Enabling a more expansive choice of connectivity options to be utilized
Following on from the release of its VM800P development platforms, which facilitate more advanced human machine interface (HMI) implementation using its innovative Embedded Video Engine (EVE) technology, FTDI Chip has introduced a series of accompanying daughter cards (or shields).
The Arduino-compatible VM800P ‘PLUS boards’ are based on the company’s award winning FT800 EVE graphic controller devices, in which display, audio and touch functionality are all integrated onto a single chip. The boards also incorporate an 8-bit ATMEGA microcontroller unit (MCU) and a TFT display (with 3.5”, 4.3” and 5.0” inch sizes available). The 6 new daughter cards will allow the expansion of the boards’ I/O capabilities in order that they can be implemented into a wider range of application scenarios. They use 1 or 2 Micro-MaTch miniature connectors to interface with a VM800P.
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| VI800A-TTLU | VI800A-RELAY |
The VI800A-TTLU is a plug-in accessory for the PLUS boards which enables inclusion of a TTL level UART. This daughter card behaves as an SPI-to-UART bridging mechanism. It is complemented by the VI800A-RELAY, which effectively acts as an SPI-to-relay bridge for PLUS boards, with the SPI slave interface converted into a relay interface. The VI800A-ETH allows an external Ethernet interface to be connected and the VI800A-PoE enables Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) functionality to be benefitted from. The VI800A-N485U behaves as a SPI-to-RS485 bridge with the VI800A-232U behaving as an SPI-to-RS232 bridge – thereby allowing interfacing with legacy equipment.
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| VI800A-ETH | VI800A-PoE |
The VI800A-TTLU, VI800A-ETH, VI800A-PoE, VI800A-N485U and VI800A-232U each have a form factor of 63.50 mm × 37.50 mm, while the VI800A-RELAY has dimensions of 68.90 mm × 48.75 mm. The VM800P daughter cards will be priced from $24.95 for a single unit.
