3.5" TFT Touch Shield for Arduino Uno - 480x320 ILI9486 Display with SD Slot

Technical Details

• Driver Optimization: The ILI9486 controller includes internal RAM buffering, offloading the display refresh tasks from the Arduino MCU.

• Parallel Interface: Utilizes an 8-bit parallel bus for data transfer, offering significantly faster refresh rates than standard SPI displays.

• Color Capability: Supports 18-bit (262k) and 16-bit (65k) color modes for smooth gradients and realistic image rendering.

• Power Supply: Designed to draw power directly from the Arduino’s 5V pin; features a low-dropout regulator for stable internal 3.3V.

• Backlight Control: The 4-LED backlight is controlled via a transistor, allowing for PWM-based brightness adjustment through software.

• Logic Level Shifting: Onboard buffers ensure the display's 3.3V controller is protected from the Arduino's 5V signals.

• Viewing Angle: Optimized for a 6 o'clock viewing direction with high contrast and brightness.

• Construction: Military-grade PCB process standards ensure long-term stability and resistance to mechanical stress.

• Library Support: Compatible with UTFT and MCUFRIEND libraries which automatically detect the ILI9486 chip ID.

• Touch Sensitivity: The resistive overlay is sensitive enough to detect inputs from both a stylus and fingernails.

• Compact Footprint: The PCB size of 85.5mm x 55.6mm perfectly matches the Arduino Uno's dimensions for a clean stack.

• SD Card Interface: Independent SPI pins (D10-D13) are used for the SD card, allowing simultaneous display and data access.

• Operating Range: Rated for stable operation between -20°C to +70°C.

• Flexible Reset: Includes a dedicated LCD_RST pin linked to the Arduino's reset button for synchronized system startups.

• Stylus Included: Ships with a high-quality plastic stylus to prevent scratches on the resistive film.

Prototyping and Engineering Tips from Robogears

• 9V Battery Use: While the Arduino Uno has a 9V barrel jack, using a standard 9V alkaline battery with this shield is not recommended. The high backlight current (approx. 150mA-250mA) will drain a 9V battery in minutes. For portable use, use a regulated 9V 2A Adapter.

• 18650 Cell: For mobile projects, use a 2S 18650 pack (7.4V - 8.4V) connected to the Arduino's VIN pin. This provides the necessary current capacity for the display and backlight without sagging the voltage.

• IC & Capacitor Tip: If the touch response is jittery, add a 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitor between the 5V and GND pins near the shield headers. When using the MCUFRIEND_kbv library, always call tft.readID() and pass it to tft.begin(ID) to ensure the controller is initialized correctly.

• Related Products: We recommend pairing this with our Arduino Uno R3, Arduino Mega 2560 (for more RAM), and 16GB MicroSD Cards.

Package Includes

• 1 x 3.5 inch ILI9486 TFT Touch Shield LCD Module.

• 1 x Resistive Touch Stylus.

Disclaimer Image is for ilastration purpose only 2-3 lines. Please ensure the pins are correctly aligned before pressing the shield onto your Arduino. Operating the shield without a stable 5V supply may lead to display flickering or white-screen issues.