How to Choose a Connector for a Character LCD

Character displays are common in a lot of electronics nowadays as an easy way to show information. From the flow meters, commercial security systems and interfaces in industrial machines, character LCDs are a simple but effective display solution.

Today, character displays are among the most common types of LCDs. One of the biggest benefits of using a character LCD is how customizable it is. These can be customized to fit a specific number of characters in terms or rows and columns and can also include dot matrix areas or special icons.

So, if you’re planning to use a character display in your product, you’ll need a connector. This component is what allows the LCD to connect seamlessly to the other parts of your assembly.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose a connector for character displays.

What are Character Displays?

Character displays have a grid of predefined characters. As voltage is applied, the liquid crystals will then align in a way that allows the light to pass through or be blocked. This is what forms the visible characters that can be seen on the screen.

If you need to display something simple, character displays are the way to go. They are much simpler to operate than graphic LCDs, which can display more detailed images and a wider range of fonts. This makes them so much easier to integrate into your gear.

Whether you just need to show a few lines of status updates, menu options, or basic data readings, character displays work great.

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Choosing a Connector for Character Displays

Choosing the right connector for your character display is important to make sure that performance stays reliable. Here are some key factors to consider before making the decision. 

Electrical Requirements

The connector must match the voltage and current ratings needed for both the display and the driving circuitry. This is necessary for proper operation without risking damage.

You also need to keep in mind the signal integrity, in which the connector should support the necessary data transfer speed and minimize any chance of losing signal. When it comes to high-speed data transfers, take the connector’s impedance and crosstalk into account.

Mechanical Specifications

The pin count of the connector needs to correspond to the number of connections that are required by the display. A connector’s size and shape should also fit well within the available space on the device.

Mounting options, such as surface mount or through-hole, depend on how it’s going to be assembled and how stable it has to be. Alignment features and mating cycles ensure that connections are easy and reliable, especially if the device needs to be disassembled quite often. 

Environmental Factors

It’s important that the connector’s operating temperature range matches the conditions in which the device will be used. The connector should be able to resist moisture and humidity, so it won’t corrode. 

For applications in harsher environments, consider how the connectors should provide resistance to strong vibrations and still hold up even when under physical stress. 

Durability and Lifespan

The materials used for the connector, like the contact plating, can affect its long-term performance. This is why you should take into account the number of insertion and extraction cycles that the connector can withstand.

Frequent connections and disconnections can eventually lead to mechanical fatigue. High-quality connectors should be able to endure repeated cycles without getting damaged.

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Types of Character Display Connectors

Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing a connector for your character display, it’s time to check out your options.

Pin Headers

Probably the most common and cost-effective way to connect character displays is with pin headers. These are usually available in single-row or dual-row configurations, so there’s some room for customization in pin count and spacing.

Pin headers are generally used for prototype development and small-scale production when easy assembly and disassembly are needed. Depending on their specifications, pin headers can provide a reliable electrical connection and can handle various signal and power requirements.

FFC/FPC Connectors

Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) connectors are best used for applications that require a compact and low-profile design.

FFC connectors use a flat ribbon cable that mates directly with pads on the display or circuit board. FPC connectors, on the other hand, have a flexible circuit board that can be folded or bent to fit tight spaces.

These connectors are great to use for space-constrained assembly and are often used in consumer electronics, automotive displays, and other devices that need to be small and light.

Board-to-Board Connectors

With no wires or harnesses, board-to-board connectors connect two circuit boards inside a device. They come in different stack heights and configurations, so this means that the character display module and main circuit board can be aligned and mated precisely as needed.

Board-to-board connectors offer very reliable signal transmission and mechanical stability. This makes them ideal for high-density packaging and interconnecting multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs). Devices like these are commonly found in industrial control systems, medical equipment, and telecommunications.

Wire-to-Board Connectors

Wire-to-board connectors connect wires to PCBs using crimp-style or insulation displacement contacts to provide a strong electrical connection. 

These connectors are used in applications where external sensors, switches, or other peripherals need to interface with a character display. Maintenance and repair are also easy since these components can be disconnected and replaced without the need to solder. 

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In Conclusion

The performance and reliability of your character display depend on the connectors you choose. When sourcing connectors, look for a partner with reputable manufacturers and distributors who specialize in electronic components.

As an ISO-certified company, Focus LCDs is among the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. We’re equipped with experienced designers who can fulfill your specific requirements.

By partnering with a reliable supplier and conducting thorough evaluations, you can confidently select connectors that improve the functionality and durability of your character display-based products.

If you’re still unsure about which connector to choose for your display, let’s talk. Contact us today for personalized recommendations and assistance from our experts.