Economy Series
Including the MOS, MOI, and MOU
Technical Manual
Revision 1.2
PCB Revision: 1.0 or Higher
Firmware Revision: 5.0 or Higher
1 Revision History
Revision
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.2
0.1
Description
Added OLED Support
Correction to the GPO Header pin layout
Initial Release
Updated Images
Initial Concept
Author
Divino
Divino
Clark
Clark
Clark
2
2 Contents
1 Revision History ......................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Contents ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5
4 Quick Connect Guide.................................................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Standard Module ................................................................................................................................ 6
Recommended Parts ............................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Serial Connections............................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 I2C Module........................................................................................................................................... 8
Recommended Parts ............................................................................................................................. 8
I2C Connections ..................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 USB Module ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Recommended Parts ........................................................................................................................... 10
USB Connections ................................................................................................................................. 11
5 Software ................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Hyperterminal ................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 uProject ............................................................................................................................................. 13
5.3 Application Notes.............................................................................................................................. 13
6 Hardware.................................................................................................................................................. 14
6.1 Standard Model ................................................................................................................................ 14
Communication/Power Header .......................................................................................................... 14
Protocol Select Jumpers ...................................................................................................................... 14
6.2 I2C Model........................................................................................................................................... 15
Communication/Power Header .......................................................................................................... 15
6.3 USB Model......................................................................................................................................... 16
Mini USB Connector ............................................................................................................................ 16
Alternate Power Connector ................................................................................................................ 16
6.4 Common Features ............................................................................................................................. 17
General Purpose Outputs ................................................................................................................... 17
7 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................... 18
7.1 Power ................................................................................................................................................ 18
7.2 Display ............................................................................................................................................... 18
3
7.3 OLED Burn-In ..................................................................................................................................... 18
7.4 Communication ................................................................................................................................. 19
7.5 Manual Override ............................................................................................................................... 19
8 Commands ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Communications ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Text ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Special Characters ................................................................................................................................... 23
General Purpose Output ......................................................................................................................... 26
Display Functions .................................................................................................................................... 27
Data Security ........................................................................................................................................... 29
Miscellaneous ......................................................................................................................................... 30
9 Appendix .................................................................................................................................................. 31
9.1 Environmental ................................................................................................................................... 31
9.2 Electrical ............................................................................................................................................ 31
9.3 Serial Interface .................................................................................................................................. 31
9.4 I2C Interface....................................................................................................................................... 31
9.5 Dimensional Drawings ...................................................................................................................... 32
10 Ordering ................................................................................................................................................. 33
10.1 Part Numbering Scheme ................................................................................................................. 33
10.2 Options ............................................................................................................................................ 33
10.3 Accessories ...................................................................................................................................... 34
11 Definitions .............................................................................................................................................. 36
12 Contact ................................................................................................................................................... 36
4
3 Introduction
Figure 1: MOU X-Board
Figure 2: MOS X-Board
The Matrix Orbital Economy Series offers a wide variety of intelligent alphanumeric liquid crystal and
vacuum florescent displays designed to decrease development time by providing an instant solution to
any project. At the heart of this line is the elegantly adequate X-Board.
Three different versions of the X-Board are available to allow communication to a wide variety of host
controllers. The MOI model offers communication speeds up to 100kbps over a simple two wire, I2C
interface. The serial MOS version offers 9.6kbps or 19.2kpbs and standard RS232 or TTL logic levels
through simple hardware jumpers. Lastly, the MOU model offers a quick and easy USB connection.
The simple command structure permits easy software control of many settings including backlight
brightness, and screen contrast. On board memory provides up to 40 custom characters which can be
saved within the unit and recalled for customized start screens, bar graphs, or larger numbers. Finally,
three general purpose outputs provide simple switchable five volt sources.
The versatile X-Board, with all the features mentioned above, is available with a wide colour variety of
parallel screen ranging from 8 to 80 characters in size to suit almost any application.
5
4 Quick Connect Guide
4.1 Standard Module
Table 1: Standard Headers
#
1
2
3
4
5
Header
Communication/Power
Protocol Jumper
Baud Jumper
GPO
Manual Override
Mate
SCCPC5V/BBC
JMPR
JMPR
None Offered
JMPR
Figure 3: Standard Connections
The serial series X-Board allows for user configuration of two common serial protocol logic levels. Either
RS232 or TTL levels can be selected using the onboard jumper and accessed through the four pin
Communication/Power Header as outlined in the Serial Connections section.
Recommended Parts
The most common cable choice for any standard Matrix Orbital
display, the Communication/Power Cable offers a simple connection
to the unit with familiar interfaces. DB9 and floppy power headers
provide all necessary input to drive your display.
Figure 4: Communication/Power
Cable (SCCPC5V)
For a more flexible interface to the X-Board, a Breadboard Cable may
be used. This provides a simple four wire connection that is popular
among developers for its ease of use in a breadboard environment.
Figure 5: Breadboard Cable (BBC)
6
4.2 Serial Connections
Serial protocol provides a classic connection to the X-Board. The Communication/Power Cable is most
commonly used for this set up as it provides connections for DB9 serial and floppy power cables. To
place your board in Serial mode, adhere to the steps laid out below.
1. Set the Protocol Select jumper.
RS232: Connect the leftmost, outside RS232 pin to the inside pin of the protocol block.
TTL: Connect the rightmost, outside TTL pin to the centre protocol pin.
2. Set the Baud Rate jumper.
9600bps: Connect the outside pin on the left, labelled 9.6K to the centre post of the baud block.
19200bps: Connect the 19.2k pin on the outside right to the inside baud pin.
3. Make the connections.
a. Connect the four pin female header of the Communication/Power Cable to the
Communication/Power Header of your X-Board.
b. Insert the male end of your serial cable to the corresponding DB9 header of the
Communication/Power Cable and the mate the female connector with the desired
communication port of your computer.
c. Select an unmodified floppy cable from a PC power supply and connect it to the power header
of the Communication/Power Cable.
4. Create.
uProject or hyperterminal will serve to get you started, then move on with your own
development. Instructions for the former can be found below and a variety of application
notes are available for the latter at www.matrixorbital.ca/appnotes.
7
4.3 I2C Module
2
Table 2: I C Headers
#
1
2
3
Header
Communication/Power
GPO
Manual Override
Mate
SCCPC5V/BBC
None Offered
JMPR
Figure 6: Standard Connections
The I2C version of the X-Board offers a simple application of the two wire I2C interface. This allows the
unit to become one of many slave devices driven by an I2C master device. This protocol can also be
accessed through the four pin Communication/Power Header as outlined in the I2C Connections section.
Recommended Parts
For a more flexible interface to the X-Board, a Breadboard Cable may
be used. This provides a simple four wire connection that is popular
among developers for its ease of use in a breadboard environment.
Figure 7: Breadboard Cable (BBC)
8
I2C Connections
A more advanced connection to the X-Board is provided by the I2C protocol setting. It requires a
connection directly to your project, best accomplished using a breadboard and the included cable of the
same name. Power must be supplied from your breadboard or another external source. To dive right
into your application with the I2C model X-Board, get started with the guidelines below.
1. Set the Protocol.
I2C: The default write address of the X-Board is 80, hex 50, while read is one higher at 81.
Please ensure the host device uses this address when initially communicating to the board.
2. Make the connections.
a. Connect the Breadboard Cable to the Communication/Power Header on your X-Board and plug
the four leads into your breadboard. The red lead will require power, while the black should be
connected to ground, and the green and yellow should be connected to your controller clock
and data lines respectively.
b. Pull up the clock and data lines to five volts using a resistance between one and ten kilohms on
your breadboard.
3. Create.
This time you're on your own. While there are many examples within the Matrix Orbital
AppNote section, www.matrixorbital.ca/appnotes, too many controllers and languages exist to
cover them all. If you get stuck in development, it is possible to switch over to another protocol
on the standard board, and fellow developers are always on our forums for additional support.
9
4.4 USB Module
Table 3: USB Headers
#
1
2
3
3
Header
USB Connector
Alternate Power Header
GPO
Manual Override
Mate
EXTMUSB3FT
PCS
None Offered
JMPR
Figure 8: USB Connections
The USB version of the X-Board offers a single USB protocol for easy connection to a host computer.
The simple and widely available protocol can be accessed using the on board mini B style USB connector
as outlined in the USB Connections section.
Recommended Parts
The External Mini USB Cable is recommended for the USB model of the XBoard. It will connect to the miniB style header on the unit and provide a
connection to a regular A style USB connector, commonly found on a PC.
Figure 9: Mini USB Cable
(EXTMUSB3FT)
10
USB Connections
The USB connection is the quickest, easiest solution for PC development. After driver installation, the XBoard will be accessible through a virtual serial port, providing the same result as a serial setup without
the cable hassle. To connect to your USB series X-Board, please follow the steps below.
1. Set the Protocol.
USB: The USB version of the X-Board offers USB protocol only, no changes are required.
2. Make the connections.
Plug the mini-B header of your external mini USB cable into your X-Board and the regular USB
header into your computer USB jack.
3. Install the drivers.
a. Download the latest drivers at www.matrixorbital.ca/drivers, and save them to a known
location.
b. When prompted, install the USB bus controller driver automatically
c. If asked, continue anyway, even though the driver is not signed
d. When the driver install is complete, your display will turn on, but communication will not yet be
possible.
e. At the second driver prompt, install the serial port driver automatically
f. Again, if asked, continue anyway
4. Create.
Use uProject or hyperterminal to get started, and then move on with your own development.
Instructions for the former can be found below and a number of application notes are available
for the latter at www.matrixorbital.ca/appnotes.
11
5 Software
The multiple communication protocols available and simple command structure of the X-Board means
that a variety of applications can be used to communicate with the display. Text is sent to the display as
a character string, for example, sending the decimal value 41 will result in an 'A' appearing on the
screen. A number of control characters are also activated. Commands are merely values prefixed with a
special command byte, 254 in decimal. While many software programs are available to communicate
with the X-Board, a number of more common samples are detailed in depth below.
Table 4: Reserved Control Characters
8
Backspace
10
Control Characters
Line feed / New line 12 Clear screen / New page
13
Carriage return
5.1 Hyperterminal
Installed on most Windows computers, hyperterminal can be run by selecting run and typing 'hypertrm'
in the command line. This basic program will allow communication between a PC and your display.
When starting up, a name must be given to your connection, and an icon may be chosen, neither is
consequential. Next, it's important to select the appropriate communication port to which your display
is connected. Finally, the settings below must be entered to complete the port setup.
Table 5: Hyperterminal Settings
BPS
19200*
Data Bits
8
Parity
None
Stop Bits
1
Flow Control
None
*Note: 9600bps Baud may also be selected on the standard X-Board model.
Once a port is successfully set up, data can be sent to an attached display by typing on the keyboard. At
this point, it may be helpful to echo keys to the monitor by selecting properties from the file menu and
opening the ASCII settings from settings tab.
Commands can be sent to an attached display by issuing decimal commands using the number pad.
While the ALT key is held down, four digit decimal values can be sent as a single ASCII character. For
example, to clear the screen, try the following sequence.
ALT +0254 ALT +0088
Figure 10: Hyperterminal Command
Any commands or text desired can be sent to the communication port using this method to provide
total control of any Matrix Orbital display.
12
5.2 uProject
The Matrix Orbital alphanumeric display tuner, or uProject, is offered as a free download from the
www.matrixorbital.ca support site. It allows the basic functionality of any display* to be tested using a
simple graphical user interface system.
While basic functionality can be tested using the GUI portion of the program, more advanced users will
enjoy the scripting capability found in the uploader tab. Here commands can be stacked, run, and saved
for later use. Although many commands are available to be dragged into the script dialog, perhaps the
most powerful is the raw data command found in the other branch.
This command allows raw bytes to be sent to the display, permitting many different formats for entry
and displaying in decimal notation. Any command from this manual may be entered in decimal notation
separated by slashes.
/254/ /88/
Figure 11: uProject Command
Again, the clear screen command is sent to a connected display, this time using uProject raw data
command style. Scripts can be run as a whole using the execute command from the script menu, or as
single commands by selecting execute once. Before issuing commands, it is a good idea to ensure
communication with a display is successful using some of the basic GUI functions in the main window.
This program provides scratch pad upon which a tome of display projects and ideas can be assembled.
*Note: The uProject AutoDetect function will not perform correctly when a USB display is connected. Please
manually configure any USB display.
5.3 Application Notes
Full demonstration programs and code are available for Matrix Orbital displays in the C# language from
Simple C# AppNote Pack in the Matrix Orbital Application Note section at
www.matrixorbital.ca/appnotes. Difficulty increases from beginner, with the Hello World program, to
advanced with the Dallas One-Wire temperature reading application.
Many additional applications are available in a number of different programming languages. These
programs are meant to showcase the capability of the display and are not intended to be integrated into
a final design. For additional information regarding code, please read the On Code document also found
on the support site.
13
6 Hardware
6.1 Standard Model
Communication/Power Header
Table 6: Communication/Power Pinout
Pin
1
2
3
4
Figure 12: Communication/Power Header
Function
Vcc
Rx
Tx
Gnd
The Communication/Power Header provides a standard connector for interfacing to the serial series
X-Board. Voltage is applied through pins one and four of the four pin Power/Data connector. Please
ensure the correct voltage input for your display by referencing the electrical specifications in Table 20
before connecting power. Pins two and three are reserved for serial transmission, using either RS-232
or TTL logic levels, depending on what has been selected by the Protocol Select Jumpers. The versatile
Tyco 640456-4-LF style header employed here can be mated to a wide array of female connectors, a
Molex 22-01-3047 for example, for a perfect fit in any project.
Protocol Select Jumpers
The Protocol Select Jumpers, provide the means necessary to toggle the serial X-Board model between
RS-232 and TTL logic levels as well as the two baud rate speeds offered. As a default, the jumpers are
left unset. In order to place the display module in RS232 mode, connect the two leftmost pins with the
jumper provided, for TTL use the rightmost. Similarly, in order to set the display speed, connect the
rightmost pins for 19200bps or the leftmost for a more leisurely 9600bps. Jumper tables are shown
below with “X” indicating a connection for quick reference.
Table 7: Protocol Settings
X
RS232
X O
O
TTL
X X
Table 8: Baud Rate Settings
X
9600
X O
O
19200
X X
14
6.2 I2C Model
Communication/Power Header
Table 9: Communication/Power Pinout
Figure 13: Communication/Power Header
Pin
1
2
3
4
Function
Vcc
SCL
SDA
Gnd
The now familiar Communication/Power Header also provides a standard connector for interfacing to
the X-Board I2C model. Again, voltage is applied through pins one and four of the four pin connector.
Please ensure the correct voltage input for your display by referencing the electrical specifications in
Table 20 before connecting power. Pins two and three are reserved here for I2C communication on
addresses 80 and 81. Proving its versatility, the Tyco 640456-4-LF style header employed again for this
connection can be mated to a wide array of female connectors for a perfect fit in any project.
15
6.3 USB Model
Mini USB Connector
Table 10: Mini USB Pinout
Figure 14: Mini USB Connector
Pin
1
2
3
5
Function
Vcc
DD+
Gnd
The X-Board USB model comes with a familiar Mini USB Connector to fulfill both communication and
power needs. The standard MiniB style header can be connected to any other USB style using the
appropriate cable. Most commonly used with a PC, this connection creates a virtual com port that
offers a simple power solution with a familiar communication scheme.
Alternate Power Connector
Table 11: Alternate Power Pinout
Figure 15: Alternate Power Connector
Pin
1
2
3
4
Function
NC
Gnd
Gnd
Vcc
The Alternate Power Connector provides the ability to power the X-Board using a *second cable. The
Tyco 171825-4 style header is particularly useful for connecting to an unmodified floppy power cable, a
171822-4 for example, from a PC power supply for a simple bench power solution.
*Note: If the X-Board is powered by the Alternate Power Connector, the 0 ohm jumper resistor near the top right
labelled ‘P’ should be removed to avoid power contention.
16
6.4 Common Features
General Purpose Outputs
Table 12: GPO Pinout
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
Function
GPO 1
GPO 2
GPO 3
NC
GND
Pin
6
7
8
9
10
Function
VCC
VCC
VCC
VCC
VCC
Figure 16: GPO Header
A unique feature of the X-Board is the ability to control relays* and other external devices using one of
three General Purpose Outputs. Each can provide up to 20 mA of current at five volts. The two row, ten
pin header can be interfaced to a number of female connectors to provide control to any peripheral
devices required.
*Note: If connecting a relay, be sure that it is fully clamped using a diode and capacitor in order to absorb any
electro-motive force (EMF) which will be generated.
17
7 Troubleshooting
7.1 Power
In order for your Matrix Orbital display to function correctly, it must be supplied with the appropriate
power. If the screen does not illuminate, power may not applied correctly. Try following the tips below.
•
•
•
First, make sure that you are using the correct power connector. Standard floppy drive power
cables from your PC power supply may fit on the Communication/Power Header; however they
do not have the correct pin out to provide power. Matrix Orbital supplies power cable adapters
for connecting to a PC, which can be found in the accessories section.
The next step is to check the power cable which you are using for continuity. If you don't have
an ohm meter, try using a different power cable, if this does not help try using a different power
supply.
The last step will be to check the interface connector in use on your display. If the power
connections have become loose, or you are unable to resolve the issue, please contact Matrix
Orbital for more information.
7.2 Display
If your display is powered successfully, the Matrix Orbital logo, or user created screen should display on
start up. If this is not the case, check out these tips.
•
•
Ensure the contrast is not too high or too low. This can result in a darkened or blank screen
respectively. See the Manual Override section to reset to default.
Make sure that the start screen is not blank. It is possible to overwrite the Matrix Orbital logo
start screen, if this happens the screen may be blank. Try writing to the display to ensure it is
functional, after checking the contrast above.
7.3 OLED Burn-In
OLED technology is susceptible to a burn-in effect; whereby the brightness of active pixels may differ
from inactive ones over an extended period of activation. To reduce the burn-in effect, please use a
dynamic screen saver or simply turn the screen off when not in active use.
18
7.4 Communication
When communication of either text or commands is interrupted, try the steps below.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
First, check the communication cable for continuity. If you don't have an ohm meter, try using a
different communication cable. If you are using a PC try using a different Com Port.
Next, please ensure that the display module is set to communicate on the protocol that you are
using, by checking the Protocol Select Jumpers.
In serial protocol, ensure that the host system and display module are both communicating on
the same baud rate. The display will communicate at either 9600bps or 19200bps only.
Match Rx from the X-Board to the transmitting pin from your host and the Tx pin to the
receiving pin.
If you are communicating to the display via I²C* please ensure that the data is being sent to the
correct address. The default slave address for the display module is 80.
In I2C mode, connect Rx to the data line of your controller and Tx to the data output.
Unlock the display. See the Set and Save Data Lock command for more info.
Finally, you may reset the display to its default settings using the Manual Override procedure
outlined below.
*Note: I²C communication will always require pull up resistors on SCL and SDA of one to ten kilohms.
7.5 Manual Override
Should the settings of your display become altered in a way that dramatically impacts usability, the
default settings can be temporarily restored. To override the display, please follow the steps below.
1. Disconnect power from your display.
2. Place a jumper on the override pins.
3. Reconnect power to your unit, and wait for the start screen before removing the override
jumper.
4. Settings will be temporarily** overridden to the defaults listed in the Manual Override Settings
table. At this point any important settings, such as contrast, backlight, or baud rate, should not
only be set but saved so they remain when the override is removed.
Parameter
Backlight
Contrast
2
I C Address
Value
255
128
0x50
Table 13: Manual Override Settings
**Note: The display module will revert back to the old settings once turned off, unless desired settings are saved.
19
8 Commands
Communications
1.1. Changing the I2C
Slave Address
Dec
254 51 Address
Hex
FE 33 Address
ASCII
■ 3 Address
Immediately changes the I2C write address. Only even values are permitted as the next odd address will become
the read address.
Address 1 byte, even value
Text
1.2. Auto Scroll
On
Dec
254 81
Hex
FE 51
ASCII
■Q
The entire contents of screen are shifted up one line when the end of the screen is reached. Display default is auto
scroll on.
1.3. Auto Scroll
Off
Dec
254 82
Hex
FE 52
ASCII
■R
New text is written over the top line when the end of the screen is reached. Display default is auto scroll on.
1.4. Clear
Screen
Dec
254 88
Hex
FE 58
ASCII
■X
Clears the contents of the screen.
1.5. Changing the Start
Up Screen
Dec
254 64 Characters
Hex
FE 40 Characters
ASCII
■ @ Characters
Changes the message displayed on start up. Custom characters can be included by adding their decimal value (07). Characters will automatically wrap on the display.
Characters
80 bytes, space characters can be added as needed
20
1.6. Set Auto Line
Wrap On
Dec
254 67
Hex
FE 43
ASCII
■C
Text will wrap to the next consecutive line once a row becomes full.
1.7. Set Auto Line
Wrap Off
Dec
254 68
Hex
FE 44
ASCII
■D
Text will skip one line when wrapping once a row becomes full. Writing order will be rows 1, 3, 2, and then 4.
1.8. Set Cursor
Position
Dec
254 71 Column Row
Hex
FE 47 Column Row
ASCII
■ G Column Row
Sets the cursor to s specific position where the next transmitted character is printed.
Column 1 byte, value between 1 and display width
Row
1 byte, value between 1 and display height
1.9. Go Home
Dec
254 72
Hex
FE 48
ASCII
■H
Returns the cursor to the top left of the screen.
1.10. Move Cursor
Back
Dec
254 76
Hex
FE 4C
ASCII
■L
Moves cursor one position to the left. Cursor will obey wrap settings.
1.11. Move Cursor
Forward
Dec
254 77
Hex
FE 4D
ASCII
■M
Moves cursor one position to the right. Cursor will obey wrap settings.
21
1.12. Underline
Cursor On
Dec
254 74
Hex
FE 4A
ASCII
■J
Displays a line under the current cursor position. Can be used with block cursor.
1.13. Underline
Cursor Off
Dec
254 75
Hex
FE 4B
ASCII
■K
Removes line under current cursor position.
1.14. Blinking Block
Cursor On
Dec
254 83
Hex
FE 53
ASCII
■S
For VFD and LCD modules a blinking block will be displayed over the current cursor position. On OLED modules the
last character printed will blink. Can be used with underline.
1.15. Blinking Block
Cursor Off
Dec
254 84
Hex
FE 54
ASCII
■T
Removes blinking block over current cursor position.
22
Special Characters
1.16. Creating a Custom
Character
Dec
254 78 ID Data
Hex
FE 4E ID Data
ASCII
■ N ID Data
Creates a custom character. Each character is divided into 8 rows of 5 pixels, each data byte represents one row.
Each byte is padded by three zero bits followed by five bits representing each pixel state. A one represents an on
condition while a zero is off. Characters are lost when a new memory bank is loaded, unless they are saved.
ID
1 byte, character ID 0-7
Data 8 bytes, character pixel data as shown below
Table 14: Custom Degree Character
Data1 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00001000 8
Data2 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00010100 20
Data3 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00001000 8
Data4 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00000011 3
Data5 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00000100 4
Data6 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00000100 4
Data7 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00000011 3
Data8 000 p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 00000000 0
1.17. Saving
Dec 254 193 Bank ID Data
Custom
Hex
FE C1 Bank ID Data
Characters
Provides access to all memory banks to create and save custom characters, graph bars, and large digits. Any new
characters saved will overwrite the old, so care should be taken when writing to any bar or digit memory bank.
Bank structure is shown below.
Bank 1 byte, memory bank ID (0-4)
ID
1 byte, character ID (0-7)
Data 8 bytes, character pixel data as above
Table 15: Custom Character Banks
0
Start-up Characters
1
Horizontal Bars
2
Vertical Bars
3
Medium Digits
4
Large Digits
1.18. Loading Custom Dec 254 192 Bank
Characters
Hex
FE C0 Bank
Loads a bank of custom characters into memory for use. Must be issued before using a bank of characters.
Alternatively, an appropriate initialize command can be used.
Bank 1 byte, memory bank ID (0-4)
23
1.19. Save Start Up
Dec 254 194 ID Data
Screen Custom
Hex
FE C2 ID Data
Characters
Saves a custom character to memory for the start up screen or repeated use. Start up characters are displayed by
sending their ID to the screen.
ID
1 byte, character ID (0-7)
Data 8 bytes, character pixel data, see custom character example
1.20. Initialize
Dec
254 109
Medium
Hex
FE 6D
Number*
ASCII
■m
Loads the medium number custom character bank into memory. Medium numbers must be initialized before they
are used.
1.21. Place
Dec
254 111 Row Column Digit
Medium
Hex
FE 6F Row Column Digit
Numbers*
ASCII
■ o Row Column Digit
Places a single medium decimal digit of 2 row height and 1 column width on the display at the position specified.
Medium numbers must be initialized before being placed.
Row
1 byte, value between 1 and 20
Column 1 byte, value between 1 and 4
Digit
1 byte, single decimal digit to display
1.22. Initialize
Dec
254 110
Large
Hex
FE 6E
Numbers**
ASCII
■n
Loads the large number custom character bank into memory. Large numbers must be initialized before they are
used.
1.23. Place Large
Number**
Dec
254 35 Column Digit
Hex
FE 23 Column Digit
ASCII
■ # Column Digit
Places a single large decimal digit of 4 row height and 3 column width on the display at the position specified.
Medium numbers must be initialized before being placed.
Column
1 byte, value between 1 and 4
Digit
1 byte, single decimal digit to display
*Note: Display must be at least two character rows in height to employ this command
**Note: Display must be at least four character rows in height to employ this command
24
1.24. Initialize
Horizontal Bar
Dec
254 104
Hex
FE 68
ASCII
■h
Loads the horizontal bar graph custom character bank into memory. Horizontal bar characters must be initialized
before a graph is displayed.
1.25. Place Horizontal
Dec
254 124 Column Row Direction Length
Bar Graph
Hex
FE 7C Column Row Direction Length
Places a horizontal bar graph on the screen beginning at the column and row specified. The bar extends either
right or left to the length indicated. New bars will overwrite old.
Column
1 byte, value between 1 and 4
Row
1 byte, value between 1 and 20
Direction 1 byte, 0 for right and 1 for left
Length
1 byte, length in pixels of the graph (0-100)
1.26. Initialize
Vertical Bar
Dec
254 118
Hex
FE 76
ASCII
■v
Loads the horizontal bar graph custom character bank into memory. Horizontal bar characters must be initialized
before a graph is displayed.
1.27. Place Vertical
Bar
Dec
254 61 Column Length
Hex
FE 3D Column Length
ASCII
■ = Column Length
Places a vertical bar graph on the screen beginning at the column and row specified. The bar extends upwards to
the length indicated. A new bar will over write the old.
Column 1 byte, value between 1 and 4
Length
1 byte, length in pixels of the graph between 0 and 32
25
General Purpose Output
1.28. General
Dec
254 86 Number
Purpose
Hex
FE 56 Number
Output Off
ASCII
■ V Number
Turns the specified GPO off by supplying a zero volt output.
Number 1 byte, GPO (1-6) to be turned off
1.29. General
Dec
254 87 Number
Purpose
Hex
FE 57 Number
Output On
ASCII
■ W Number
Turns the specified GPO on by supplying a five volt output.
Number 1 byte, GPO (1-6) to be turned off
1.30. Set Start
Dec 254 195 Number State
Up GPO
Hex
FE C3 Number State
State
Sets the start up state of the specified GPO. Changes will only be seen on start up.
Number 1 byte, GPO (1-6) to be turned off
State
1 byte, 1 for on or 0 for off
26
Display Functions
1.31. Display On
Dec
254 66 Minutes
Hex
FE 42 Minutes
ASCII
■ B Minutes
Turns the display backlight on for a specified length of time. If an inverse display color is used this command will
essentially turn on the text.
Minutes 1 byte, number of minutes to leave backlight on (0 for infinite)
1.32. Display
Off
Dec
254 70
Hex
FE 46
ASCII
■F
Turns the display backlight off. If an inverse display colour is used this command will turn off the text.
1.33. Set
Dec 254 153 Brightness
Brightness*
Hex
FE 99 Brightness
Immediately sets the backlight brightness. If an inverse display color is used this represents the text colour
intensity instead. Default is 255.
Brightness
1 byte, brightness level from 0(Dim)-255(Bright)
1.34. Set and Save Dec 254 152 Brightness
Brightness* Hex
FE 98 Brightness
Immediately sets and saves the backlight brightness. Although brightness can be changed using the set command,
it is reset to the saved value on start up. Default is 255.
Brightness
1 byte, brightness level from 0(Dim)-255(Bright)
1.35. Set
Contrast**
Dec
254 80 Contrast
Hex
FE 50 Contrast
ASCII
■ P Contrast
Immediately sets the contrast between background and text. If an inverse display color is used this also represents
the text brightness. Default is 128.
Contrast 1 byte, contrast level from 0(Light)-255(Dark)
1.36. Set and Save Dec 254 145 Contrast
Contrast**
Hex
FE 91 Contrast
Immediately sets and saves the contrast between background and text. Although contrast can be changed using
the set command, it is reset to saved value on start up. Default is 128.
Contrast 1 byte, contrast level from 0(Light)-255(Dark)
27
1.37. Set VFD
Brightness***
Dec
254 89 Brightness
Hex
FE 59 Brightness
ASCII
■ Y Brightness
Immediately sets the text brightness. Default is 0.
Brightness
1 byte, brightness level from 3(Dim)-0(Bright)
1.38. Set and Save VFD Dec 254 145 Brightness
Brightness***
Hex
FE 91 Brightness
Immediately sets and saves the text brightness. Although brightness can be changed using the set command, it is
reset to the saved value on start up. Default is 0.
Brightness
1 byte, brightness level from 3(Dim)-0(Bright)
*Note: OLED and LCD Model only command
**Note: LCD Model only command
***Note: VFD Model only command
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Data Security
1.39. Set
Dec 254 147 Switch
Remember
Hex
FE 93 Switch
Allows changes to specific settings to be saved to the display memory. Writing to memory can be slow and each
change consumes 1 write of approximately 100,000 available. Set and save functions are always remembered.
Remember is off by default.
Switch 1 byte, 1 for on or 0 for off
1.40. Set Data
Dec 254 202 245 160 Level
Lock
Hex
FE CA F5 A0 Level
Temporarily locks certain aspects of the display to ensure no inadvertent changes are made. A new level overrides
the old, and levels can be combined. Default is 0.
Level 1 byte, each bit representing a level, see table below
Table 16: Data Lock Bits
Unlock
0
Reserved
1
Reserved
2
Reserved
3
Setting
4
Reserved
5
Command
6
Display
7
Table 17: Lock Parameters
Unlock
Reserved
Setting
Command
Display
Unlocks all setting locks
Place holders only, should be 0
Locks settings such as backlight and contrast
Locks all commands
Locks entire display, no new information can be displayed
1.41. Set and Save Dec 254 203 245 160 Level
Data Lock
Hex
FE CB F5 A0 Level
Permanently locks certain aspects of the display to ensure no inadvertent changes are made. A new level
overrides the old, and levels can be combined. Default is 0.
Level 1 byte, see data lock table
29
Miscellaneous
1.42. Read
Dec
254 54
Version
Hex
FE 36
Number
ASCII
■6
Causes display to respond with its firmware version number.
Response
1 byte, convert to hexadecimal to view major and minor revision numbers
1.43. Read
Dec
254 55
Module
Hex
FE 37
Type
ASCII
■7
Causes display to respond with its module number.
Response 1 byte, module number, see partial list below
Table 18: Sample Module Type Responses
4F
MOS Displays
50
MOI Displays
53
MOU Displays
30
9 Appendix
The versatility of the X-Board allows it to be interfaced to a variety of different displays. As a result,
Character Sets, Environmental tolerances, Electrical specifications, and Optical characteristics will be
display dependent. Applicable X-Board values are shown below for reference.
9.1 Environmental
Table 19: Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Operating Relative Humidity
0°C to +50°C
-20°C to +70°C
Maximum 90% non-condensing
9.2 Electrical
Table 20: Electrical Specifications
Parameter
Current Draw (Board Only)
Maximum Single GPO Current
Input Voltage (Vcc)
Min
4.75
Typical
25
5.00
Max
20
5.25
Units
mA
mA
V
9.3 Serial Interface
Table 21: Serial Tolerances
Parameter
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
Min
-0.5
0.6Vcc
Typ
0
5
Max
0.2Vcc
Vcc +0.5
Unit
V
V
Max
0.3Vcc
Vcc +0.5
400
Unit
V
V
KHz
9.4 I2C Interface
2
Table 22: I C Tolerances
Parameter
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
Clock Frequency
31
Min
-0.5
0.7Vcc
0
Typ
0
5
-
9.5 Dimensional Drawings
Please see display datasheets for screen dependent dimensions and drawings.
Figure 17: MOS Model Dimensional Drawing
Figure 18: MOS Model Dimensional Drawing
Figure 19: MOU Model Dimensional Drawing
32
10 Ordering
10.1 Part Numbering Scheme
Table 23: Part Numbering Scheme
MOS
1
-AL
2
-162
3
F
4
-YX
5
10.2 Options
Table 24: Display Options
#
Designator
1
Interface Type
2
Display Type
3
Display Size
4
Display Model
5
Colour
Options
2
MOI: I C protocol only
MOS: Serial protocol using RS232 or TTL levels
MOU: USB protocol only
AL: Alphanumeric Liquid Crystal Display
AO: Alphanumeric Organic Light Emitting Diode
AV: Alphanumeric Vacuum Florescent Display
162: Sixteen columns by two rows
164: Sixteen columns by four rows
202: Twenty columns by two rows
204: Twenty columns by four rows
242: Twenty-four columns by two rows
A: Standard Size (162 and 204 Models Only)
B: Larger Screen and Text (204 Models Only)
C: Standard Size (202 Models Only)
F: Smaller Screen and Text (162 Model Only)
YX: Yellow-Green Background with Grey Text
BW: Blue (Inverse) Background with White Text
WB: White Background with Blue-Grey Text
XR: Black (Inverse) Background with Red Text
XY: Black (Inverse) Background with Yellow-Green Text
FA: Black (FFSTN Inverse) Background with Amber Text
FB: Black (FFSTN Inverse) Background with Blue Text
FG: Black (FFSTN Inverse) Background with Green Text
FW: Black (FFSTN Inverse) Background with White Text
OB: OLED Blue on black
OG: OLED Green on black
OR: OLED Red on black
OW: OLED White on black
OY: OLED Yellow on black
Please note that the X-Board can be mated to any parallel Matrix Orbital alphanumeric display. Check
the Parallel Display section at www.matrixorbital.com for a complete list of displays.
33
10.3 Accessories
Power
Table 25: Power Accessories
PCS
Standard Power Cable
Communication
Table 26: Communication Accessories
EXTMUSB3FT
Mini-USB Cable
INTMUSB3FT
Internal Mini-USB Cable
SCCPC5V
Serial Communication/5V Power
Cable
BBC
Breadboard Cable
34
Mounting
Table 27: Mounting Accessories
B2021-XX**
20x2 Mounting Bracket with
Coloured Overlay
B202A-XX*
20x2 Mounting Bracket with Keyed
Overlay
B2041-XX**
20x4 Mounting Bracket with
Coloured Overlay
B204A-XX*
20x4 Mounting Bracket with Keyed
Overlay
MK2021-XX**
20x2 Coloured Overlay with Drill
Guide
MK2041-XX**
20x4 Coloured Overlay with Drill
Guide
Note: No mounting options are available for 16x2 displays.
*Note: Keyed overlays are available in Black Vinyl (-BK) and Beige Vinyl (no part extension). Deep Red (-DR) and
Silver (-SK) options are available for 20x2 sized displays only.
**Note: Non-keyed overlays are available in Black Vinyl (-BK), Black Brushed Aluminum (-BL), Silver Brushed
Aluminum (-AL), and Beige Vinyl (no part extension).
35
11 Definitions
ASCII: American standard code for information interchange used to give standardized numeric codes
to alphanumeric characters.
BPS:
Bits per second, a measure of transmission speed.
FFSTN: Double film super-twisted nematic in reference to an LCD. The addition of two layers of film
between the STN display and polarizer improves contrast.
GPO:
General purpose output, used to control peripheral devices from a display.
GUI:
Graphical user interface.
Hexadecimal:
values 0-15.
A base 16 number system utilizing the numerals and letters 0 through F to represent the
I2C:
Inter-integrated circuit protocol employing a clock and data line to communicate a short
distance at slow speeds between a master and up to 128 addressable slave devices. A Matrix Orbital
display is a slave device.
LSB:
Least significant bit or byte in a transmission, the rightmost when read.
MSB:
Most significant bit or byte in a transmission, the leftmost when read.
RS232: Recommended standard 232, a common serial protocol. A low level is -30V, a high is +30V.
SDA: Serial data line used to transfer data in I2C protocol. This open drain line should be pulled high
through a resistor. Nominal values are between 2K and 10K Ω.
SCL:
Serial clock line used to designate data bits in I2C protocol. This open drain line should be pulled
high through a resistor. Nominal values are between 2K and 10K Ω.
STN: Super-twisted nematic in reference to an LCD. In a relaxed or nematic state, crystals orientate
themselves in the same direction and allow light to pass. In an excited state these crystals align to block
light. Super-twisted crystals move from 180 to 270 degrees between phases to providing contrast than
TN models.
TTL:
Transistor-transistor logic applied to serial protocol. Low level is 0V while high logic is 5V.
USB:
Universal Serial Bus protocol widely used in PCs.
12 Contact
Sales
Support
Online
Phone: 403.229.2737
Phone: 403.204.3750
Purchasing: www.matrixorbital.com
Email: sales@matrixorbital.ca Email: support@matrixorbital.ca Support: www.matrixorbital.ca
36