Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/In-Depth: Interface Nokia 5110 Graphic LCD Display with Arduino

Beginner

ARDUINO

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

In-Depth: Interface Nokia 5110 Graphic LCD Display with Arduino

Learn how to wire, configure, and program the Nokia 5110 graphic LCD display with an Arduino to show text, numbers, and graphics.

Originally published on LastMinuteEngineers

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino UNO R3 Board (Compatible) – ATmega328P Microcontroller with USB Cable Rs. 999.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)

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How It Works

The Nokia 5110 Graphic LCD display communicates with an Arduino Uno via a synchronous serial interface similar to SPI, utilizing control pins for data/command selection, chip enable, and reset. Because the Arduino Uno operates at 5V logic levels while the Nokia 5110 display module is designed for 3.3V logic, a resistor network—constructed using 10kΩ, 1kΩ, and 330Ω resistors—is implemented to step down the signal voltages safely. This prevents overvoltage conditions on the display's data lines. The display module itself contains an onboard PCD8544 controller chip, which manages the internal RAM and drives the 84x48 pixel matrix. Power is supplied via the breadboard, ensuring the backlight and logic circuits receive appropriate operating voltages. Software libraries running on the Arduino generate the necessary pixel data, character fonts, and graphical shapes, shifting the formatted data bit by bit over the interface lines to refresh the screen and render text, numbers, and custom images.

Why Build This

Create portable sensor readouts and low-power instrumentation displays for your DIY electronics gear.

Build retro-style handheld devices and custom gaming consoles using classic graphical displays.

Learn how to interface monochrome graphic displays with 5V microcontrollers safely using resistor voltage dividers.

Real-World Application

Useful for retro electronics projects, DIY handheld devices, low-power instrumentation displays, and portable sensor readouts.

Skills You'll Learn

SPI-like serial communication

voltage level shifting with resistors

graphic display programming

library management in Arduino IDE

bitmap rendering

Safety Precautions

Ensure correct voltage levels (3.3V) are used for the Nokia 5110 display module to prevent permanent damage, as standard Arduino pins operate at 5V logic.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

NOKIA 5110

PCD8544

SPI

LCD DISPLAY

C++

ADAFRUIT GFX

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need resistors if the Arduino and LCD both use wires to connect?

The Arduino Uno outputs 5V logic signals, but the Nokia 5110 display runs on 3.3V. The resistors form voltage dividers to step down the 5V signals to protect the display from permanent damage.

What software libraries do I need to install in the Arduino IDE?

You need the SPI Library, Adafruit GFX Library, Adafruit PCD8544 Nokia 5110 LCD Library, and the Adafruit BusIO Library to properly compile and run the display code.

Can I display custom graphics and images on the screen?

Yes, the Adafruit GFX library allows you to draw pixels, lines, rectangles, circles, and custom bitmap graphics alongside standard text and numbers.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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