digitalview ALR-1400 Instructions Manual

PC, DVI INTERFACE CONTROLLER

FOR TFT PANEL

Model: ALR-1400

Part number : 41710003X/4X-3 or up

INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS

Page: 2. Revision history

3. Introduction, How to Proceed, Usage Note, Disclaimer

4. System design – Diagram of a suggested system

5. Assembly notes – Important information about system elements

7. Connection & Operation – How to use the controller

10. Connectors, pinouts & jumpers – Essential connection information

20. Controller dimensions

21. Application notes

23. Troubleshooting

24. Specifications

25. Appendix I – Graphic Mode Support Table

26. Appendix II – RS-232 control protocols

30. Appendix III – Mapping definition

32. Appendix IV – Auto Color Gain

33. Warranty, Caution & Limitation of Liability, Trademarks

34. Contact details

It is essential that these instructions are read and understood before connecting or powering up this controller.

Specifications subject to change without notice

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Revision History

Date Rev No. Page Summary 10 Sept 2015 1.00 All Features added for up to P/N 417100042-3 4 March 2016 2.00 8

8 July 2016 2.01 2

11, 18

14

27

27-28

Add feature done on V1.97.00 firmware to implement the direct access key for Backlight Brightness increase & decrease.

Revised the connector type used on CN8, CNA1, CNB2 & CNC1 on the document.

Add more panel support implemented start from V1.97.00 firmware.

Add new RS-232 command for "Sharpness", "OSD menu timeout", "Gamma" & "Wide screen mode selection" done start from V1.97.00 firmware. Move the "Revision History" section to page 2 for better presentation. Revised the range of Backlight Brightness Control RS-232 command (0xe0)

Specifications subject to change without notice

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Introduction

Designed for LCD monitor and other flat panel display applications, the ALR-1400 controller provides easy to use interface controller for:

 TFT (active matrix) LCDs with LVDS interface of 1400x900, 1366x768, 1280x1024, 1280x800, 1280x768, 1024x768,

1024x600, 800x600, 800x480, 640x480, 480x234 resolution;

 Computer video signals of SXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA standard  Support LVDS or TTL interface panel

Ordering information :

Controller Part number Ordering part number ALR-1400 P/N 41710004X-3 P/N 4171000XX-3

HOW TO PROCEED

 Ensure you have all parts & that they are correct, refer to:

• Connection diagram (separate document for each panel)

• Connector reference (in following section)

• Assembly notes

 Check controller switch & jumper settings (errors may damage the panel)  Prepare the PC  Connect the parts  Understand the operation and functions (in following section)

IMPORTANT USAGE NOTE

This product is for use by system developers and integrators, the manufacturer accepts no liability for damage or injury caused by the use of this product. It is the responsibility of the developer, integrators or other user of this product to:

 Ensure that all necessary and appropriate safety measures are taken.  Obtain suitable regulatory approvals as may be required.  Check power settings to all component parts before connection.  Understand the operation and connectivity requirements of this controller.

DISCLAIMER

There is no implied or expressed warranty regarding this material.

Specifications subject to change without notice

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SYSTEM DESIGN

A typical LCD based display system utilising this controller is likely to comprise the following:

Summary:

1. LCD panel

2. LCD controller card, ALR-1400

3. LVDS cable (for connection with LVDS panel)

4. TTL cable (for connection with TTL panel)

5. Inverter for CCFT backlight (if not built into LCD)

6. Inverter cable

7. Function controls

8. Function controls cable

9. Status LED

10. DVI-D input

11. Analog VGA input

12. Power input (12VDC / 24VDC)

13. RS-232 control port Digital View offers a range of accessories such as listed above, to make up complete display solution.

Specifications subject to change without notice

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ASSEMBLY NOTES

This controller is designed for monitor and custom display projects using 1440x900, 1366 x 768, 1280 x 1024, 1280 x 800, 1280 x 768 or 1024 x 768, 1024 x 600, 800 x 600, 800 x 480, 640 x 480 or 480 x 234 resolution TFT panels with a VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA signal input. The following provides some guidelines for installation and preparation of a finished display solution.

Preparation: Before proceeding it is important to familiarize yourself with the parts making up the system and the various connectors, mounting holes and general layout of the controller. As much as possible connectors have been labeled. Guides to connectors and mounting holes are shown in the following relevant sections.

1. LCD Panel: This controller is designed for typical LVDS or TTL interface TFT panels with panel voltage 3.3V or 5V or 12V or 18V LVDS interface. Due to the variation between manufacturers of signal timing and other panel characteristics factory setup and confirmation should be obtained before connecting to a panel. (NOTE: Check panel power jumper settings before connection)

2. Controller card: Handle the controller card with care as static charge may damage electronic components.

3. LVDS signal cable : In order to provide a clean signal it is recommended that LVDS signal cables are no longer than

46cm (18 inches). If loose wire cabling is utilized these can be made into a harness with cable ties. Care should be taken when placing the cables to avoid signal interference. Additionally it may be necessary in some systems to add ferrite cores to the cables to minimize signal noise.

4. TTL signal cable: In order to provide a clean signal it is recommended that LCD signal cables are no longer than 33cm (13 inches). If loose wire cabling is utilized these can be made into a harness with cable ties. Care should be taken when placing the cables to avoid signal interference. Additionally it may be necessary in some systems to add ferrite cores to the cables to minimize signal noise.

5. Inverter: This will be required for the backlight of an LCD, some LCD panels have an inverter built in. As panels may have 1 or more backlight tubes and the power requirements for different panel models backlights may vary it is important to match the inverter in order to obtain optimum performance. See page 15 for the Application notes “Inverter connection section for more informations.

6. Inverter Cables: Different inverter models require different cables and different pin assignment. Make sure correct cable pin out to match the inverter. Using wrong cable pin out may damage the inverter.

7. Function Controls: The following section discusses the controls required and the section on connectors provides the detail. The controls are minimal: On/Off, Backlight Brightness (depends on inverter), OSD (5 momentary buttons) analog VR type or (8 momentary buttons) digital type.

8. Function controls cable: The cables to the function switches should be of suitable quality and length so that impedance does not affect performance. Generally lengths up to 1 metre (3 feet) should be acceptable.

9. DVI-D Input Cable : Plug the DVI-D cable to the connector P2 on the controller board

10. Analog VGA Input Cable: As this may affect regulatory emission test results and the quality of the signal to the

•••• Power Input: 12V / 24V DC is required, this should be a regulated supply. Although the controller provides power

24VDC input is required when the panel output voltage is 18VDC. Please refer to page 10-11 for proper jumper settings.

•••• Power Safety: Note that although only 12VDC / 24VDC is supplied as ‘power-in’ a backlight inverter for panel backlighting

•••• EMI: Shielding will be required for passing certain regulatory emissions tests. Also the choice of external Controller to PC

•••• Ground: The various PCB mounting holes are connected to the ground plane.

•••• Servicing: The board is not user serviceable or repairable. Warranty does not cover user error in connecting up to the

•••• Controller Mounting: It is recommended that a clearance of at least 10mm is provided above and 5mm below the

Specifications subject to change without notice

controller, a suitably shielded cable should be utilized.

regulation for the LCD power this does not relate to the power supplied to the backlight inverter. If an unregulated power supply is provided to an inverter any fluctuations in power may affect operation, performance and lifetime of the inverter and or backlight tubes.

produces significantly higher voltages (the inverter does not connect to the ground plane). We strongly advise appropriate insulation for all circuitry.

signal cable can affect the result.

controller and is invalidated by unauthorized modification or repairs.

controller when mounted. Additionally consideration should be given to:

• Electrical insulation.

• Grounding.

• EMI shielding.

• Cable management. Note: It is important to keep panel signal cables apart from the inverter & backlight cables to

prevent signal interference.

• Heat & Ventilation: Heat generated from other sources, for example the backlight of a very high brightness panel

may generate significant heat which could adversely affect the controller.

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• Other issues that may affect safety or performance.

•••• PC Graphics Output: A few guidelines:

• Signal quality is very important, if there is noise or instability in the PC graphics output this may result in visible noise

on the display.

• Refer to graphics modes table in specifications section for supported modes.

• Non-interlaced & interlaced video input is acceptable.

IMPORTANT: Please read the Application Notes section for more information.

Specifications subject to change without notice

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CONNECTION & OPERATION

CAUTION: Never connect or disconnect parts of the display system when the system is powered up as this may cause serious

damage.

CONNECTION

Connection and usage is quite straight forward (it is useful to have the relevant connection diagram available at this time):

1. LCD panel & Inverter: Connect the inverter (if it is not built-in the panel) to the CCFT lead connector of the LCD

2. LVDS type panels: Plug the LVDS signal cable direct to CN1 (if necessary). Insert the panel end of the cable to the

LCD panel connector.

3. TTL type panels: Plug the signal cables direct to CN2 or CN3. Plug the other end of cables to the LCD connector

board (if connector board is required, otherwise the signal can be direct plug to the LCD panel connector). Then plug the board connector to the LCD panel connector.

4. Inverter & Controller: Plug the inverter cable to CNB1 and CNA1 (if necessary). Plug another end to the connector

on the inverter.

5. Function switch & Controller: Plug the OSD switch mount cable to CNC1 on the controller board and another to

the OSD switch mount.

6. LED & Controller: Plug in a 3-way with dual colour LED to connector LED1 on the controller board.

7. Jumpers : Check all jumpers are set correctly. Details referring the connection diagram at

http://www.digitalview.com/controllers/csg.php

8. Jumpers & Inverter & Panel voltage: Particularly pay attention to the settings of JA3, JA6, JB2, JB3. JB2 & JB3

9. DVI cable : Plug the DVI-D cable to the connector P2 on the controller board.

10. VGA cable & Controller: Plug the VGA cable to the connector P1 on the controller board.

12. Power supply & Controller: Plug the DC 12V / 24V power in to the connector PP2. You can consider to use

13. Power on: Switch on the controller board and panel by using the OSD switch mount.

CAUTION: Never connect or disconnect parts of the display system when the system is powered up as this may cause serious damage.

LED status :

General:

• If you are using supplied cables & accessories, ensure they are correct for the model of panel and controller.

• If you are making your own cables & connectors refer carefully to both the panel & inverter specifications and the section

PC SETTINGS

The controller has been designed to take a very wide range of input signals however to optimize the PC’s graphics performance we recommend choosing 60Hz vertical refresh rate – this will not cause screen flicker.

OPERATION

Once the system has been connected and switched on there are a number of functions available to adjust the display image as summarized in the following sections. The settings chosen will be saved for each mode independently.

panel.

are used for inverter control (read inverter specification and information on the jumper table to define the correct settings). JA3 & JA6 are used for panel voltage input (read panel specification and information on the jumper table to define the correct settings).

DigitalView mating power cable P/N 426013800-3, 160mm.

State LED color No signal & backlight off RED No signal & backlight on ORANGE With signal & backlight on GREEN

in this manual, “Connectors, Pinouts & Jumpers” to ensure the correct pin to pin wiring.

Specifications subject to change without notice

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LCD DISPLAY SYSTEM SETTINGS

NOTE: By way of explanation the following refers to a set of sample buttons that may be obtained as an option. In addition to power on/off and connection for backlight brightness the controller provides an On Screen Display of certain functions which are controlled by 5 momentary type buttons (analog VR type) or 8 momentary type buttons (digital type):

Controls Analog VR type Digital type On/Off – turns controller board power on VR toggle switch On/Off button Brightness – controls backlight brightness Rotary VR Brightness +/- buttons Menu – turns OSD menu On or Off (it will auto time off) (Function with signal input only) Select – Select function / Confirm

(under OSD menu on state) Move up to select individual RGB color level OSD page

(under OSD menu on state) + – increase the setting / moves the selector to the next function

(under OSD menu on state)

- - decrease the setting / moves the selector to the previous function

(under OSD menu on state) Reset to Factory Defaults Press and hold SEL DN

Lock OSD menu

(Function with signal input only)

Direct access key for Brightness level increase

(under OSD menu off state) Direct access key for Brightness level decrease

(under OSD menu off state) Direct access key for Backlight Brightness increase#

(under OSD menu off state) Direct access key for Backlight Brightness decrease#

(under OSD menu off state) # - Only effective on V1.97.00 or up version.

Menu button Menu button

SEL DN SEL DN

SEL UP SEL UP

+ +

- -

button, then power on the controller Press and hold MENU button for 15 seconds to enable / disable lock of the OSD menu + +

- -

SEL UP SEL UP

SEL DN SEL DN

SEL UP

Press and hold SEL DN button, then power on the controller

Press and hold MENU button for 15 seconds to enable / disable lock of the OSD menu

12V / 24VDC power input :

Analog 10K VR Type OSD

ON/Off/Brightness

Menu

-

+

SEL DN

switch mount uses P/N 410680550-3 or up

Analog VR type

12V / 24VDC power input :

Digital 10K Type OSD switch mount uses P/N 416100520-3 or up

12VDC power input :

Digital 10K Type OSD

Digital type

OSD Functions

Specifications subject to change without notice

Select input source

Input source 1

Input source 2

Auto Source Seek

Wide screen mode information display*

Select input source to Analog RGB

Select input source to DVI

ON – Auto source select always enable OFF – Disable auto source select function

Select the input mode (1280 / 1360 / 1366 / 1368) to recognize and display the correct input signal information display on the OSD menu. 1280 : 1280x768 1360 : 1360x768 1366 :1366x768 1368 : 1368x768

switch mount uses P/N 416100510-3

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Yes

No

Brightness and Contrast

Exit

Exit the OSD menu and save the settings

Color

Brightness

Contrast

Backlight4444

Invert

Control

Frequency

B/L

Exit

Auto RGB Calibration*

Color Temperature 4444 (Adjust the warmness of the image displayed. The higher temperature the

coolest image looks like. The lower temperature the warmest image looks like.)

Increase/decrease brightness level. Press – or + (- + ) Total : 256 steps

Increase/decrease panel contrast level. Press – or + (- + ) Total : 192 steps

B/L Invert : Invert for the backlight brightness

D/A / PWM : Selection for voltage level dimming control / PW M dimming control

Backlight frequency 100 ~ 440Hz in a step of 20

Backlight brightness adjustment

Exit the OSD menu and save the settings

Yes

No ( Auto Color Calibration [See appendix IV])

Adjust red color level Press – or + (- +) Total :128 steps Adjust green color level Press – or + (- +) Total : 128 steps Adjust blue color level Press – or + (- +) Total : 128 steps

Press SEL UP/DN button to select item

Set the color temperature to 4200K

Set the color temperature to 5000K

Set the color temperature to 6500K

Set the color temperature to 7500K

Set the color temperature to 9300K

Gamma adjustment4444

Exit

Position

Specifications subject to change without notice

Autosetup*

Frequency*

Phase*

Image Horizontal Position*

Adjust Gamma settings (0.4 / 0.6 / 1.0 / 1.6 / 2.2)

Select Gamma to 0.4

Select Gamma to 0.6

Select Gamma to 1.0

Select Gamma to 1.6

Select Gamma to 2.2

Exit the OSD menu and save the settings

Auto adjust the positions, phase, frequency

Adjust the image horizontal size

Fine tune the data sampling position (adjust image quality)

Use +/- to move the image horizontally Press – or + (- + )

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Utilities

Image Vertical Position*

Exit

Use +/- to move the image vertically Press – or + (- + )

Exit the OSD menu

* Function in ARGB mode only

Items marked 4 have sub menus. Exit the OSD menu to save the setting chosen

OSD setting 4444

Load Factory Default

Sharpness

Exit

OSD Timeout : 0 / 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 seconds (Always on when set to 0) Press – or + (- + )

OSD menu horizontal position Press – or + (- + )

OSD menu vertical position Press – or + (- + )

Initialize the setting stored in non-volatile memory

Adjust sharpness level Press – or + (- + ) Total : 7 steps

Exit the OSD menu

[Firmware version : V1.91 or up]

Specifications subject to change without notice

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CONNECTORS, PINOUTS & JUMPERS

The various connectors are:

Summary: Connectors

Ref Purpose Description

CN1 LVDS panel signal Hirose 40-pin, DF13-40DP-1.25DSA (Mating type : DF13-40DS-1.25C) CN2 TTL panel signal Hirose 40-pin, DF20G-40DP-1V (Mating type : DF20A-40DS-1C) CN3 TTL Panel signal Hirose 50-pin, DF20G-50DP-1V (Mating type : DF20A-50DS-1C) CN8 Serial control (for firmware

programming or RS-232 control

use only) CNA1 Auxiliary power output JST 4-way, S4B-XH-A or compatible (Mating type : XHP-4 or compatible) CNB1 Backlight inverter JST 5-way, S5B-XH-A or compatible (Mating type : XHP-5 or compatible) CNC1 Function controls JST 12-way, S12B-XH-A or compatible (Mating type : XHP-12 or compatible)

LED1 Dual color LED connector Header pin 3x1

P1 ARGB signal input DB-15 way high density 3 row P2 DVI-D signal input DVI-D connector

PP2 Power input Molex 43650-0200 or compatible (Mating type : Molex 43645-0200

Specifications subject to change without notice

JST 6-way, B6B-XH-A or compatible (Mating type : XHP-6 or compatible)

compatible)

(Matching power cable : P/N 426013800-3)

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digitalview ALR-1400 Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual