLACK 1
#define WHITE 0

#define LCDWIDTH 84
#define LCDHEIGHT 48

#define PCD8544_POWERDOWN 0x04
#define PCD8544_ENTRYMODE 0x02
#define PCD8544_EXTENDEDINSTRUCTION 0x01

#define PCD8544_DISPLAYBLANK 0x0
#define PCD8544_DISPLAYNORMAL 0x4
#define PCD8544_DISPLAYALLON 0x1
#define PCD8544_DISPLAYINVERTED 0x5

// H = 0
#define PCD8544_FUNCTIONSET 0x20
#define PCD8544_DISPLAYCONTROL 0x08
#define PCD8544_SETYADDR 0x40
#define PCD8544_SETXADDR 0x80

// H = 1
#define PCD8544_SETTEMP 0x04
#define PCD8544_SETBIAS 0x10
#define PCD8544_SETVOP 0x80

#define swap(a, b) { uint8_t t = a; a = b; b = t; }

 // calibrate clock constants
#define CLKCONST_1  8000
#define CLKCONST_2  400  // 400 is a good tested value for Raspberry Pi

// keywords
#define LSBFIRST  0
#define MSBFIRST  1

 void LCDInit(uint8_t SCLK, uint8_t DIN, uint8_t DC, uint8_t CS, uint8_t RST, uint8_t contrast);
 void LCDcommand(uint8_t c);
 void LCDdata(uint8_t c);
 void LCDsetContrast(uint8_t val);
 void LCDclear();
 void LCDdisplay();
 void LCDsetPixel(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t color);
 uint8_t LCDgetPixel(uint8_t x, uint8_t y);
 void LCDfillcircle(uint8_t x0, uint8_t y0, uint8_t r,uint8_t color);
 void LCDdrawcircle(uint8_t x0, uint8_t y0, uint8_t r,uint8_t color);
 void LCDdrawrect(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h,uint8_t color);
 void LCDfillrect(uint8_t x, uint8_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h,uint8_t color);
 void LCDdrawline(uint8_t x0, uint8_t y0, uint8_t x1, uint8_t y1, uint8_t color);
 void LCDsetCursor(uint8_t x, uint8_t y);
 void LCDsetTextSize(uint8_t s);
 void LCDsetTextColor(uint8_t c);
 void LCDwrite(uint8_t c);
 void LCDshowLogo();
 void LCDdrawchar(uint8_t x, uint8_t line, char c);
 void LCDdrawstring(uint8_t x, uint8_t line, char *c);
 void LCDdrawstring_P(uint8_t x, uint8_t line, const char *c);
 void LCDdrawbitmap(uint8_t x, uint8_t y,  const uint8_t *bitmap, uint8_t w, uint8_t h,  uint8_t color);
 void LCDspiwrite(uint8_t c);
 void shiftOut(uint8_t dataPin, uint8_t clockPin, uint8_t bitOrder, uint8_t val);
 void _delay_ms(uint32_t t);

Sample Program

Now that everything is set up, let’s write a C program to display some text on the Nokia 5110 LCD.

  
    #include <wiringPi.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include "PCD8544.h"

// pin setup
int _din = 1;
int _sclk = 0;
int _dc = 2;
int _rst = 4;
int _cs = 3;
  
// lcd contrast 
int contrast = 50;
  
int main (void)
{
 
  // check wiringPi setup
  if (wiringPiSetup() == -1)
  {
	printf("wiringPi-Error\n");
    exit(1);
  }
  
  // init and clear lcd
  LCDInit(_sclk, _din, _dc, _cs, _rst, contrast);
  LCDclear();

  // turn all the pixels on (a handy test)
  printf("Test: All pixels on.\n");
  LCDcommand(PCD8544_DISPLAYCONTROL | PCD8544_DISPLAYALLON);
  delay(1000);
  // back to normal
  printf("Test: All pixels off.\n");
  LCDcommand(PCD8544_DISPLAYCONTROL | PCD8544_DISPLAYNORMAL);
  LCDclear();
  while(1){
  // display logo
  printf("Test: Display logo.\n");
  LCDshowLogo();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
  
  // draw a single pixel
  printf("Test: Display single pixel.\n");
  LCDsetPixel(10, 10, BLACK);
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
  
  // draw many lines
  printf("Test: Draw many lines.\n");
  int i;
  for (i=0; i<84; i+=4) {
    LCDdrawline(0, 0, i, 47, BLACK);
  }  
  for (i=0; i<48; i+=4) {
    LCDdrawline(0, 0, 83, i, BLACK);
  }
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
  
  // draw rectangles
  printf("Test: Draw rectangles.\n");
  for (i=0; i<48; i+=2) {
    LCDdrawrect(i, i, 96-i, 48-i, BLACK);
  }
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
  
  // draw multiple rectangles
  printf("Test: Draw multiple rectangles.\n");
  for (i=0; i<48; i++) {
    // alternate colors for moire effect
    LCDfillrect(i, i, 84-i, 48-i, i%2);
  }
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
  
  // draw mulitple circles
  printf("Test: Draw multiple circles.\n");
  for (i=0; i<48; i+=2) {
    LCDdrawcircle(41, 23, i, BLACK);
  }
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
  
  // draw the first ~120 characters in the font
  printf("Test: Draw the first ~120 chars.\n");
  for (i=0; i < 64; i++) {
    LCDdrawchar((i % 14) * 6, (i/14) * 8, i);
  }    
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  for (i=0; i < 64; i++) {
    LCDdrawchar((i % 14) * 6, (i/14) * 8, i + 64);
  }
  LCDdisplay();
  delay(2000);
  LCDclear();
}
  return 0;
}

“LVGL is the only framework that I've seen as open source Graphics Library for Microcontrollers. It’s easy to customize, adapts to any design, and the build size is tiny.”

Rahul R S
Embedded System Engineer

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