The LCD 16×2 (often written as LCD 162) is one of the most commonly used alphanumeric display modules in electronics projects. The name 16×2 means it has 16 columns and 2 rows, so it can display 32 characters at a time. Each character is displayed in a 5×8 pixel matrix. 🔹 Details and Explanation Display Type: Alphanumeric LCD Characters: 16 per line × 2 lines = 32 total Controller IC: Usually based on HD44780 driver Operating Voltage: 4.7V – 5.3V (typically 5V) Logic Level: 5V compatible (can also work with 3.3V MCUs using level shifters or I2C module) Backlight: Usually green or blue with white/black characters Interface: Parallel communication (uses 8 or 4 data pins + control pins) Can also be interfaced via I2C module (saves pins, only uses SDA & SCL). 🔹 Pin Configuration (16 pins) VSS: Ground VCC: +5V supply VEE: Contrast adjustment (via potentiometer) RS (Register Select): Command/Data select RW (Read/Write): Selects read or write mode EN (Enable): Enables data transfer 7–14. D0–D7: Data pins (can use 4-bit or 8-bit mode) LED+ (A): Backlight + LED- (K): Backlight – 🔹 Working Principle The microcontroller sends commands (like clear screen, set cursor) and data (characters) to the LCD. The RS pin decides if the data is a command or display content. The Enable pin latches the data. The internal controller converts it into pixels on the display. 🔹 Applications Digital meters (temperature, voltmeter, etc.) Embedded systems (Arduino projects, IoT devices) Calculators and measurement devices Security systems (password display, status messages)