This tutorial demonstrates how to interface a 1602 LCD display with Arduino using an I2C module, making it easier and cleaner to connect compared to traditional parallel wiring. With just four connections (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL), you can fully control the display and show text or sensor data in your Arduino projects.

All required code, wiring diagrams, and library download links are provided below this article.

📘 What is LCD1602 with I2C?

The LCD1602 is a 16-character, 2-row display commonly used in embedded systems. Normally, it requires 6 to 10 pins to operate, but by adding an I2C module, only two data lines (SDA and SCL) are needed for communication. This drastically simplifies wiring and leaves more pins free on the Arduino for other components.

🛠️ Wiring the LCD1602 to Arduino

Here's how to wire your LCD1602 with the I2C module to an Arduino Uno:

• VCC → 5V

• GND → GND

• SDA → A4

• SCL → A5

Caption: LCD1602 connected to Arduino via I2C using only 4 wires.

💻 Code Explanation – Displaying Text on the LCD

The code below initializes the LCD, enables the backlight, and prints text in a loop.

cppCopyEdit#include <Wire.h> 
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

// Set the LCD address to 0x27 for a 16 chars and 2 line display
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

• Wire.h: Required for I2C communication.

• LiquidCrystal_I2C.h: Library to control the LCD using I2C.

• lcd(0x27, 16, 2): Initializes the LCD at address 0x27 with 16 columns and 2 rows.

cppCopyEditvoid setup()
{
  lcd.begin();       // Initialize LCD
  lcd.backlight();   // Turn on backlight
}

• lcd.begin() prepares the LCD for use.

• lcd.backlight() turns on the display's backlight.

cppCopyEditvoid loop()
{
  lcd.clear();                 // Clear previous content
  lcd.print("Robojax");        // Print on first line
  lcd.setCursor(0,1);          // Move cursor to beginning of second line
  lcd.print("Hello World!");   // Print on second line
  delay(500);                  // Wait for 0.5 seconds
}

• The screen is refreshed every half second.

• You could also display other data, like time or sensor values.

🧰 Installing the Required Library

You must install the LiquidCrystal_I2C library:

1. Open Arduino IDE

2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries

3. Search for LiquidCrystal_I2C

4. Click Install

Once installed, you're ready to compile and upload the code.

🎬 Chapters From the Video

• 00:00 – Start

• 00:35 – LCD1602 and I2C Module Explained

• 04:37 – Wiring Explained

• 05:35 – Downloading LCD1602-I2C Library

• 07:13 – Code Explained for LCD1602

📥 Download Section

• ✅ Complete Arduino code

• ✅ Wiring diagram

• ✅ Required library links

This setup is ideal for displaying information in robotics, sensor feedback, clocks, or any interactive embedded systems.