Self-lit character OLED modules from 8x2 to 40x2, sharing the size and pin out of standard STN character LCDs. Find out how character OLEDs work, what the built-in 4 in 1 font controller offers, and how to upgrade an existing LCD or VFD design.
A character OLED displays text as rows of fixed character cells, just like the familiar 16x2 character LCD. The difference is the display technology: instead of a liquid crystal panel in front of a backlight, every dot is a tiny OLED that produces its own light. Characters appear bright and sharp on a true black background, readable from almost any angle, with no backlight to power.
As the authorised distributor for Winstar Display Corporation we offer character OLED modules in 8x2, 12x2, 16x1, 16x2, 20x2, 20x4 and 40x2 formats, each character made from a 5x8 dot matrix. Standard models share the outline, viewing area and pin out of the equivalent Winstar STN LCDs, making them a simple upgrade for existing products, and they are also a mechanically compatible alternative to vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs).
Formats from 8x2 to 40x2 characters
Same size and pin out as STN character LCDs
4 in 1 font ROM: English, Japanese, European, Russian
6800, 8080 and SPI interfaces
Self-lit: no backlight required
Mechanically compatible alternative to VFDs
The display is divided into character cells, for example 16 cells across and 2 rows down on a 16x2 module. Each cell is a small 5x8 grid of OLED dots, and each dot lights up on its own when current flows through it, so no backlight is needed.
You do not have to draw the characters yourself. Your microcontroller sends a character code and the WS0010 controller looks up the shape in its built-in font ROM, then drives the dots. The ROM holds four font tables, English, Japanese, European and Russian, selected in software, so the same module can display text for several markets. The command set follows the familiar character LCD style, so existing character LCD software usually needs only small changes.
Simplified illustration: each character is a 5x8 dot cell drawn by the controller from its built-in font
Why designers upgrade from STN character LCDs and VFDs to character OLEDs
Same outline, viewing area and pin out as standard STN character LCDs, so most designs can upgrade without mechanical changes.
Self-lit characters on a true black background look crisp and clear, with no grey background or backlight bleed.
Text stays readable from almost any direction, without the narrow viewing cone of an STN LCD.
OLED dots switch almost instantly, so scrolling text and changing values stay sharp, with no ghosting, even at low temperatures.
No backlight to run, and only lit dots draw current, giving lower consumption than a backlit LCD or a VFD.
English, Japanese, European and Russian character sets in one controller, selected in software, for products sold worldwide.
Character OLEDs combine the bright, self-lit look of a VFD with the size, pin out and low voltage operation of an STN character LCD.
If you are maintaining a product that uses a character LCD or a VFD that is becoming hard to source, a character OLED is often the simplest way to refresh the design.
| Character OLED | STN LCD | VFD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light source | Self-lit | Backlight | Self-lit |
| Contrast | Very high, true black | Moderate | High |
| Viewing angle | Wide | Limited | Wide |
| Supply | Low voltage logic | Low voltage + backlight | Needs high voltage and filament drive |
| Response at low temp | Fast | Slows in the cold | Fast |
The WS0010 controller supports three interfaces. The default 6800 parallel bus matches most existing character LCD designs and can run in 8-bit or 4-bit mode. 8080 parallel suits processors with an Intel-style bus, while SPI reduces the connection to just a few wires.
Our engineers can help with interface selection, initialisation and samples.
| Interface | Data Lines | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| 6800 parallel (default) | 8 or 4 data + control | Replacing existing character LCDs |
| 8080 parallel | 8 data + control | Processors with an Intel-style bus |
| SPI | Serial, few wires | New designs, small MCUs, low pin count |
Compare our character OLED modules by format, size and the STN LCD they replace
| Model | Format | Diagonal | Outline (mm) | Duty | Replaces STN LCD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEH000802A | 8x2 | 1.2" | 58.0 x 32.0 | – | WH0802A |
| WEH001601B | 16x1 | 2.25" | 80.0 x 36.0 | 1/8 | – |
| WEH001602A | 16x2 | 2.29" | 80.0 x 36.0 | – | WH1602B |
| WEH002002A | 20x2 | 3.08" | – | 1/16 | – |
| WEH002004A | 20x4 | 2.88" | – | 1/16 | – |
| WEH004002A | 40x2 | 5.85" | – | – | WH4002A |
Standard models: COB structure, WS0010 controller with 4 in 1 font ROM, 6800 (default), 8080 and SPI interfaces. 12x2 also available. – see datasheet or contact us. View Character OLED Displays →
Character OLED modules suit any product that shows text, values and simple menus
Machine controllers, PLC panels and process equipment showing status and settings.
Meters, power supplies and instruments that need clear readings from any angle.
Amplifiers, receivers and pro audio gear, including VFD replacement designs.
Patient equipment and analysers where text must be easy to read in any lighting.
Thermostats, alarm panels, access control and appliance displays.
Customer displays, vending machines and terminals showing prices and messages.
Our engineering team can help specify or develop a custom solution for your exact requirements.
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