Use of FTDI devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the user’s risk, and the user agrees
to defend, indemnify and hold harmless FTDI from any and all damages, claims, suits or expense resulting
from such use.
VM801B Datasheet
Version.1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_001073 Clearance No.: FTDI#425
FTDI Chip
VM801B Datasheet
Embedded Video
Engine Basic module
General Purpose Multi Media Controller
The VM801B is a development module for
FTDI’s FT801, which is used to develop and
demonstrate the functionality of the FT801
Embedded Video Engine, EVE.
This module behaves as an SPI slave, and
requires a SPI Master for proper micro-
controller interfacing and system integration.
VM801B modules support 2 different LCD
panel size options and are designed for
industrial or commercial environments with
precision fitted bezels in either black (-BK)
or pearl (-PL).
VM801B43A-xx is the 4.3” LCD
VM801B50A-xx is the 5.0” LCD
The VM801B utilises the FTDI FT801 Embedded
Video Engine, EVE. Graphic, audio and touch
features of the FT801 chip can be accessed with the
VM801B. For a full list of the FT801’s features
please see the FT801 datasheet. The VM801B has
the following features:
Ready to use LCD module.
Integrated with capacitive multi-touch screen
LCD panel
Firmware compatible with VM800B module in
default single touch mode.
On board LCD backlight LED Driver
On board audio power amplifier and micro
speaker
Flexible power supply. Powering the VM801B
using either from a 2.1mm power jack , SPI
master connector or via USB Micro-B port
5 V tolerant buffers when used with a 5V SPI
Master.
(Optional) 3.3 V I2C interface, 100 KHz max.
Precision fitted bezel in black(-BK) or pearl (-
PL)
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VM801B Datasheet
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1 Ordering Information
Note that the kits below require a 5V/1A power supply. It is NOT provided in the development kit, but is offered as an
optional accessory with the following part types:
Part No.
Description
VM801B43A-BK
VM801B module, supports 3.3/5V MCU Adapter Board, 4.3” 480x272
resolution TFT LCD display panel preinstalled, black bezel
VM801B50A-BK
VM801B module, supports 3.3/5V MCU Adapter Board, 5” 480x272 resolution
TFT LCD display panel preinstalled, black bezel
VM801B43A-PL
VM801B module, supports 3.3/5V MCU Adapter Board, 4.3” 480x272
resolution TFT LCD display panel preinstalled, pearl bezel
VM801B50A-PL
VM801B module, supports 3.3/5V MCU Adapter Board, 5” 480x272 resolution
TFT LCD display panel preinstalled, pearl bezel
VA-PSU-UK1
Accessory - UK Model 5V/1A USB Power Supply (Mfr # JX-B0520C-1-B)
VA-PSU-US1
Accessory - US Model 5V/1A USB Power Supply (Mfr # JX-B0520B-1-B)
VA-PSU-EU1
Accessory - EU Model 5V/1A USB Power Supply (Mfr # JX-B0520A-1-B)
VA800A-SPI
Accessory - High Speed Micro USB to SPI adapter for BASIC boards based
on FT232H MPSSE design
VA-FC-1M-BKW
Accessory - Flat USB A to Micro B Cable 1M- Black and White
VA-FC-1M-BLW
Accessory - Flat USB A to Micro B Cable 1M- Blue and White
Table 1-1 – Ordering information
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VM801B Datasheet
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Table of Contents
1 Ordering Information ..................................................................... 2
2 Hardware Description ..................................................................... 4
2.1 VM801B module ............................................................................................ 4
2.2 Physical Descriptions .................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Dimensions ............................................................................................. 5
2.3 VM801B Connectors ...................................................................................... 6
3 Board Schematics ........................................................................... 9
4 Hardware Setup Guide .................................................................. 12
4.1 Power Configuration ................................................................................... 12
4.2 MPSSE Setup ............................................................................................... 12
4.3 Arduino® Setup........................................................................................... 14
5 Assembling the Bezel and Panel Mounting ................................... 15
5.1 4.3” Dimensions .......................................................................................... 16
5.2 5.0” Dimensions .......................................................................................... 17
6 Specifications ............................................................................... 18
6.1 Optical Specification ................................................................................... 18
7 Contact Information ..................................................................... 20
Appendix A - References ....................................................................................... 23
Appendix B - List of Figures and Tables ................................................................. 24
Appendix C – Revision History ............................................................................... 25
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VM801B Datasheet
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2 Hardware Description
Please refer to section 2.3 for connector settings. Some VM801B jumpers must be set to work properly
with your system.
2.1 VM801B module
Figure 2-2 - VM801B module profile 5” display version
NOTE: Also available in pearl.
The VM801B module is intended for direct use into existing applications that require a display. This
module is suitable for interfacing with an external microcontroller that has a SPI Master or I2C Master
channel.
The VM801B module is available in multiple options: 4.3 or 5.0 inch display options.
The main functions of the VM801B are as follows:
Micro USB connector
SPI/I2C connector
2-pin connector for power supply
3.3V regulator: Takes 5V input and outputs 3.3V for on-board circuits
LCD touch screen panel
5V tolerant buffers between the SPI master interface and the Slave interface of the FT801
Figure 2-1 - VM801B module profile 4.3” display version
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VM801B Datasheet
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o SPI timing requirements can be found in the FT801 datasheet. The on board level
converter buffers introduce additional delay. The actual maximum SPI clock frequency
depends on the host system timing and connection cable length to the VM801B PCB.
3 stage audio filter and power amplifier
8Ω speaker and Audio line out option
Precision fitted bezel
2.2 Physical Descriptions
2.2.1 Dimensions
The VM801B module dimensions are illustrated in Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-4 - VM801B module PCB view, 4.3 and 5 inch display version
All dimensions are in mm.
34.30
72.40
3.80
106.70
68.60
5.05
3.80
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VM801B Datasheet
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2.3 VM801B Connectors
Connectors and jumpers are described in the following sections.
CN1- 2-pin power connector
2 pin connector for 5V/3.3V power input to the board. Alternative to Micro USB connector.
Pin No.
Name
Type
Description
1
VCC
P
5V or 3.3V DC power supply
2
GND
P
Ground
Table 2-1 – CN1 Pinout
CN2- Micro USB Receptacle
This receptacle is strictly for 5V input to power the board. There is no USB Functionality
Pin No.
Name
Type
Description
1
VBUS
P
5V power supply
2
NC
NA
No connection
3
NC
NA
No connection
4
NC
NA
No connection
5
GND
P
Ground
Table 2-2 – CN2 Pinout
J2 - Selection between Lineout and loop back into the power amplifier.
Selection between audio lineout and loop back into the power amplifier.
Jumper position
Description
Short pin 1-2
Audio amp enabled (default)
Short pin 2-3
Audio amp mute, Audio lineout on pin 1
Table 2-3 – J2 Pin Options
J5- SPI/I2C Interface
This is the interface where the SPI/I2C control and data signals are routed to. There are also power
and ground pins on this interface.
Pin No.
Name
Type
Description
1
SCLK
I
SPI/I2C Clock input
2
MOSI
I
Master Out Slave input
3
MISO/SDA
O
Master In Slave out/ I2C Data line
4
CS#
I
Chip select , active low
5
INT#
O
Interrupt output active low
6
PD#
I
Power down control input, active low
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Pin No.
Name
Type
Description
7
5V
P
5V power supply
8
3.3V
P
3.3V power supply
9
GND
P
Ground
10
GND
P
Ground
Table 2-4 – J5 Pinout
J7- CTP Interface
This is the capacitive touch panel interface where the I2C control and data signals are routed to.
There are also power and ground pins on this interface.
Pin No.
Name
Type
Description
1
3V3
P
3.3V power supply
2
GND
P
Ground
3
SCL
I
I2C clock input
4
SDA
IO
I2C data input and output
5
INT#
O
Interrupt output
6
WAKE
I
Wake input
Table 2-5 – J5 Pinout
JP1- Audio Amplifier Power Select
This jumper provides the option to select the power supply voltage for the on-board power amplifier.
Jumper position
Description
Short pin 1-2
3.3V selected (default)
Short pin 2-3
5V selected
Table 2-6 – JP1 Pin options
Note: This needs to be configured before audio can be heard. Default is 3.3V. Select 5V to increase
the maximum volume for the speaker.
JP2 – On board amplifier enable
Solder connection not fitted by default.
JP3 - On board amplifier mute
Solder connection not fitted by default.
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JP6 – Power Input select
Jumper position
Description
Short pin 1-2
Board power from CN2(default)
Short pin 2-3
Board power from CN1
Table 2-7 – JP6 jumper options
JP12, JP13, JP14 – Mode select
Default mode is SPI. JP12-JP14 are no not populated by the factory. To select I2C, user should
close both JP12-14.
*Note: The JP12-14 must be both closed to avoid IO signal conflicting in I2C mode.
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3 Board Schematics
Figure 3-1 - VM801B43A/VM801B50A (4.3”/5.0” Version)
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Figure 3-2 – VM801B SPI Interface and IO
11
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Figure 3-3 – VM801B Audio
12
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4 Hardware Setup Guide
4.1 Power Configuration
There are 5 methods of powering the VM801B board.
1) USB Power(5V) - Connect USB power through micro-USB cable to CN2
2) DC IN(5V) - Connect 5V to CN1
3) DC IN(3.3V) - Connect 3.3V to CN1 and short J5 pin 7 and 8
4) J5 Power(5V) - Connect 5V to J5 pin 7
5) *J5 Power(3.3V) - Connect 3.3V to J5 pin 7 and 8
*Warning: Applying 5 V accidently in this mode may cause permanent damage to the VM801B
module.
The following table summarise how to power the VM801B board using the various methods.
Power Method
CN2
CN1
J5 Pin 7
J5 Pin 8
JP6
USB Power
5V
N/C
N/C
N/C
Short pin 1-2
DC IN(5V)
N/C
5V
N/C
N/C
Short pin 2-3
DC IN(3.3V)
N/C
3.3V
SHORT
Short pin 2-3
J5 Power(5V)
N/C
N/C
5V
N/C
Any Position
J5 Power (3.3V)
N/C
N/C
3.3V
Any Position
Table 4-1 - Board power configuration
4.2 MPSSE Setup
To provide a quick start with the VM801B development board, Windows based sample projects including
source code are provided. An overview of the process is provided in the following paragraphs with more
details in AN_245_VM800CB_SampleAPP_PC_Introduction
MPSSE is a “multi purpose synchronous serial engine” interface available in some FTDI devices (e.g.
FT2232D, FT232H, FT2232H, FT4232H, FT4222H and the modules built based on these silicon chips).
This engine allows users to bridge from a USB port on a PC to an I2C or SPI interface. Sample code is
available for driving the FT801 over this interface with a FT232H device.
VA800A-SPI is a MPSSE module accessory which can connect to the VM801B modules directly. Detailed
information on the VA800A-SPI can be found at:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/modules/VA800A-SPI.html
FTDI also provide a multipurpose MPSSE cable assembly C232HM-EDHSL-0(5V) or C232HM-DDHSL-
0(3.3V) for rapid setup. More information on the cable may be found at:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_C232HM_MPSSE_CABLE.pdf.
In this section it is assumed the VA800A-SPI is used. VA800A-SPI supplies 5 V for VM801B modules. If
the VM801B is connected to an SPI interface with a 3.3 V power supply, refer to table 5-1 for the board
power configuration. Note, improper power supply and/or IO voltage connection may damage the
VM801B module.
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Figure 4-1 – VM801B connects to PC through VA800A-SPI accessory.
Hardware Setup
Connect the VA800A-SPI to the VM801B module in the correct orientation (with J5-pin1 of the
VM801B board connected to CN1-pin1 of VA800A-SPI board).
Connect a USB cable (suggest FTDI accessory VA-FC-1M-BKW or VA-FC-1M-BLW) from the
VA800A-SPI to the PC USB host port or self-powered hub port.
The VA800A-SPI will supply power to the VM801B after the MPSSE driver is properly loaded and the
USB host completes USB device configuration.
NOTE: If using the C232HM-EDHSL-0(5V) MPSSE cable then the connection is as:
J5 Pin number
J5 Signal
MPSSE pin number
MPSSE Signal
MPSSE Cable Lead Colour
1
SCK
2
SK
ORANGE
2
MOSI
3
DO
YELLOW
3
MISO/SDA
4
DI
GREEN
4
CS#
5
CS
BROWN
5
INT#
7
GPIOL1
PURPLE
6
PD#
9
GPIOL3
BLUE
7
5V
1
VCC
RED
8
3.3V
-
-
-
9
GND
10
GND
Black
10
GND
-
-
-
Table 4-2 – MPSSE cable (C232HM-EDHSL-0) connection
Software Setup
The following software setup steps apply to both the VA800A-SPI and MPSSE cable assembly.
Download the MPSSE software. MPSSE cable and driver information can be found at
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBMPSSE.htm.
Launch the demo application based on MPSSE from the PC
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4.3 Arduino® Setup
Sample code and demo applications are provided to users who want to connect the VM801B to a MCU.
FTDI provides sample source code, sample application notes and a ready to run demo based on the
Arduino® platform. Detailed information can be found at:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Modules/VM801B.html
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5 Assembling the Bezel and Panel Mounting
Figure 5-1 - VM801B Panel Mount (Front view)
Figure 5-2 - VM801B Panel Mount (Rear view)
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5.1 4.3” Dimensions
Figure 5-3 - VM801B 4.3” panel mount dimensions
17
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5.2 5.0” Dimensions
Figure 5-4 - VM801B 5.0” panel mount dimensions
18
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6 Specifications
6.1 Optical Specification
Table 6-1 - 4.3” TFT Optical Specification
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Table 6-2 - 5” TFT Optical Specification
20
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7 Contact Information
Head Office – Glasgow, UK
Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park
Glasgow G41 1HH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 141 429 2777
Fax: +44 (0) 141 429 2758
E-mail (Sales)
sales1@ftdichip.com
E-mail (Support)
support1@ftdichip.com
E-mail (General Enquiries)
admin1@ftdichip.com
Branch Office – Taipei, Taiwan
2F, No. 516, Sec. 1, NeiHu Road
Taipei 114
Taiwan , R.O.C.
Tel: +886 (0) 2 8797 1330
Fax: +886 (0) 2 8751 9737
E-mail (Sales)
tw.sales1@ftdichip.com
E-mail (Support)
tw.support1@ftdichip.com
E-mail (General Enquiries)
tw.admin1@ftdichip.com
Branch Office – Tigard, Oregon, USA
7130 SW Fir Loop
Tigard, OR 97223
USA
Tel: +1 (503) 547 0988
Fax: +1 (503) 547 0987
E-Mail (Sales)
us.sales@ftdichip.com
E-Mail (Support)
us.support@ftdichip.com
E-Mail (General Enquiries)
us.admin@ftdichip.com
Branch Office – Shanghai, China
Room 1103, No. 666 West Huaihai Road,
Changning District, Shanghai, 200052
China
Tel: +86 (0)21 6235 1596
Fax: +86 (0)21 6235 1595
E-mail (Sales)
cn.sales@ftdichip.com
E-mail (Support)
cn.support@ftdichip.com
E-mail (General Enquiries)
cn.admin@ftdichip.com
Web Site
http://ftdichip.com
Distributor and Sales Representatives
Please visit the Sales Network page of the FTDI Web site for the contact details of our distributor(s) and sales
representative(s) in your country.
System and equipment manufacturers and designers are responsible to ensure that their systems, and any Future Technology Devices International Ltd
(FTDI) devices incorporated in their systems, meet all applicable safety, regulatory and system-level performance requirements. All application-related
information in this document (including application descriptions, suggested FTDI devices and other materials) is provided for reference only. While FTDI
has taken care to assure it is accurate, this information is subject to customer confirmation, and FTDI disclaims all liability for system designs and for any
applications assistance provided by FTDI. Use of FTDI devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the user’s risk, and the user agrees to
defend, indemnify and hold harmless FTDI from any and all damages, claims, suits or expense resulting from such use. This document is subject to change
without notice. No freedom to use patents or other intellectual property rights is implied by the publication of this document. Neither the whole nor any part
of the information contained in, or the product described in this document, may be adapted or reproduced in any material or electronic form without the prior
written consent of the copyright holder. Future Technology Devices International Ltd, Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park, Glasgow G41
1HH, United Kingdom. Scotland Registered Company Number: SC136640
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Appendix A - References
FT801 datasheet: DS_FT801_Embedded_Video_Engine
FT800 software programming guide: FT800 Series Programmer Guide
FT800 sample application notes:
AN_245_VM800CB_SampleAPP_PC_Introduction
AN_246_VM800CB_SampleAPP_Arduino_Introduction
C232HM-EDHSL-0 datasheet:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_C232HM_MPSSE_CABLE.pdf
D2xx Programmers Guide:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/ProgramGuides/D2XX_Programmer's_Guide(FT_000071).p
df
AN_108: Command Processor for MPSSE and MCU Host Bus Emulation Modes
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/AppNotes/AN_108_Command_Processor_for_MPSSE_and_
MCU_Host_Bus_Emulation_Modes.pdf
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Appendix B - List of Figures and Tables
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 - VM801B module profile 4.3” display version ........................................................................... 4
Figure 2-2 - VM801B module profile 5” display version .............................................................................. 4
The VM801B module dimensions are illustrated in Figure 2-3. .................................................................. 5
Figure 2-4 - VM801B module PCB view, 4.3 and 5 inch display version .................................................... 5
Figure 3-1 - VM801B43A/VM801B50A (4.3”/5.0” Version)............................................................................ 9
Figure 3-2 – VM801B SPI Interface and IO .................................................................................................. 10
Figure 3-3 – VM801B Audio .......................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4-1 – VM801B connects to PC through VA800A-SPI accessory. .................................................. 13
Figure 5-1 - VM801B Panel Mount (Front view) .......................................................................................... 15
Figure 5-2 - VM801B Panel Mount (Rear view) ........................................................................................... 15
Figure 5-3 - VM801B 4.3” panel mount dimensions ................................................................................... 16
Figure 5-4 - VM801B 5.0” panel mount dimensions ................................................................................... 17
List of Tables
Table 1-1 – Ordering information ................................................................................................................... 2
Table 2-1 – CN1 Pinout .................................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2-2 – CN2 Pinout .................................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2-3 – J2 Pin Options .............................................................................................................................. 6
Table 2-4 – J5 Pinout ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 2-5 – J5 Pinout ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 2-6 – JP1 Pin options ............................................................................................................................ 7
Table 2-7 – JP6 jumper options ...................................................................................................................... 8
Table 4-1 - Board power configuration ........................................................................................................ 12
Table 4-2 – MPSSE cable (C232HM-EDHSL-0) connection ........................................................................ 13
Table 6-1 - 4.3” TFT Optical Specification ................................................................................................... 18
Table 6-2 - 5” TFT Optical Specification ...................................................................................................... 19
25
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Appendix C – Revision History
Document Title: DS_VM801B
Document Reference No.: FT_001073
Clearance No.: FTDI#425
Product Page: www.ftdichip.com/Products/Modules/VM801B.html
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