4D Systems Armadillo-43T, Armadillo-43 DataSheet
Armadillo-43(T)
4.3” Linux based Display Module
Armadillo-43 (Non-Touch)
Armadillo-43T (Resistive Touch)
Document Date: 16th February 2015
Document Revision: 1.0
DATASHEET
Please refer to the 4D Systems website for the latest Revision of this document
Uncontrolled Copy when printed or downloaded.
Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
Contents
1. Description ............................................................................................................................. 4
2. Features ................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Pin Configuration and Summary .............................................................................................. 5
4. Getting Started ....................................................................................................................... 7
4D Systems Image (Recommended) ...................................................................................................... 7 4.1.
Standard Image (Not Recommended) ................................................................................................... 8 4.2.
Powering Up ........................................................................................................................................... 9 4.3.
First Start Up .......................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4.
Updating the System ............................................................................................................................ 10 4.5.
5. Configuring Peripherals ......................................................................................................... 10
GPIO ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 5.1.
SPI ......................................................................................................................................................... 10 5.2.
I2C ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 5.3.
PWM..................................................................................................................................................... 10 5.4.
Special PWM ........................................................................................................................................ 11 5.5.
Serial UART ........................................................................................................................................... 11 5.6.
Audio – On Board and External ............................................................................................................ 11 5.7.
Resistive Touch Screen ......................................................................................................................... 11
5.8.
USB Host ............................................................................................................................................... 12 5.9.
microSD Card Socket .......................................................................................................................... 12 5.10.
TFT LCD Display Backlight ................................................................................................................... 12 5.11.
6. How To… .............................................................................................................................. 13
Armadillo Configuration Tool ............................................................................................................... 13 6.1.
Connect to the Internet ....................................................................................................................... 13 6.2.
Setting the Serial UART for User Control ............................................................................................. 13 6.3.
Control the LCD Backlight..................................................................................................................... 14 6.4.
Calibrating the Touch Screen ............................................................................................................... 14 6.5.
Rotating the Display Orientation.......................................................................................................... 14
6.6.
The User Button ................................................................................................................................... 14 6.7.
Startup - X Windows or Terminal ......................................................................................................... 15 6.8.
Selecting Default X Windows ............................................................................................................... 15 6.9.
Changing the Resolution / Scale ......................................................................................................... 15 6.10.
7. Notes ................................................................................................................................... 17
8. Scribble Box .......................................................................................................................... 17
9. BCM2835 GPIO Pinout Information ....................................................................................... 18
Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
10. Mechanical Details .............................................................................................................. 19
11. Specifications and Ratings ................................................................................................... 20
12. Legal Notice ........................................................................................................................ 22
13. Contact Information............................................................................................................ 22
Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
4D SYSTEMS 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.
© 2015 4D SYSTEMS Page 4 of 22 www.4dsystems.com.au
Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
H1 Pinout
Pin
Symbol
I/O
Description
1
GPIO37
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as SPI0 MISO Pin
2
GPIO38
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as SPI0 MOSI Pin
3
GPIO39
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as SPI0 SCLK Pin
4
GPIO35
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as SPI0 CS1 Pin
5
GPIO36
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as SPI0 CS0 Pin
6
GPIO45
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as I2C1 SCL Channel
7
GPIO31
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant
8
GPIO44
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as I2C1 SDA Channel
9
GND
P
Ground Pin, System Ground
10
+5V
P
5V Supply Pin, can be used to power the Armadillo or source 5V from it.
H2 Pinout
Pin
Symbol
I/O
Description
1
LOUT
O
Line Out level Mono Audio Signal, Filtered PWM Signal
2
GND
P
Ground Pin, System Ground
3
GPIO41
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as a PWM (Shared with LOUT)
4
GPIO40
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as a PWM
5
GPIO34
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be used to disable the on board Audio Amplifier
6
GPIO46
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - also connected to the USER button
7
GPIO33
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as RX0 Serial UART
8
GPIO32
I/O
3.3V GPIO, 5V Tolerant - can be configured as TX0 Serial UART
9
GND
P
Ground Pin, System Ground
10
+3.3V
P
3.3V Supply Pin, used to source 3.3V from to power external devices
H1 Pin 1
H1 Pin 2
H1 Pin 10
H1 Pin 9
H2 Pin 1
H2 Pin 2
H2 Pin 10
H2 Pin 9
4D SYSTEMS Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
3. Pin Configuration and Summary
I = Input, O = Output, P = Power
© 2015 4D SYSTEMS Page 5 of 22 www.4dsystems.com.au
Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
J2 Jumper Header
Pin
Symbol
Description
1
+3.3V
Pull Up to 3.3V
2
SHDN
Shutdown pin of the on board Audio Amplifier
3
GPIO34
GPIO34 Connection, to allow GPIO control of the on board Amplifier Audio Enable
JTAG Header
Pin
Symbol
Description
1
GND
Ground Pin, System Ground
2
TCK
Test Clock Signal
3
GND
Ground Pin, System Ground
4
TMD / TMS
Test Mode Select Signal
5
GND
Ground Pin, System Ground
6
TDO
Test Data Out Signal
7
GND
Ground Pin, System Ground
8
TDI
Test Data In Signal
9
GND
Ground Pin, System Ground
10
TRST_N
Test Reset Signal
4D SYSTEMS Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
Connecting J2 between pins 1 and 2 will allow the on board Audio Amplifier to be enabled and any audio that
is generated on the PGIO41 PWM signal (PWM1) will be amplified and played on the on-board speaker.
Connecting J2 between pins 2 and 3 will allow the GPIO34 pin to control the on Board Audio Amplifier’s
shutdown pin. This will allow a User to write a script or piece of software to enable or disable the on board
audio amplifier as required. This can be useful for many reasons, such as power saving, muting the audio, or for
using the PWM signal for another reason – such as motor control. If the on board Audio Amplifier is disabled
the PWM signal can be utilised by the User for other applications, other than Audio.
Removing the jumper entirely (or placing it over 1 pin only for safe storage) will force the on board Amplifier to
disable. This can be useful for many reasons, as per connecting between pins 2 and 3, however with the added
benefit that GPIO34 is also freed up to be used as a GPIO for other purposes. This can be helpful if you wish to
use the PWM1 signal for something other than Audio, and also require the GPIO34 signal for something other
than Audio Enable.
The JTAG header is used in the factory to program the bootloader into the BCM2835 SoC. It can also be used to
connect to a compatible JTAG debugger, however should only be utilised by Advanced users who know what
they are doing. This header makes for good mechanical support when adding a Daughter Board onto the
Armadillo-43T, if nothing else.
Currently there is no information available that can be provided in order to utilise this JTAG header, such as
which JTAG debugger can be utilised by a User or what software is required.
NOTE: Do not electrically connect anything to this header unless you know what you are doing.
© 2015 4D SYSTEMS Page 6 of 22 www.4dsystems.com.au
Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
4D SYSTEMS Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
4. Getting Started
The Armadillo is designed to use the Raspbian
Operating System. There is the choice to use an
image from 4D Systems, which is built from source
and specifically customized to suit the Armadillo
and touch screen operation (Armadillo-43T only),
or a standard Raspbian image, such as one from
the Raspberry Pi website. Using a standard
Raspbian image will require modifications of that
image in order to make it compatible for use with
the Armadillo.
4D Systems Image (Recommended) 4.1.
4D Systems has built and customised a Raspbian
Image from source to cater for the needs of the
Armadillo. It includes changes such as a custom
VC4 firmware (start.elf), customised Kernel to
allow for a driver in the kernel for the Touch
Screen, and then minor modifications to optimise
the display content to fit on the 480x272 display,
along with custom applications such as Armadilloconfig, which is used to configure various aspects
of the system using the touch screen.
The latest image is available for download from
the Armadillo product page on the 4D Systems
website.
Once downloaded and extracted the zip archive,
the image inside should be loaded onto a 4GB or
higher capacity microSD card.
For Windows
Using the Win32DiskImager tool, available for
download from:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/
1) Insert the microSD card into your card reader
and check which drive letter was assigned.
2) Download the Win32DiskImager utility from
the Sourceforge Project page mentioned
above.
3) Extract the executable from the zip file and
run the Win32DiskImager utility; you may
need to run the utility as administrator. Rightclick on the file, and select Run as Admin.
4) Select the image file you extracted above.
5) Select the drive letter of the microSD card in
the device box. Be careful to select the correct
drive; if you get the wrong one you can
destroy your data on the computer's hard
disk! If you are using a microSD or SD card slot
with an Adaptor in your computer and can't
see the drive in the Win32DiskImager window,
try using a cheap microSD adaptor in a USB
port.
6) Click Write and wait for the write to complete.
7) Exit the imager and eject the SD card.
For Linux
(Credit - Instructions from Raspberry Pi website)
1) Run df -h to see what devices are currently
mounted.
2) If your computer has a slot for SD cards, insert
the card. If not, insert the card into an SD card
reader, then connect the reader to your
computer.
3) Run df -h again. The new device that has
appeared is your SD card. The left column
gives the device name of your SD card; it will
be listed as something like:
/dev/mmcblk0p1 or /dev/sdd1
The last part (p1 or 1 respectively) is the
partition number but you want to write to the
whole SD card, not just one partition.
Therefore you need to remove that part from
the name for example,
/dev/mmcblk0 or /dev/sdd as the device for
the whole SD card. Note that the SD card can
show up more than once in the output of df; it
will do this if you have previously written an
image to this SD card, because images
typically have more than one partition.
4) Now that you've noted what the device name
is, you need to unmount it so that files can't
be read or written to the SD card while you
are copying over the SD image.
5) Run umount /dev/sdd1, replacing sdd1 with
whatever your SD card's device name is
(including the partition number).
6) If your SD card shows up more than once in
the output of df due to having multiple
partitions on the SD card, you should
unmount all of these partitions.
7) In the terminal, write the image to the card
with the command below, making sure you
replace the input file if= argument with the
path to your .img file, and the /dev/sdd in the
output file of= argument with the right device
name. This is very important, as you will lose
all data on the hard drive if you provide the
wrong device name. Make sure the device
name is the name of the whole SD card as
described above, not just a partition of it; for
example sdd, not sdds1 or sddp1;
or mmcblk0, not mmcblk0p1.
dd bs=4M if=path_of_your_image.img
of=/dev/sdd
© 2015 4D SYSTEMS Page 7 of 22 www.4dsystems.com.au
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