In order to interface to the VFD, I need a datasheet for it. I found that datasheet here: http://datasheet.elcodis.com/pdf/11/45/114557/gu140x32f-7000.pdf.
As I need a high refresh rate to display interesting information, and I want to learn how to implement something in Verilog that isn't an RS232 port, I'm using the VFD's parallel port. I have heard that these VFDs can manage 60-70Hz refresh rates so I'll try pushing the limits with animation. As a rough calculation, the data I'll be sending at 60Hz over each of the 8 parallel ports is
which is certainly manageable with a 50MHz Spartan6.
Pinouts for the parallel connector:
Pin number | Signal name | Function | Direction |
1 | GND | Ground | I |
2 | VCC | Power (6VDC max) | I |
3 | NC | - | - |
4 | RS | Switch signal | I |
5 | /WR | Data write | I |
6 | /RD | Data read | I |
7 | D0 | Data input | IO |
8 | D1 | Data input | IO |
9 | D2 | Data input | IO |
10 | D3 | Data input | IO |
11 | D4 | Data input | IO |
12 | D5 | Data input | IO |
13 | D6 | Data input | IO |
14 | D7 | Data input | IO |
Discussions
Become a Hackaday.io Member
Create an account to leave a comment. Already have an account? Log In.