I have not come across a module with an active low E (enable) signal. I have met modules that have the backlight on pins 1,2 and not on pins 15,16. I seem to remember that the regular pins were all in the same order.

Yes, the other brands of controller chip often have better timing specs and can do 4-bit initialisatation easier.

However in my experience, follow the bog-standard HD44780 sequence and the other brands will initialise. But if you say just use the KS0066U data sheet sequence with a HD44780, strangely enough it will not work.

The rule seems to be: never ignore the data sheet for your particular module. Follow the lowest common denominator ( i.e. the strictest sequence) and your code will work with most modules.

David.