Interfacing Nextion Display with Arduino

Nextion Display Module

The Nextion display is an intelligent touchscreen interface that simplifies the design of modern user interfaces for embedded systems. With built-in processing power and GUI editing software, it enables fast and professional-looking UI development for Arduino-based applications.

Working Principle of Nextion Display

Nextion displays work by processing HMI (Human Machine Interface) commands sent from a microcontroller like Arduino. The GUI is pre-designed using the Nextion Editor software, and communication is handled via serial UART for real-time data display and control.

Types of Nextion Displays

Basic Series

  • Design GUI using Nextion Editor.
  • Upload project to the display via SD card.
  • Communicate with Arduino over serial.

Enhanced Series

  • Supports additional hardware features.
  • Can run more complex UI projects.
  • Greater flexibility for automation systems.

Requirements

1. Arduino (UNO, Mega, or compatible)

2. Nextion Display (Basic or Enhanced)

3. Jumper Wires or Serial Adapter

4. Micro SD Card (for firmware upload)

Pin Configuration of Nextion Display

Nextion Display Module

  • VCC: Connect to 5V on Arduino.
  • GND: Connect to Arduino GND.
  • TX: Connect to Arduino RX pin.
  • RX: Connect to Arduino TX pin.

Wiring the Nextion Display to Arduino

Connect the Nextion VCC and GND to Arduino’s 5V and GND. TX of the Nextion goes to Arduino RX, and RX to Arduino TX. For stability, it's recommended to use SoftwareSerial if hardware UART is already in use.

Algorithm

  1. Design the Interface

    • Open the Nextion Editor and design your GUI.
    • Add buttons, text fields, sliders, and assign IDs.
    • Compile and upload the project to an SD card.

  2. Upload to Display

    • Insert SD card into the Nextion display.
    • Power the display; the firmware will auto-update.
    • Remove the SD card once the update is complete.

  3. Connect to Arduino

    • Use SoftwareSerial to assign RX/TX pins.
    • Connect the wires as per pin configuration.
    • Initialize serial communication in Arduino code.

  4. Write Arduino Code

    • Include the Nextion library.
    • Create objects for UI elements.
    • Read and write data using serial communication.

  5. Test and Debug

    • Upload the Arduino code.
    • Interact with the screen and monitor responses.
    • Debug values via Serial Monitor if needed.
1#include <Nextion.h>
2
3SoftwareSerial nextion(2, 3); // RX, TX
4NexText t0 = NexText(0, 1, "t0"); // Page 0, ID 1, name "t0"
5NexTouch *nex_listen_list[] = { &t0, NULL };
6
7void setup() {
8  nextion.begin(9600);
9  t0.setText("Hello, Nextion!");
10}
11
12void loop() {
13  nexLoop(nex_listen_list); // Handle touch events
14}
15

Applications of Nextion Displays

  • Smart home control panels
  • Industrial HMI interfaces
  • IoT device dashboards
  • Weather monitoring systems
  • Security and access control UIs
  • Robotics control screens

Conclusion

Interfacing a Nextion Display with Arduino brings powerful GUI capabilities to your embedded projects. With simple serial communication and easy-to-use design tools, it's a game-changer for building professional, touch-enabled user interfaces.