Several methods have been used to create back lights including electroluminescent panels and fluorescent tubes. By changing the orientation of the liquid crystals they allow light to pass or they block the light entirely.īecause transmissive LCD displays (the type we will be using) work by blocking light they require a backlight. The liquid crystals used inside LCD displays are sandwiched between two layers of polarized material. Instead they block the passage of light, like little windows which open and shut the let light through.
They’re inexpensive and versatile, this makes them ideal for all sorts of designs. Today LCD displays are used in a variety of items from test equipment to televisions. I’ll also show you a very popular Arduino Shield that has a keypad which you can use in your projects as well.
In this article and in the accompanying video I’ll show you how easy it is to add an LCD display to your next Arduino design.
