Stan: FT232-based USB LCD backpack
From DP
| Stan: FT232-based USB LCD backpack | |
|---|---|
| Codename | Stan |
| Status | waiting for PCBs |
| Development | development forum |
| ID # | {{{id}}} |
I have been experimenting with the FT232R as a USB to SPI interface. Some of it is on the web at www.chinwah-engineering.com.
After looking at the BP LCD interface I got to thinking that driving the LCD directly with FT232R is a bad idea and that using the '595 simplifies the software immensely. And so it follows that it would be possible to build a backpack for a LCD to run off of the USB bus. Sort of like the Olimex PIC-MT-USB but without the PIC. Should be a lot cheaper.
Contents |
Resources
- Development thread
- FT232R datasheet
- FT232R DLL driver
- [FT232 programming examples]
Goals
- Backpack (80x36)
- USB
- Simple/Low cost
- Dumb requires host for programming
- Support for the most common 1x16, 2x8 and some graphic displays
- Support for 3v3 and 5v
- FT232R breakout
- Limit the total USB current to 500mA.
Latest Schematic
Early schematics
PCBs
micro version
mini version
standard version
older PCBs
Concept drawings
PCB size
The standard board size for a basic 16x2 character LCD display is 80x36 mm and has the 1x16 connector in the top left front. There are four mounting holes. There are a lot of variation in the sizes and connectors. Some even have the 1x16 connector at the bottom left but the pinout is 14-1,16,15 left to right. Some displays have the 2x8 connector but pins 1 and 2 have reversed voltage polarity. I think we should stay with what we have discussed and with a board size of 80x36.
Software
FT232R outputs
595 timing table
LCD pinouts
This diagram includes pinouts for HD44780, SparkFun's 128*64 and [160*128], and Seeed's 128*64, but not Seeed's second 128*64.
2x8 HD44780 pinout
Little engineers
