mLink Transreflective 1602 Character LCD

The mLink Character LCD series consists of serial (I2C/IIC) displays available in two sizes: 16 columns by 2 rows (16x2) and 20 columns by 4 rows (20x4). This model is the 16x2 screen, but featuring black text on a yellow backlit transflective LCD. Thanks to the transflective backlighting, it remains clearly visible both indoors and in bright daylight. In well-lit environments, the backlight can be switched off via software to save power.

As an mLink module, this display uses a standard I2C interface, making it compatible with most microcontrollers, including Arduino. The module is addressable which is configurable in software, allowing for multiple mLink modules to be connected in series with only two data pins needed for communication. Unlike traditional serial or parallel character displays, these modules require no setup or configuration, saving both development time and code space.

Text is displayed as a very clear white text on a blue backlight. The backlight's brightness level is fully programmable and can be set in 10% increments allowing you to dim the display or turn it completely off to save power. mLink modules are also compatible with other mLink or standard I2C modules allowing you to daisy-chain several different types of modules together using only the two I2C pins of your microcontroller.


For Arduino users you can use the mLink library (see below) to control any type of mLink module. The library has a very small memory footprint and only one single instance is needed to control multiple types of mLink modules. This makes it great for Arduinos with small amounts of memory and pin counts.


For Raspberry Pi users we have a Python module which can be installed via pip or downloaded and installed directly from our forum. Please see the mLink Python forum thread for requirements and download link here: viewtopic.php?f=131&t=3062&p=8592#p8592


Module specifications:

Module code:                                                                                    HCMODU0190C (16x2 black text on yellow backlight)

Supply voltage (VDD):                                                     4.5V to 5.5V

Operating range (recommended):                             0oC to 50oC

Display type (HCMODU0190A):                                 16x2 character transflective alphanumeric LCD

Display type (HCMODU0190B):                                  20x4 character alphanumeric LCD

Current max (HCMODU0190A):                                 31mA (100% backlight, Vcc = 5V)

Current min(HCMODU0190A):                                   2mA (sleep)

Current max (HCMODU0190B):                                 46mA (100% backlight, Vcc = 5V)

Current min(HCMODU0190B):                                   2mA (sleep)

Interfaces:                                                                                           I2C

I2C Interface speed:                                                                        400kbits/s (fast mode)

I2C default address (HEX):                                             0h56

Maximum number of modules:                                  5 with pullups fitted, 112 with pullups removed*

HCMODU0190A dimensions (inc module):            80mm x 36mm x 19mm

HCMODU0190B dimensions (inc module):             98mm x 60mm x 19mm

*Note the maximum number of connected modules will depend on cable lengths and power requirements of each module. Do not exceed 5 mLink modules connected in series with all pullups fitted.




Arduino Connection Example:







Because the modules use an I2C interface this also means multiple modules can be controlled from a single Arduino I2C interface simply by daisy-chaining them together. Note to control multiple mLink modules of the same type requires changing the default I2C address of the additional modules. See mLink Library Quick Start Guide for how to do this.

Arduino Example Sketch on our forum here.

Raspberry Pi Connection Example:

Raspberry Pi example code on our forum here.

You can download the Arduino library and Raspberry Pi module along with a quick start guide, reference library guide spec and register map from our support forum here.