DIABLO16 Module

[Jordan1x]

Hi everyone,


I’m working on a little display project and I found this module, DIABLO16 intelligent display module , that looks like it could simplify things a lot. Instead of using a basic character LCD + controller + wiring all signals manually, this module comes with a built-in graphics processor, its own drive electronics, and serial/I²C interface, in theory, it makes display control much simpler.

What I’m imagining: I could connect DIABLO16 to a microcontroller (or single-board system), send simple commands or data over serial, and let the module handle drawing text, graphics or menu screens. That seems easier than bit-banging a character LCD, and gives me more flexibility (fonts, layout, maybe even images).

Before I start, I wanted to ask those of you with experience:

• Has anyone here used DIABLO16 (or similar “smart display” modules) instead of a standard character LCD? How did it work out, was it more reliable or did it cause new problems (e.g. overhead, lag, weird quirks)?
• When wiring these modules: any tips on power supply decoupling, contrast/brightness control, or grounding to avoid display artifacts?
• For menu-based or dynamic displays: is the serial-command overhead noticeable (sluggish)? Is it convenient enough for small projects, or overkill compared to simple character LCDs?
• If you tried driving DIABLO16 from microcontrollers that usually drive character LCDs: how do you like the tradeoff, more power and flexibility vs. simplicity and lower cost?

I’m leaning toward trying the DIABLO16 for a more flexible, feature-rich display, but I’d love to hear your real-world experiences before investing time & money.

Thanks in advance!

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[CF Kelsey]

Hello,

We don't have experience with DIABLO16, however we do have a line of display modules that might be interesting to you. They are built using Bridgetek's EVE IC line.

Our EVE accelerated displays allow you to use a low-powered/slow processor (like Arduino) and still be able to write quickly to larger TFT displays.

EVE Features:

• Built-In Touch Control – Capacitive, resistive, or no touch, over the single SPI interface
• Faster Communication – MCU interfacing via SPI, Dual SPI or Quad SPI options
• Built-In Audio – Mono 8-bit linear audio wave PWM playback
• EVE Screen Designer – GUI drag and drop design suite
• All the Colors! – Multiple 16/32 bit color palettes supported with transparency & 24-bit depth
• Super Smooth Playback – JPG encoded AVI video playback
• Huge Memory! – 1 Mega-byte of object memory no frame buffer needed on your MCU
• Widgets – Hardware support for multiple buttons, sliders, gauges, including touch detection.
• Orientation – Landscape, Portrait you got it! (*with compatible IPS Display)
• Hot and Cool! – Extended Operating temperature range: -20C to 70C
• Fast Development – High level API, provided by Bridgetek, to help you create your project quickly.