Standard alphanumeric LCD display controlled by 74HC164 LCD controller can accept 8 bit data bytes or 4 bit nibbles. Earlier my 4 bit and 8 bit LCD libraries were split in separate files as they were used in different projects. Now they are merged in to one library where simple logic is implemented to select 4 bit or 8 bit library just by modifying only three lines of code.

In the library header file there is line added:

//Uncomment this if LCD 4 bit interface isused

//******************************************

#define LCD_4bit

//******************************************

what allows to select different LCD modes by commenting and uncommenting this line. Also don't forget to select proper ports and pins where LCD is connected:

#define LCD_RS 0 //define MCU pin connected to LCD RS

#define LCD_RW 1 //define MCU pin connected to LCD R/W

#define LCD_E 2 //define MCU pin connected to LCD E

#define LCD_D0 0 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D0

#define LCD_D1 1 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D1

#define LCD_D2 2 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D1

#define LCD_D3 3 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D2

#define LCD_D4 4 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D3

#define LCD_D5 5 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D4

#define LCD_D6 6 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D5

#define LCD_D7 7 //define MCU pin connected to LCD D6

#define LDP PORTD //define MCU port connected to LCD data pins

#define LCP PORTD //define MCU port connected to LCD control pins

#define LDDR DDRD //define MCU direction register for port connected to LCD data pins

#define LCDR DDRD //define MCU direction register for port connected to LCD control pins

In newer library there is also couple new functionalities added:

• Predefining 8 custom LCD characters during LCD initialisation;

• LCDprogressBar() function have been adapted from AVRLib.

Complete function set:

void LCDsendChar(uint8_t); //forms data ready to send to 74HC164

void LCDsendCommand(uint8_t); //forms data ready to send to 74HC164

void LCDinit(void); //Initializes LCD

void LCDclr(void); //Clears LCD

void LCDhome(void); //LCD cursor home

void LCDstring(uint8_t*, uint8_t); //Outputs string to LCD

void LCDGotoXY(uint8_t, uint8_t); //Cursor to X Y position

void CopyStringtoLCD(const uint8_t*, uint8_t, uint8_t);//copies flash string to LCD at x,y

void LCDdefinechar(const uint8_t *,uint8_t);//write char to LCD CGRAM

void LCDshiftRight(uint8_t); //shift by n characters Right

void LCDshiftLeft(uint8_t); //shift by n characters Left

void LCDcursorOn(void); //Underline cursor ON

void LCDcursorOnBlink(void); //Underline blinking cursor ON

void LCDcursorOFF(void); //Cursor OFF

void LCDblank(void); //LCD blank but not cleared

void LCDvisible(void); //LCD visible

void LCDcursorLeft(uint8_t); //Shift cursor left by n

void LCDcursorRight(uint8_t); //shif cursor right by n

// displays a horizontal progress bar at the current cursor location

void LCDprogressBar(uint8_t progress, uint8_t maxprogress, uint8_t length);

I have added simple demo program that should help to start working with LCD:

Download Demo Project.

Download AVR LCD Library files.

Related Items:

• About GNU Compiler Collection-
• Accessing AVR microcontroller
• Atmega series of AVR microcont
• AVR 4-bit LCD interface librar
• AVR Comparator C programming e

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