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--- products:i2cspilcdbackpack:index.html [2010/11/02 01:29]
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+++ products:i2cspilcdbackpack:index.html [2010/11/02 02:01]
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+====== Introduction ======
+{{  /products/i2cspilcdbackpack/i2cconnect_t.jpg  |/products/i2cspilcdbackpack/i2cconnect.jpg}}
+LCDs are a fun and easy way to have your microcontroller project talk back to you. Character LCDs are common, and easy to get, available in tons of colors and sizes. [[http://www.ladyada.net/learn/lcd/charlcd.html|We've written tutorials on using character LCDs with an Arduino]] (or similar microcontroller) but find that the number of pins necessary to control the LCD can be restrictive, especially with ambitious projects. We wanted to make a 'backpack' (add-on circuit) that would reduce the number of pins without a lot of expense.
+By using simple i2c and SPI input/output expanders we have reduced the number of pins (only 2 pins are needed for i2c) while still making it easy to interface with the LCD. For Arduino users, we provide a easy-to-use library that is backwards compatible with projects using the '6 pin' wiring.
+{{  /products/i2cspilcdbackpack/i2cwire_t.jpg  |/products/i2cspilcdbackpack/i2cwire.jpg}}
+For advanced users, this project can be used for general purpose I/O expansion, the MCP23008 has 8 i/o pins (7 are connected) with optional pullups, the SPI 74HC595 has 7 outputs.
+Assembled and tested backpacks are available for purchase for only $10 in the Adafruit shop!
 ====== Which LCD to use ======
@@ Line 129: / Line 142: @@
+===== Hardware files =====
+[[http://github.com/adafruit/i2c-SPI-LCD-backpack|Eagle CAD format schematic and board layout file (as well as a PNG of the schematic) are all available in the GitHub repository]]

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