Hello,

Don't just give +5V. Make sure that you limit the current. I have not used EL backlighting, but I would agree that if one pin is common that possibly the circuit isn't LED, because with LED one wants the option of high or low side drive. I would try extensive research into the origin and characteristics of the module before applying any current. Many LCD manufacturers will have the make and/or model printed on the circuit board. I am not sure, but I think that the other chip(s) extend the capability of the 44780, as it is normally only capable of 16 characters. Could someone please clarify?

Cory Spackman