Displays
ST7735
Small color TFT LCD controller found in many 1.8-inch SPI display modules.
Best For
Projects needing TFT and Color 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
ST7735 is indexed as a displays part from Sitronix. 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
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
Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.
Submit correctionSource Resources
Pinout Table
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
Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
Share with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.
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("ST7735 SPI wiring smoke test");
}
void loop() {
// Replace this transaction with the maintained ST7735 driver call.
digitalWrite(chipSelect, LOW);
SPI.transfer(0x00);
digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}MicroPython Example
from machine import Pin, SPI
import time
spi = SPI(0, baudrate=1_000_000, polarity=0, phase=0)
cs = Pin(5, Pin.OUT, value=1)
while True:
# Replace with the maintained ST7735 driver call.
cs(0)
spi.write(bytes([0x00]))
cs(1)
time.sleep(1)Recommended Development Boards
Good match for SPI/I2C displays and enough memory for UI experiments.
Simple 5V classroom baseline when the display module includes level shifting.
Useful MicroPython test target for SPI and I2C display drivers.
Alternative Model Reasons
Common Questions
What is ST7735 best used for?
Projects needing TFT and Color with a commonly available displays part.
Does ST7735 support Arduino or MicroPython?
ST7735 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.
What interfaces does ST7735 use?
ST7735 lists SPI; wireless support is no wireless protocol.
Alternatives and Related Parts
FT6236
FocalTech
Capacitive touch controller commonly paired with small TFT display modules.
GC9A01
GalaxyCore
Round color TFT controller popular in watch-style circular display modules.
HT16K33
Holtek
I2C LED matrix and segment driver used in backpack display modules.
ILI9341
Ilitek
Color TFT LCD controller used in many 2.4-inch and 2.8-inch SPI display modules.