16x1 character lcd display module — A single line 16 character LCD module in COB construction with an HD44780 compatible controller, a slim format for status readouts where the panel height has to stay low.
Specifications
| Model | MLC161Y-1 |
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| Format | 16 characters x 1 line |
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| Build | COB |
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| Controller | HD44780 compatible (SPLC780D or equivalent) |
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| Interface | 4-bit / 8-bit parallel |
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| Backlight | White LED |
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Compare with nearby character LCD sizes
| Format | Controller | Interface | Backlight |
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| 8 x 2 | HD44780 compatible | 4-bit / 8-bit | White LED |
| 16 x 1 | HD44780 compatible | 4-bit / 8-bit | White LED |
| 16 x 2 | HD44780 compatible | 4-bit / 8-bit | White LED |
FAQ
Why does my 16x1 display split the text across two halves?
Most 16x1 modules are wired internally as two 8 character lines placed side by side. The first 8 characters sit at addresses 0x00 to 0x07 and the second 8 continue at 0x40, so firmware has to move the cursor to 0x40 to write the right half.
Is the 16x1 pin compatible with a 1602?
Electrically yes, it uses the same HD44780 compatible 14 or 16 pin arrangement and the same 4-bit or 8-bit bus. The outline is shorter in height, so check the panel cut-out.
Can the 16x1 be driven from an Arduino?
Yes. The standard LiquidCrystal library works, and once the second half address is handled the wiring is the same as any character display.
Can the 16x1 be made without a backlight?
Yes. A reflective build with a yellow-green or FSTN polariser reads ambient light and needs no backlight, which suits instruments that run on batteries.
The 16x1 uses the standard 16-pin assignment of the character range. Full table in the Character LCD Pinout Guide.
