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Description
The µVGA-PICASO-MD1 is a compact & cost effective ready to go 'drop in' embedded graphics engine that can be controlled through simple commands sent from a host processor serially.
The ‘simple to use’ embedded commands not only control background colour but can produce text in a variety of sizes as well as draw shapes (which can include user definable bitmapped characters such as logos) in 256 colours whilst freeing up the host processor from the ‘processor hungry ‘ screen control functions.
This means a simple micro-controller with a standard serial interface can drive the module with total ease. For USB operation simply add a μUSB interface controller.
Features
The µVGA-PICASO-MD1 module is aimed at being integrated into a variety of different applications using a wealth of features designed to facilitate the designer to quickly and cost effectively complete a product and thus reduce ‘time to market’. These features are as follows:
Intelligent and fully integrated VGA/SVGA Display Graphics Controller.
Tiny 28 pin module, powered by the 4D LABS PICASO chip. A powerful DSP/Controller based multi purpose graphics engine.
Low Power design. 3.0Volts to 3.6Volts supply @90ma.
256 Colours with standard resolution modes for QVGA (320x240), VGA (640x480) andSVGA (800x600, to be implemented in the near future). The μVGA-PICASO-MD1 supports multiple resolutions within the same module. Resolutions are selectable during run time under host control. Resizable viewing window allows partial/full screen control.
The digital video signals, RED0:RED2, GREEN0:GREEN2, BLUE1:BLUE2, HSYNC, VSYNC and BLANK(R,G,B), facilitate using a simple Resistor-DAC to drive any standard VGA monitor.
512K bytes of onboard SRAM for video memory allows 8 pages for QVGA, 2 pages for VGA and 1 page for SVGA resolutions. Utilising the multiple pages allows double buffering which can be used for smooth animations and windowing of menu systems.
RX and TX signals (TTL levels) provide a simple serial host interface. The serial interface allow the μVGA-PICASO-MD1 graphics module to be connected to any host controller such as a PIC, AVR, STAMP, ARM, Propeller just to name a few as well as a PC. The host controls the module by sending simple serial commands. Auto baud rate detection from 2400 baud to 1Mbit/sec.
Powerful, easy to use and understand built in graphics functions allow drawing of lines, rectangles, circles, ellipses, text, images, icons, user defined bitmaps and much more…
SPI signals (SDI, SDO, SCK) allow the module to be connected to a number of SD and MMC memory cards (from 64Mb up to 2Gb) that can store images, icons, and other graphics objects.
Future upgrades and enhancements are easily achieved by uploading PmmC (Personality module micro Code) files. PmmC files allow the PICASO chip to be uploaded with the latest micro-Code firmware.
System designers can incorporate the μVGA-PICASO-MD1 module directly into their application, saving space and cost. Reference designs enable the user to create a platform to incorporate the μVGA-PICASO easily.
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