1602a lcd, characters lcd 16x2 — 16 character by 2 line character LCD modules, the most widely used format in this range, available in COB and COG builds, with HD44780 compatible controllers and a version with a mounting bezel.
Specifications
| Model | MLC162Y-1, MLC162F-1 (COG), MLC162Y-8, MLC162Y-3 (with bezel), MLC162Y-2 |
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| Format | 16 characters x 2 lines |
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| Build | COB and COG (MLC162F-1) |
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| Controller | HD44780 compatible (SPLC780D or equivalent) |
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| Interface | 4-bit / 8-bit parallel |
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| Character size | 5 x 8 dots |
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| Drive method | 1/16 duty, 1/5 bias |
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| Outline | 72.5 x 27.7 x 4.2 mm (MLC162F-1) |
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| Viewing area | 62.40 x 17.60 mm (MLC162F-1) |
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| Display mode | blue (MLC162F-1), yellow-green / blue / black-white on COB builds |
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| Backlight | White LED |
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16x2 outline and viewing area comparison
16x2 modules share the same character format but differ mechanically — the outline runs from 53 x 20 up to 122 x 44 mm. Shortlist by the panel space you have, then by the window you need.
| Model | Build | Outline W x H (mm) | Viewing area W x H (mm) |
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| MLC162Y-8 | COB (metal bezel) | 53 x 20 | 36.0 x 10.0 |
| MLC162Y-1 | COB (metal bezel) | 80 x 36 | 64.5 x 16.0 |
| MLC162Y-2 | COB (metal bezel) | 85.0 x 36.0 | 64.5 x 16.0 |
| MLC162F-1 | COG (no bezel) | 72.5 x 27.7 | 62.40 x 17.60 |
| MLC162Y-3 | COB (metal bezel) | 122 x 44 | 99.0 x 24.0 |
Reading the table: every COB build here ships with a metal bezel for panel mounting, whatever its thickness — MLC162F-1 is the chip-on-glass version and the only one without a bezel, which is the one to look at when panel depth is limited. Viewing area runs from 36.0 x 10.0 up to 99.0 x 24.0 mm, roughly a factor of 6.6 in area, so the 16x2 format on its own tells you nothing about how much you can actually read. Note the two 36 mm tall builds: MLC162Y-1 and MLC162Y-2 open the same 64.5 x 16.0 mm window, so the window is not what separates them — choose on depth and footprint. MLC162Y-1 is 80 x 36 mm and 8.7 mm deep (12.0 mm with the LED backlight fitted); MLC162Y-2 is 85.0 x 36.0 mm and 13.0 mm deep with the backlight and bezel in place, so it needs 4.3 mm more depth and 5 mm more panel width for the same visible area.
Compare with nearby character LCD sizes
| Format | Controller | Interface | Backlight |
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| 16 x 1 | HD44780 compatible | 4-bit / 8-bit | White LED |
| 16 x 2 | HD44780 compatible | 4-bit / 8-bit | White LED |
| 16 x 4 | HD44780 compatible | 4-bit / 8-bit | White LED |
FAQ
Is the 1602a compatible with Arduino?
Yes. The modules in this size use HD44780 compatible controllers, so the standard LiquidCrystal library works directly. In 4-bit mode the display takes six GPIO pins, which is why many designs add an I2C adapter board instead.
What is the 1602a pinout?
The standard 16 pin arrangement: VSS and VDD for power, VO for contrast, RS, R/W and E for control, D0 to D7 for the data bus, and LED A and LED K for the backlight. A 14 pin version without the backlight pins also exists.
Can the 1602a display custom characters?
Yes. The HD44780 controller holds eight user defined 5 x 8 characters in CGRAM, which is how degree signs, arrows and simple icons are shown on a character display.
Is there a 1602a with a bezel?
Yes, the MLC162Y-3 is supplied with a metal bezel for panel mounting, and COG, blue mode and white LED backlight versions are also stocked.
Wiring any of these 16x2 modules: the pin tables, the 4-bit option and custom pinout notes are collected in the Character LCD Pinout Guide.
