User manual

4D SYSTEMS Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
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Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
1. Description
The Armadillo is a complete Linux based computer
display module with build in 24bit colour 480x272
resolution TFT LCD display, and features a Resistive
Touch display (Armadillo-43T), or non-touch
display (Armadillo-43) on special request.
At the heart of the Armadillo is a Broadcom
BCM2835 System-On-Chip (SoC), which combines
an ARM1176JZF-S CPU Processor with a VideoCore
IV GPU in a single package. The Armadillo-43
features 512MB of RAM, which is shared between
the CPU and the GPU.
The Armadillo requires a microSD card loaded with
an appropriate image in order to start up, as it
features no on board Flash memory itself, and
uses the microSD card for booting and persistent
storage.
By default, the Armadillo has been developed to
utilise the Raspbian Operating System, which is
based on Debian and optimised for the BCM2835.
Raspbian is the operating system primarily used by
the Raspberry Pi* which has a large following and
development community. The Armadillo, which
uses the same SoC, can utilise a majority of
applications written for the Raspberry Pi.
The Armadillo features 14 GPIO, of which 2 can be
used for a single I2C Channel, 5 can be used for a
single SPI Chanel (with 2 Chip Selects), and 2 can
be used for a single Serial UART. There is also 2
PWM channels which are available for the User,
one of which is shared with the Mono Audio
output via the on board amplifier and mini
speaker.
Each of the GPIOs feature clamping diodes which
protect the GPIO from accidental overvoltage,
typically if connected to 5V devices.
The Armadillo features a single on board USB A
Socket, for connecting to devices such as
Keyboards, USB Storage, USB Hubs, WiFi,
Bluetooth, Ethernet etc.
Note*: Raspberry Pi is a trademark of the
Raspberry Pi Foundation, and all references to the
words ‘Raspberry Pi‘ or the use of its logo/marks
are strictly in reference to the Raspberry Pi
product, and how this product is compatible with
aspects of the product but is not associated with
the Raspberry Pi Foundation in any way.
2. Features
• High Performance 4.3” Linux based computer
display module
• 480x272 Resolution, RGB 16M true to life
colours, TFT Screen with integrated 4-wire
Resistive Touch Panel or a non-touch version is
available on special request, (subject to MOQ).
• Microchip AR1021 Resistive Touch Controller, on
a dedicated I2C Bus.
• Display output is the primary display of the
BCM2835 SoC.
• Capable of being powered off a PC USB Port
(typically current draw is ~400mA), 5VDC Barrel
Jack for use with a 4D Systems Power Adaptor,
or via the GPIO connector 5V pin.
• PWM controlled backlight brightness clocked by
PCM Clock with DMA, freeing up the Hardware
PWM.
• PWM mono audio output, available as Line Out
on H2 Header, or out of on board amplifier and
speaker. On-board amplifier can be disabled via
a GPIO.
• User Button connected to one of the GPIO,
enabling convenient on board button for
triggering specific User actions. Reset Button
which performs a hard reset of the system.
• 2x 10 way headers for Power, GPIO and Audio,
featuring 14 GPIO which can be configured for
SPI, I2C, PWM and Serial UART, along with a
mono Line Out Audio pin.
• 1x JTAG 10 way header
• Capable of full motion multimedia playback.
• Compatible with Raspbian Linux
• Module dimensions: 120.7 x 69.6 x 16.5mm
(including corner plates). Weighing ~ 100g.
• Display Viewing Area: 95.0 x 53.9mm
• 4x corner plates with 2.6mm holes for
mechanical mounting.
• Compatible with the 4DBEZEL-43 display bezel
surround.
• RoHS and CE Compliant.