ChipScout

Displays

PCD8544

Nokia 5110 monochrome LCD controller used in low-power retro display modules.

China-madeNXPActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing Low power and Monochrome with a commonly available displays part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

PCD8544 is indexed as a displays part from NXP. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

DisplayMonochrome LCDSource: NXP
InterfaceSPISource: NXP
Resolution84x48Source: NXP
Working Voltage2.7V - 3.3VSource: NXP

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
SPI
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity72% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.nxp.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.nxp.com/NXPLibraryPCD8544 Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SCKMCU SPI clockShare with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.
MOSIMCU SPI data outRequired for most displays, radios, and writable devices.
MISOMCU SPI data inMay be optional for write-only displays.
CSAny free GPIOUse one chip-select pin per SPI peripheral.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SCK

Share with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.

MOSI

Required for most displays, radios, and writable devices.

Arduino Example

#include <SPI.h>

const int chipSelect = 10;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  pinMode(chipSelect, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
  SPI.begin();
  Serial.println("PCD8544 SPI wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this transaction with the maintained PCD8544 driver call.
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, LOW);
  SPI.transfer(0x00);
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
}
PCD8544 Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-S3 display dev board

Good match for SPI/I2C displays and enough memory for UI experiments.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Simple 5V classroom baseline when the display module includes level shifting.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Useful MicroPython test target for SPI and I2C display drivers.

Alternative Model Reasons

FT6236DisplaysCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
GC9A01DisplaysCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
HT16K33DisplaysThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
ILI9341DisplaysChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.

Common Questions

What is PCD8544 best used for?

Projects needing Low power and Monochrome with a commonly available displays part.

Does PCD8544 support Arduino or MicroPython?

PCD8544 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does PCD8544 use?

PCD8544 lists SPI; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare PCD8544 vs FT6236

Alternatives and Related Parts

FT6236

FocalTech

Capacitive touch controller commonly paired with small TFT display modules.

China-madeDisplays70% confidence

GC9A01

GalaxyCore

Round color TFT controller popular in watch-style circular display modules.

China-madeDisplays72% confidence

HT16K33

Holtek

I2C LED matrix and segment driver used in backpack display modules.

China-madeDisplays78% confidence

ILI9341

Ilitek

Color TFT LCD controller used in many 2.4-inch and 2.8-inch SPI display modules.

China-madeDisplays80% confidence