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Datasheet: TIMI-130X

Introduction

TIMI-130X

TIMI-130X, the larger brother to the original TIMI-96 (aka TIMI), is a unique breadboard-compatible display development module, aimed to speed up and reinvent the way electronic testing, development and projects are carried out, in either standalone, host interfaced, PC-tethered, or educational settings.

TIMI-130X is a 1.3” TFT IPS LCD display module that is driven directly by a PIXXI-44 graphics processor from 4D Labs. It features a unique MatesBUS interface, which is simple to use in both breadboard applications, as well as on adaptors or directly into developed products.

TIMI-130X was created as a flexible design aid, primarily to simulate component readouts and meters, which would otherwise be cumbersome or demanding on hardware resources for breadboard or electronic development. Simulating component readouts allows accelerated development and retains the often-limited GPIO hardware associated with many developments.

TIMI-130X was designed for engineers, hobbyists, and students, from beginner to advanced levels, designed to make breadboarding or project development, easier

Product Features

TIMI-130X’s main interface is a 3.3V level Asynchronous Serial UART and features 3 GPIO which can be used as Digital or Analog inputs, Digital Outputs, Master I2C Communication or PWM Audio output. These interfaces arm TIMI with resources to be either a stand-alone controller, a Host-driven slave, or a tethered test instrument while being capable of interfacing and powering external devices.

  • Powered by 4D Labs Pixxi-44 Graphics Processor
  • 240(W)x240(H) resolution TFT IPS LCD, non-touch
  • 3.3V (5V tolerant) Serial UART interface, capable of 300 to 2187500 Baud
  • Master I2C (3.3V level) interface bus
  • 3 GPIO (3.3V level), 1 capable of Analog Input, 2 capable of I2C, and 1 capable of Audio
  • 32MB of External SPI Flash Memory
  • 32KB of Processor Flash Memory
  • 30KB of Processor SRAM for User Variables
  • Single supply 5V power input (*3.3V possible – see the System Pins section)
  • Dedicated 3.3V 500mA power output for User
  • Standard 0.1” (2.54mm) pitch male pin headers, breadboard compatible
  • RoHS and REACH compliant
  • PCB is UL 94V-0 Flammability Rated
  • Weight approx. 8.0 grams

Hardware Detail

TIMI-130X uses the BBM MatesBUS, which is a unique interface pinout designed to be simple and easy to use.

The MatesBUS is made up of 2 rows of 5 pins, 0.1” (2.54mm) pitch, spaced 0.3” (7.62mm) apart, ideal for direct plug into a breadboard, or compatible adaptor or development board.

While the TIMI-130X can be orientated in any of its 4 positions, Portrait, Landscape, Portrait Reversed and Landscape Reversed, its natural position forms an upside-down ‘T’ shape and is designed to interface with the bottom of a breadboard, sitting closest to the User, leaving the top part of the breadboard free for components and wiring.

TIMI-130X Demo

Pin Configuration

The TIMI-130X MatesBUS has 10 physical pins, 5 on each side of the interface neck, and is spaced apart to easily connect to a breadboard.

The H2 Header doubles as a programming interface and features Power and Serial UART, while the H1 Header features Power Output and 3 GPIO (General Purpose IO).

TIMI-130X Pinout

User I/O – Dual 5 way headers (H1 + H2)

Header/Pin Symbol I/O Type Description
Header1–1 GND Power Module / System GND
Header1–2 IO3 I/O/A GPIO capable of Digital, Analog, and Audio (3.3V Level)
Header1–3 IO2 I/O GPIO capable of Digital, I2C SDA (3.3V Level)
Header1–4 IO1 I/O GPIO capable of Digital, I2C SCL (3.3V Level)
Header1–5 3V3 OUT Power 3.3V 500mA Power Output for User
Header2–1 RESET I System Reset, Active Low
Header2–2 GND Power Module / System GND
Header2–3 RX I Asynchronous Serial UART Receive Pin (3.3V, 5V Tolerant)
Header2–4 TX O Asynchronous Serial UART Transmit Pin (3.3V Level)
Header2–5 5V Power Module 5V Input, Main Power

Note

IO1 on the TIMI-130X is actually connected to IO7 on the Pixxi-44 processor itself, and IO2 on the TIMI-130X is actually connected to IO6 on the Pixxi-44 processor. This is to enable continuous naming conventions for the MatesBUS. The Mates Studio IDE uses the IO1 and IO2 references. IO3 is connected to IO3 on the Pixxi-44.

Hardware Interfaces

The TIMI-130X has hardware peripherals configured for interfacing with other external devices – general-purpose digital input/output, analog input, UART, Audio and I2C.

System Pins

+5V (Device Supply Voltage)

Display supply voltage pin. This pin should be connected to a stable supply voltage in the range of 4.0 Volts to 5.5 Volts DC. The nominal operating voltage is 5.0 Volts for optimal display performance.

Note

If required, 3.3V can be applied to the +5V input, and the module will operate correctly, but with a lower backlight brightness. For this reason, it is not a recommended configuration, but for systems without 5V, it enables compatibility. Note the 3.3V regulators will be passing the input voltage and not regulating themselves, so ensure you are using a clean power supply input.

3V3 (Device Output Voltage)

3.3V Output of the user-dedicated voltage regulator. Capable of approximately 500mA, for external use by the User to power circuits/devices. This is an OUTPUT only and is not the same regulator as the main system.

GND (Module Ground)

Device ground pin. This pin must be connected to the system ground.

RESET (Module Master Reset)

Device Master Reset pin. An active low pulse of greater than 2 microseconds will reset the device. Ideally use an open collector-type circuit to reset the device if an external reset is required. Alternatively, connect it to a GPIO from a host and drive the pin Low to reset and set the pin High (3.3V) to return to run. This pin is not driven low by any internal conditions but is pulled high with a pull-up resistor on the TIMI-130X module itself. The pin's primary use is for programming TIMI-130X and is required by the BBM Programmer for loading Firmware/PmmC and applications.

General Purpose I/O

The TIMI-130X has three general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins available.

GPIO pins IO1, IO2 and IO3 can be individually set as a digital input or output. The pin mode of all the pins at power-up or reset is input by default

When set as digital inputs, the pins are 3.3V tolerant. These are not 5V tolerant and must not be connected directly to 5V devices outputs or 5V sources. When set as digital outputs, the pins output at 3.3V levels. Digital GPIO pins can source/sink 15 mA.

GPIO pin IO3 can also serve as an analog input. The pin mode of these pins at power-up or reset is input by default. The analog input pin has a range of 0 to 3.3V and has a maximum 12-bit resolution. Do not exceed the maximal permissible input voltage on this GPIO.

Serial Ports – TTL Level

The PIXXI-44 Processor has a single hardware asynchronous serial port with fixed pins TX/RX. The PIXXI-44’s serial port can be used to communicate with external serial devices and is also used for programming the PIXXI-44 itself.

The primary features are:

  • Full-Duplex 8-bit data transmission and reception.
  • Data format: 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit.
  • Independent Baud rates from 300 baud up to 2187500 baud.

This serial UART is also the programming interface for User program downloads. Once the compiled application is downloaded and the user code starts executing, the serial port is then available to the user application.

TX (Serial Transmit)

Dedicated Asynchronous Serial port transmit pin, TX. Connect this pin to an external serial device receive (RX) signal. This pin outputs at 3.3V levels.

RX (Serial Receive)

Dedicated Asynchronous Serial port receive pin, RX. Connect this pin to an external serial device transmit (TX) signal. This pin is 5.0V tolerant.

Note

The serial UART output at the level of TTL 3.3V, however, is 5V tolerant on the RX pin, so can accept communications from 5V devices.

I2C Interface

The I2C peripheral operates up to 1 MHz, supporting standard mode, full speed, and fast mode.

I2C clock output pin, SCL (IO1). Connect this pin to the SCL pin of an external I2C device. This is 3.3V tolerant only and must not be connected to 5V I2C buses.

I2C data input/output pin, SDA (IO2). Connect this pin to the SDA pin of an external I2C device. This is 3.3V tolerant only and must not be connected to 5V I2C buses.

No pull-up resistors are provided on TIMI-130X, therefore external pull-up resistors are required to be added by the User on the Breadboard/Bus. Typical pull-up resistors to 3.3V are in the region of 4.7Kohm.

Note

The TIMI-130X can only function as a Master in an I2C bus, therefore it cannot be an I2C Slave to a Host at this time.

Audio Output

TIMI-130X is capable of RTTTL Audio output and Frequency Generation using GPIO IO3, for connecting to a buzzer, piezo or amplifier/speaker via a decoupling capacitor.

Hardware Requirements

Hardware Overview

TIMI-130X is designed to be used in several ways, but the most basic configurations can be achieved with a TIMI-130X module and a Mates Programmer, connected to your PC in a tethered configuration (see the Programming Hardware section).

The TIMI-130X can also be used with various Adaptors and Development Boards which feature a MatesBUS interface, or simply into a breadboard directly. The hardware and software requirements for these configurations vary and will be described in the documentation associated with those adaptors or boards.

What You Will Need

  • TIMI-130X Module
  • Mates Programmer
  • MicroUSB Cable (Standard Type A USB to microUSB – Not included)
  • Windows PC/Laptop running Windows 7 or higher, x86 or x64. ARM is currently not supported at this time.

What You Will Need

The Mates Programmer does not come with the microUSB cable, this can be purchased from virtually any hardware/computer store.

Currently, Microsoft Windows is the only supported Operating System for Mates Studio. Announcements will be made when other OS will become supported.

Optional Hardware

These items are not required but will assist development in situations requiring components or other electronics modules. These are not required for direct PC interfacing.

  • Standard or Extended Breadboard
  • 5-pin Right Angle header (2.54mm pitch), included with the Mates Programmer
  • Jumper wires for interfacing with components and sensors

Programming Hardware

TIMI-130X uses a USB to Serial programmer for application and firmware updates, which programs both the Processor Flash memory, along with the onboard SPI Flash memory.

The Programmer, dubbed BBM-Prog, is the official BBM Programmer and can also be used for testing and debugging TIMI applications using the Mates Studio IDE.

The Mates Programmer uses the Silicon Labs CP2104 USB to UART bridge, and uses the TIMI’s Serial UART to load applications, firmware/PmmC and media content.

Mates Programmer

The BBM-PROG features a 3-pin jumper with a shunt, which is present to change the way the programmer handles the Reset line, used by TIMI and other devices.

TIMI-130X requires the jumper to be positioned like the image above, closest to the 5-way female header. This makes the programmer compatible with programming the 4D Labs Pixxi-44 processor.

If the jumper is placed on the 2 pins closest to the USB connector, this will make the programmer compatible with programming Atmel chips, such are those used on many of the Arduino boards or barebone chips. This may also be compatible with other microcontrollers too.

Software Requirements

All software development for the TIMI-130X module utilizes the Mates Studio IDE.

Mates Studio Splash Screen

The latest version of Mates Studio can be downloaded from the Breadboard Mates website or directly from this link here.

Details specific about the Mates Studio IDE can be found in the Mates Studio IDE documentation.

Mates Studio - Select Page Layout

Typical Connections

Programming Connection

One of the simplest interfaces for TIMI-130X is connecting TIMI-130X to the bottom of a breadboard, connecting the 5-way right angle header into the breadboard next to the H2 header side of TIMI, and attaching the Mates Programmer to the 5-way header.

TIMI-130X Programming Connection

Interfacing with a Host

TIMI-130X can interface to virtually any microcontroller or Host, using a Serial UART interface. Simple wire connections can be achieved directly to TIMI or via a breadboard. If the microcontroller or Host uses 3.3V or 5.0V UART, then TIMI can be easily connected.

TIMI-130X Arduino/Atmel Connection

Note

Wiring is simplified, showing main wires only.

Interface Notes

TIMI-130X has a single Serial UART, which is shared for the programming of TIMI-130X from the Mates Studio IDE, but it can also be used to interface to a Host or other device.

When programming the TIMI-130X, it needs to be isolated from any other circuit that might be connected to the UART. Unplug any UART connections from the RX and TX, and program the TIMI-130X module directly with the Programmer. When programming is complete, connect the UART RX/TX backup to allow communication to the host/device to resume.

On some Adaptors/Development boards, a switch or jumper may be offered to isolate the RX pin, allowing only Programming TX signals to reach the TIMI-130X’s RX pin until the switch is changed. This is useful as it means unplugging or unwiring the UART is no longer required when programming TIMI. The same situation applies to Hosts/Development boards which also only have a single UART, as programming them often uses the UART too so they would need to be disconnected from TIMI-130X to program them.

Hardware Drawing

TIMI-130X Mechanical Drawing

Hardware Schematic

TIMI-130X Schematic Diagram

Specifications & Ratings

Recommended Operating Conditions

Parameter Conditions / Information Min Typ Max Units
Operating Temperature -20 +70 °C
Storage Temperature -30 +80 °C
Humidity (RH) Max 60°C 90% RH
Supply Voltage (VCC) Stable external supply required 4.0 5.0 5.5 V
Processor voltage (VP) 3.3 V
Input Low Voltage (VIL) all pins GND 0.2VP V
Input High Voltage (VIH) non 5V tolerant pins 0.8VP 3.3 V
Input High Voltage (VIH) 5V Tolerant Pins, (RX pin) 0.8VP VCC V
Reset Pulse External Open Collector (RESET pin) 1.3 µs
Operational Delay Power-Up or External Reset 500 3000 ms
Output Voltage (3V3) Output Voltage for User 3.3 V
Output Current Output Current capability for User 500 mA
GPIO Current Source / Sink 15 mA

Operating Characteristics

Parameter Conditions / Information Min Typ Max Unit
Supply Current (ICC) 5V Supply – Normal Operation 100 mA
Supply Current (ICC) 5V Supply – Sleep Mode 8 mA
Supply Current (ICC) 5V Supply – Deep Sleep Mode 3 mA
Display Endurance Hours of operation, measured to when display is 50% original brightness 30000 H

LCD Display Information

Parameter Conditions / Information Specification
Display Type TFT IPS LCD
Display Size 1.3” Diagonal
Display Resolution 240x240 pixels
Display Brightness 5V Supply 400 cd/m2 (typical)
Display Contrast Ratio 800:1 (typical)
Display Viewing Angles Above, Below, Left and Right of Center 80 Degrees
Display Viewing Direction ALL (IPS Display)
Display Backlighting White LED Backlighting 2 LED
Pixel Pitch 0.0975 x 0.0975mm (Square pixels)
Pixel Density Number of pixels in 1 row in 25.4mm 260 DPI/PPI

Revision History

Hardware Revision

Revision Number Date Description
1.0 08/06/2022 Concept Revision - Internal
1.1 12/09/2022 Initial Public Release

Datasheet Revision

Revision Number Date Description
0.1 12/09/2022 Initial release version
0.2 03/10/2022 Initial Public Draft
1.0 16/02/2023 Public Release
1.1 27/03/2023 Added datasheet to web-based documentation