Most 1.8" TFT modules are based on the ST7735 driver and communicate using the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) protocol.
Resolution: 128×160 pixels
Interface: SPI
Color depth: 16-bit (65K colors)
Driver IC: ST7735 / ST7735S
Operating voltage: 3.3V logic level (some have onboard regulators for 5V compatibility)
Pins:
VCC: Power (3.3V or 5V depending on module)
GND: Ground
SCL/SCK: SPI Clock
SDA/MOSI: SPI Data
RES/RST: Reset
DC/A0: Data/Command selector
CS: Chip Select
Assuming the display uses SPI and ESP32's VSPI (default) pins:
| TFT Display | ESP32 Pin |
|---|---|
| VCC | 5V |
| GND | GND |
| SCL (CLK) | GPIO 18 |
| SDA (MOSI) | GPIO 23 |
| RES | GPIO 15 |
| DC | GPIO 32 |
| CS | GPIO 5 |
β Always check your specific TFT module's datasheet; some modules use different pin labels.
Install via Library Manager:
Adafruit GFX Library
Adafruit ST7735 and ST7789 Library
Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries, search and install the two libraries above.
Weather station UI
Sensor dashboard (e.g., DHT11, BMP180, etc.)
IoT device screen
Menu interface for user control
Game/animation interface
Power carefully: If your module has no 3.3V regulator, do not use 5V.
Brightness control: Some modules have LED backlight pins for brightness via PWM.
Performance: ESP32 handles TFTs much better than Arduino Uno due to faster SPI and more memory.
HOW TO OPERATE