20 characters x 4 lines (80 characters) HD44780-compatible LCD - twice the 16x2 area
In stock
Lcd Character
20x4 LCD Display Module 2004 with I2C Interface
20-column, 4-row character LCD with I2C adapter; roomier text display for menus, meters and clocks.
₹270 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-DSP-04 · Best for: Multi-line menu systems and configuration screens
Overview
About 20x4 LCD Display Module 2004 with I2C Interface.
The 20x4 LCD Display Module (model 2004) is the bigger-brother character LCD that gives you 20 columns across 4 rows - twice the visible text of a 16x2 - with the same convenient soldered I2C backpack. It is an HD44780-compatible character display, and the piggyback board (a PCF8574 I2C expander) lets you drive all of it over just SDA and SCL instead of a wide parallel bus.
With 80 characters on screen at once, this is the display of choice when you need to show menus, multiple sensor values, meters or a full clock face without constantly scrolling. It includes an LED backlight and a contrast trimmer on the backpack, and it works with the same LiquidCrystal_I2C library and code style as the 16x2, so upgrading is painless.
At around Rs 270 it is the natural step up for Indian makers whose 16x2 has run out of room. The blue-backlight-white-text version is standard; yellow-green variants are also sold.
Key features
Why it stands out.
Soldered I2C backpack (PCF8574) drives the whole display over just SDA and SCL
LED backlight with on/off jumper and an adjustable contrast trimmer potentiometer
5V operation; works with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266 and Raspberry Pi
Same LiquidCrystal_I2C library and code as the 16x2 - easy to upgrade
Supports up to 8 custom 5x8 characters for symbols and icons
Specifications
Selection facts.
| Display type | Character LCD (HD44780 compatible) |
|---|---|
| Characters | 20 columns x 4 rows (80 total) |
| Character format | 5x8 dots per character |
| Interface | I2C via PCF8574 backpack (SDA, SCL, VCC, GND) |
| Default I2C address | 0x27 (some boards 0x3F) |
| Operating voltage | 5V DC |
| Backlight | LED (switchable via jumper), blue or yellow-green |
| Contrast | Adjustable via onboard trimmer potentiometer |
| Module dimensions | Approx. 98 x 60 mm |
Applications
Where it is used.
- Multi-line menu systems and configuration screens
- Dashboards showing several sensor readings at once
- Full digital clocks with date, time and status lines
- Bench meters, power supplies and test equipment readouts
- Home automation and HVAC control panels
- CNC/3D printer status and coordinate displays
Buying guide
How to choose.
Pick the 20x4 when 16x2 no longer fits your text - it gives you four full lines of twenty characters for menus, multi-sensor dashboards and rich status screens. The soldered I2C backpack keeps wiring to just power and two signal lines, which is essential when you are running many sensors on limited GPIO.
As with all these backpacks, confirm the I2C address in code (typically 0x27, sometimes 0x3F) using an I2C scanner. The module is 5V; on 3.3V boards like ESP32 power VCC from 5V and use a level shifter on the I2C lines for the most reliable result.
Use the LiquidCrystal_I2C library exactly as you would for a 16x2, just set columns to 20 and rows to 4. Adjust the contrast trimmer on the back until the characters are sharp.
FAQ
Common questions.
How much more can it show than a 16x2?
It shows 80 characters (20 x 4) versus 32 (16 x 2) on a 16x2 - twice the text - which is ideal for menus and multi-value dashboards.
Is the code different from a 16x2?
No. Use the same LiquidCrystal_I2C library, just initialise it with 20 columns and 4 rows instead of 16 and 2.
What is the I2C address?
Usually 0x27, sometimes 0x3F. Run an I2C scanner sketch to confirm if the display stays blank.
I see boxes on rows 1 and 3 but nothing else - is it broken?
No, that is normal before code runs and while adjusting contrast. Turn the blue trimmer on the back and load a LiquidCrystal_I2C sketch.
Can I run it from an ESP32?
Yes. Power it from 5V. The I2C lines often work directly at 3.3V logic, but a level shifter is the safest choice for reliable operation.
What is included?
The 20x4 (2004) LCD with the I2C backpack pre-soldered. Jumper wires and the microcontroller are sold separately.
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