Matrix Orbital LCD/VFD Legacy - Manual (Page 4)

1 Introduction
The LCD4041 comes equipped with the following features;
• 40 column by 4 line text display
• Built in font with provision for up to 8 user defined characters
• Speeds from 1200 bps to a lighting fast 19.2 Kbps over RS-232
• Communication over I
2 C or RS-232 (with software controlled speed)
• Use of up to 127 modules on the same 2-wire I
2 C interface
• Fully buffered so that no delays in transmission are ever necessary
• Ability to add customized splash / start up screen
• Software controlled contrast
• Backlight with configurable time-out setting up to 180 minutes
• One general purpose output for a variety of applications
• Horizontal or vertical bar graphs
• Variable power options, +5V or +7V to +35V
• Extended temperature option
1.1 What to Expect From the LCD4041
The LCD4041 is designed as the display unit for an associated controller. The controller may be anything
from a single board, special purpose micro-controller to a PC, depending on the application. This controller
is responsible for what is displayed on the screen of the display. The display provides a simple command
structure to allow text and bar graphs to be displayed on the screen. Text fonts are built in, and use standard
ASCII mapping. Provision is made for up to 8 user defined characters. The screen is backlit for low-light
situations. Backlighting may be turned on or off under program control. Contrast is adjustable to compensate
for differing lighting conditions and viewing angles. A general purpose output allows the controller to switch
an electro-mechanical device by issuing commands to the display unit. These can be used for controlling
LEDs, relays, etc.
1.2 What Not to Expect From the LCD4041
The display does not include bitmap graphics capability, except that permitted by defining special char-
acters. The display does not have a keypad interface.
1.3 Setup for Testing
Before setting up the application the user may want to try out the display. This is easily done with a PC.
If not equipped with a dual bay PC mounting kit, the following will be required;
• A 4-pin power connector of the type used to connect 3.5" floppy drive. Take care not to connect the
display to an unmodified spare power connector in a PC
• A 5V power supply
• A PC with a spare RS-232 port (COM1 or COM2)
Matrix Orbital LCD4041 1