Matrix Orbital DD-DB1 LCD/VFD Dev Board - Manual (Page 4)

Introduction
The Matrix Orbital DevDevil is a product development board which provides all of the functionality of an alphanumeric
display in a project development friendly package. A variety of color options are offered for both the 2 row by 20 column
and 4 row by 20 column screen models.
All DevDevil products contain the same 6 general purpose outputs and 5 x 5 keypad input found on their production
counterparts. In addition to the regular 5V, 20mA outputs, indicator LEDs can be enabled beside each GPO to provide
status indication. Alternate keys are also added in a tactile style layout, sharing the same pins as the regular keypad. The
keypad header also has the same power and ground pins to provide optional grounding or backlight support.
The DevDevil also offers RS232, USB, TTL, and I2C protocols through a dynamic switch block, rather than the more rigid
solder jumpers found on the production model. Maximum communication speeds, however, remain the same for these
protocols; 153800bps for Serial protocols and 100,00Kbps for I2C. Standard headers for all protocols are offered on the
board, as well as a variety of input power options.
Powering up the DevDevil can be as easy as connecting to the mini-USB connector on board. Alternate power options
include an AC adapter, power through the DB9 header, and 4 pin data/power input. The basic USB connection can be
used to easily interface to the development board while the additional options are useful for more advanced project
requirements.
The following pages will outline these features in greater detail and provide instruction for connecting and communicating
to the Matrix Orbital DevDevil. Using just the information provided and a little imagination, the DevDevil can open the
door to a world of exciting display possibilities!
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