Overview

The DIYables LCD I2C 16x2 Blue Background is a 16-character by 2-row character LCD with a blue backlight and integrated I2C backpack. Only four wires (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL) are needed for connection, with a default I2C address of 0x27. Built-in contrast potentiometer and software-controlled backlight make it versatile for both constant-on and power-managed projects. Package includes 2 modules. Dimensions: 78mm × 34mm × 13mm.

Quick Overview

Property Value
Display Format 16 characters × 2 rows
Background Color Blue
Interface I2C
I2C Address 0x27
Supply Voltage 5V
Contrast Potentiometer
Backlight Control Programmable ON/OFF
Dimensions 78mm × 34mm × 13mm
Package 2 pieces

Key Features

Blue Backlight

Blue background with white or yellow-green characters provides high contrast for indoor applications.

I2C — 4-Wire Connection

Only VCC, GND, SDA, and SCL needed. Frees up GPIO pins vs. parallel LCD wiring.

Programmable Backlight

Toggle backlight on or off in code for power management.

Adjustable Contrast

Onboard potentiometer fine-tunes the LCD contrast.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Display Type Character LCD
Layout 16 characters × 2 rows
I2C Backpack IC PCF8574
Interface I2C
I2C Address 0x27
Supply Voltage 5V
Background Color Blue
Contrast Potentiometer
Backlight Control Software ON/OFF
Dimensions 78mm × 34mm × 13mm
Package 2 pieces

Pinout

Pin Label Description
1 VCC Power supply (5V)
2 GND Ground
3 SDA I2C data line
4 SCL I2C clock line

Getting Started

Wiring (Arduino Uno / Nano)

LCD Pin Arduino Pin
VCC 5V
GND GND
SDA A4
SCL A5

Applications

  • Sensor readouts and data displays
  • Menu navigation
  • Status indicators
  • IoT dashboards
  • Timer and counter displays
  • Educational projects

Where to Buy

Equivalent Boards

Module Key Difference
LCD I2C 16x2 Same specs, default blue — this specific product
LCD I2C 1602 Green/Yellow Same size and interface, green/yellow backlight
1602A Blue Screen (Parallel) Same display, parallel interface — needs more GPIO pins
LCD 20x4 I2C Same I2C interface, 4 rows of 20 characters

Notes

  • Default address is 0x27. If it does not respond, try 0x3F or run an I2C scanner sketch.
  • Contrast: turn the potentiometer counterclockwise if only black squares are visible on the top row.
  • The lcd.init() function (not lcd.begin()) is required when using the LiquidCrystal_I2C library.

Revision History

Version Date Notes
v1.0 2026-06 Initial entry