TiniLCD is an LCD and keypad SIMM72 expansion module for the TINI (Tiny InterNet Interface) development platform. TINI is based on an enhanced microcontroller from Dallas Semiconductor that runs a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and can be used to give electronic devices a voice on the internet. TiniLCD adds a 4x5 debounced keyboard scanner and a 1/4 VGA graphic LCD interface using the comprehensive Epson S1D13705 controller chip to the TINI system.
TiniLCD Specifications:
- Based on S1D13705 (SED1375) controller
- Drives STN/TFT/COLOUR/MONO LCDs up to 320x240 (1/4 VGA)
- 4X5 debounced keypad interface (interrupt driven or polled)
- Single CMOS load on any used TINI signal
- SIMM72 expansion format, compatible with TStik, STEP and Exx
- One of the four PCE* spaces selectable by DIP switches
- +3.3V regulator for local logic
- Variable +17V to +31V positive bias generator for STN LCDs
- Variable -14V to -29V negative bias generator for STN LCDs
- Variable LED backlight supply using PWM
- LCD signals buffered with 3.3V or 5V CMOS outputs (selectable via link)
- 2 LEDs for debugging
The TiniLCD module is a SIMM72 card, approximately 3.2cm x 10.7cm, that plugs into the SIMM expansion slot of a TINI development system such as an E20 from Dallas or a STEP from Systronix. The module has an Epson S1D13705 LCD controller, negative and positive bias generators, LED backlight circuitry, and a 4x5 debounced keypad scanner on board. Here are some links to the LCD controller data:
SED1375 (S1D13705) Data sheet (114Kbyte download)
SED1375 (S1D13705) User/programming manual (2.4Mbyte download)
The signals from the LCD controller pass through a set of buffers on the TiniLCD that can be configured via a link to drive at 5V CMOS or 3.3V CMOS levels to support both 5V and 3.3V LCDs. The resulting signals are available on a 2x20 way socket strip at the edge of the module. The user should connect the relevant signals to his/her own LCD module using an IDC cable and breakout PCB. Unfortunately graphics LCDs all seem to have non-standard connectors, so each manufacturer is different, this is why a breakout PCB is required. The DevKit provides the user with the IDC cable, 3x4 keypad, an LED backlit LCD module and a breakout PCB for that LCD. If you buy the DevKit you will also need a TiniLCD module, it is not included with the DevKit.
Here is a picture of the TiniLCD module installed in the expansion socket of a Dallas E20 development board. This picture shows the IDC cable that carries all the necessary signals to drive STN/TFT/COLOUR/MONO LCDs up to 320x240 dots resolution (1/4 VGA). Please note that this IDC cable is not provided with the TiniLCD module itself as it is assumed the user will provide their own cable and breakout PCB for their LCD, but this IDC cable is included in the TiniLCD DevKit, the details of which are below:
To use this product it will be necessary for the user to supply their own LCD module and a breakout PCB that maps the generic IDC cable pinout to their specific LCD and keypad. Alternatively, the user can order the TiniLCD DevKit which provides the user with a development kit that includes an LED backlit LCD module, a breakout PCB, an IDC cable and a 3X4 keypad. More details of the TiniLCD DevKit can be found here. Please note that the TiniLCD DevKit does not include the E20 development board or the TiniLCD module.
The software necessary to demonstrate and use this product, along with all the schematics so that users can develop their own breakout PCBs, will be posted on this site as soon as the update to the production units is complete.