Round IPS Color Display Module GC9A01 SPI for Arduino & ESP32 1.28 Inch

Specifications:

• Display Size: 1.28 inches
• Resolution: 240 × 240 pixels
• Display Type: IPS TFT LCD (Full Color)
• Driver IC: GC9A01
• Interface: 4-Wire SPI
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V DC
• Viewing Angle: 160° (IPS technology)
• Header Pins: 8-pin (Unsoldered)
• Compatible Platforms: ESP32, Arduino (3.3V logic or via level shifter), Raspberry Pi, STM32

Minimum hardware to get started:

• Microcontroller (ESP32, STM32, or Raspberry Pi Pico recommended) : to drive the SPI interface, store image assets, and process the graphics smoothly.
• Male Header Pins (1x8) & Soldering Iron : you will need to solder the pins to the module yourself before it can be plugged into a breadboard.
• Logic Level Shifter (if using 5V boards) : to step down 5V data signals from boards like the Arduino Uno, protecting the 3.3V-rated GC9A01 display controller from overvoltage damage.
• Breadboard & Jumper Wires : for a clean, stable connection during your initial setup and code testing.

Safety Warnings:

• Voltage Conflict (3.3V vs 5V): The GC9A01 driver IC and the display logic operate strictly at 3.3V. Do NOT connect the SPI data pins directly to a 5V microcontroller (like an Arduino Uno or Mega) without a logic level shifter. Doing so will permanently destroy the display controller.
• Soldering Required: Ensure you solder the pins cleanly without bridging adjacent pads, as a short on the SPI bus will prevent the display from initializing.

Accessories
Included in the Box:

• 1× 1.28-inch IPS Round Color Display Module (Unsoldered

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this display compatible with an Arduino Uno?
  Yes, but you must use a logic level shifter for the SPI data lines, as the Arduino outputs 5V and the display operates strictly at 3.3V.
• Can I use this with an ESP32 or Raspberry Pi Pico?
  Yes, this display is perfect for 3.3V logic boards like the ESP32 and Pi Pico, allowing direct connections without level shifting.
• Does this module support touch input?
  No, this specific version is a display-only module without a capacitive or resistive touch overlay.
• Can I connect multiple displays to the same microcontroller?
  Yes, because it uses the SPI protocol, you can wire multiple displays to the same SPI bus as long as each display is assigned a unique Chip Select (CS) pin.
• What voltage does the display require?
  The display module and its GC9A01 driver IC operate strictly on 3.3V DC.
• Can I power the VCC pin from my 5V source?
  Only if your specific module has a small 3.3V voltage regulator chip populated on the back of the PCB; otherwise, stick to 3.3V to prevent damage.
• How much current does the backlight draw?
  During normal operation at full brightness, the module draws approximately 20mA.
• Do I need to solder the header pins myself?
  Yes, this module ships with unsoldered pins, so you will need a soldering iron to attach the 8-pin header before using it on a breadboard.
• Can I use any digital pins for the SPI connection?
  While you can use software SPI on any pins, it is highly recommended to use your microcontroller's dedicated hardware SPI pins (MOSI, SCK) for significantly faster screen refresh rates.
• What does the BLK pin do?
  The BLK pin controls the LED backlight; connecting it to 3.3V keeps the screen on constantly, while connecting it to a PWM-capable pin lets you adjust the brightness in code.
• Which Arduino library is best for this display?
  The TFT_eSPI library by Bodmer is the industry standard for GC9A01 displays, offering excellent performance and font support.
• Is there a MicroPython library available?
  Yes, there are several community-maintained GC9A01 MicroPython drivers available on GitHub that work perfectly with the Raspberry Pi Pico.
• How do I convert my images to display on this screen?
  You can use free online tools like the "Image to C array converter" (RGB565 format) to turn standard image files into code that your microcontroller can render.