Display drivers are devices that provide the interface between a microprocessor (MPU) or microcontroller (MCU) and a display based upon a particular technology. Such technology examples include CD, OLED, ePaper, CRT, and LED. A device can be a dedicated chip, but it may also be a more generic logic device that has been programmed with the algorithm that implements the interface.

 

In some cases (for example LCD dot matrix arrays) special multilevel periodic waveforms are required to drive the display. Such patterns are output in periodic patterns, and the pattern is chosen so as to properly drive each element at the right time without causes contention at other times. Other drivers may require high I/O counts because they are directly driving a large display matrix. Many LCD controllers silicon chips are actually mounted directly on the glass to reduce the burden of this high density interconnect.

 

Display drivers can incorporate control for contrast and screen back-lighting. They may have temperature senses in them as some display technologies are temperature sensitive. In the case of LCD Drivers, they have in-built character libraries in a number of different languages. They will also have the ability to hold programmable characters.  Display drivers usually have a serial port for controlling them. Some display drivers have the ability to cascade them to support larger displays (an extension driver).

 

The manufacturer of the device typically has a generic software driver reference design available to facilitate rapid development.