Learn FPGA design with VHDL : Driving an LCD Display

Understand LCD display and build a VHDL controller from scratch with multiple Labs for practice

What you'll learn

• Acquire skills to read and interpret a technical datasheet
• Understand the internal structure of HD44780-compatible LCDs
• Design a synthesizable LCD controller in VHDL
• Structure your design using finite state machines (FSMs)
• Manage multiple interacting FSMs
• Best practices for modular, reusable, VHDL design
• Hands-on practical labs (display text, display custom character, user-configurable countdown timer)

Requirements

Basic notions on digital electronics and VHDL are needed to get the most from this course

Description

As part of the "FPGA Design Using VHDL" hands-on series, this module focuses on driving character LCD displays — a fundamental interface for embedded systems and user interaction.

In this course, you will:

• Learn how to read and interpret an LCD datasheet
• Understand the internal architecture of an LCD (DDRAM, CGRAM, CGROM, and instruction set)
• Design and implement a fully functional LCD controller in VHDL
• Learn how to connect and map LCD pins to your FPGA using proper I/O constraints
• Apply theoretical knowledge through practical design labs

Practice Labs

• Lab 1: Create a simple demo that displays "HELLO WORLD" using your VHDL LCD controller
• Lab 2: Generate and display a custom character (like a smiley face) on the LCD
• Lab 3: Design a configurable countdown timer displayed in real-time on the LCD, with user input through buttons and switches

By the end, you’ll have the skills to read and understand a technical datasheet and integrate LCD displays into real-world VHDL projects with structured, reusable, and synthesizable code.

Throughout the course, you'll also strengthen your understanding of Finite State Machines (FSMs) and learn to design multiple cooperating FSMs in a single FPGA system. You will practice interfacing, timing, and structuring logic for clarity and reliability — skills essential for professional digital design.

Who this course is for:

Beginner Digital Electronics students and engineers or anyone interested in learning FPGA design