Connecting Giga Display with cables?

I have I project where I can't mount the display directly on the giga board and will have to connect it with cables.

I won't be using the camera or anything else than the touch capability and the display functionality. Do I need to connect all the 24 pins (to the right looking on the back side) on display to the giga? Or is it sufficient to connect the following pins?
--- connected pins ------
D1N - D1P
GND - GND
CKN - CKP
GND - GND
D0N - D0P
GND - GND
---- Not connected---
68 - 69
70 - 71
72 - 73
74 - 75
---- conncected pins ----
5v - GND
3.3v - VIN

Can the digital pins 86 - 75 be used for regular digital pin use while the display is used?

anyone?

Sorry, I'm not an expert, but can't you just connect the ones you want and do NC on the others and see what happens?

Hi,

I am also interested in an answer.

Thanks,
Bill

I am also interested in this and even more I would like to know if there are any limitations in cable length or if there is a need for using a shielded cable with more inductive or capacitiv measures?

Ok, i checked chatgpt and the answer might help other people here…

Du:

Hi Chatgpt i have the arduino giga bundle with the display shield. Normaly it is fixed on the giga board directly by the header pins on the board and display shield. 1. which connection pins are needed and which are not actually in use? 2. is there a cable lenght limitation if I will do the connection by cable over distance between controller and display?

ChatGPT:

The Arduino GIGA Display Shield is designed to interface seamlessly with the GIGA R1 WiFi board through specific connections. Addressing your questions:

1. Required and Unused Connection Pins:

The GIGA Display Shield connects to the GIGA R1 WiFi board primarily via the MIPI/DSI connector, which facilitates the display's video and touch functionalities. This connector carries essential signals such as data lanes, clock lanes, and power lines necessary for the display's operation. Additionally, the shield utilizes the I2C interface for the capacitive touch panel and other onboard peripherals like the IMU and RGB LED.

While the MIPI/DSI connector handles the core display functions, the shield also provides access to other features through additional pins:

  • **Digital Microphone (MP34DT06JTR):**Interfaces via specific pins dedicated to its function.
  • 6-Axis IMU (BMI270): Communicates over the I2C bus.
  • RGB LED: Controlled via the I2C interface.
  • Arducam-Compatible Camera Connector: Utilizes a separate set of pins for camera modules.

If your project doesn't require certain peripherals (e.g., the microphone, IMU, or camera), the associated pins for those components can remain unconnected without affecting the display's primary functionality.

2. Cable Length Limitation for Remote Connections:

Extending the connection between the GIGA R1 WiFi board and the GIGA Display Shield using cables introduces considerations regarding signal integrity:

  • Signal Integrity: High-speed signals, especially those transmitted through the MIPI/DSI interface, are susceptible to degradation over longer distances. This can result in display malfunctions or reduced performance.
  • Practical Limitations: While specific maximum cable lengths aren't officially documented, user experiences suggest that even relatively short extensions (e.g., 500 mm) can lead to issues. For instance, one user reported that a 500 mm ribbon cable caused the display to malfunction, indicating that such lengths might be excessive for reliable operation.

FORUM.ARDUINO.CC

To ensure optimal performance, it's advisable to keep the cable length as short as possible. If a longer connection is necessary, consider using high-quality, shielded cables designed for high-speed data transmission and test the setup thoroughly to ensure reliability.

For detailed pin configurations and further technical specifications, refer to the Arduino GIGA Display Shield documentation and the GIGA R1 WiFi board's cheat sheet.

Quellen

Favicon

Du:

Ok thank you! How much lines does a cable need if only rgb, display and touch functions are needed

ChatGPT:

If you only need the RGB display and touch functions, the required connections will primarily come from the MIPI DSI interface(for the display) and the I2C interface (for touch control). Here’s a breakdown:

1. MIPI DSI (Display)

The GIGA Display Shield uses MIPI DSI, which typically requires the following signal lines:

  • Power & Ground:
    • VCC (3.3V or 5V, depending on the display)
    • GND
  • Data & Clock Lines (MIPI DSI 4-lane)
    • DSI Data Lane 0+
    • DSI Data Lane 0-
    • DSI Data Lane 1+
    • DSI Data Lane 1-
    • DSI Data Lane 2+
    • DSI Data Lane 2-
    • DSI Data Lane 3+
    • DSI Data Lane 3-
    • DSI Clock+
    • DSI Clock-

2. I2C (Touchscreen Control)

The touchscreen operates via I2C communication, which requires:

  • SCL (Serial Clock Line)
  • SDA (Serial Data Line)
  • GND (shared with display power)

Minimum Cable Requirements

If you only want display + touch, you need:

  • Power: 1 line (VCC)
  • Ground: 1 line (GND)
  • MIPI DSI (4 lanes + clock): 10 lines
  • I2C (Touch): 2 lines (SCL, SDA)

Total Minimum Lines Needed: 14 wires

Additional Considerations

  • If the display requires backlight control, an additional PWM line may be needed.
  • Shielding and cable quality are criticalfor MIPI DSI signals over longer distances.

Would you like recommendations on cable types for reliability?

Du:

Yes and please add the function lines for backlight and please recommend also the connectors that are appropriate to connect the cable at a case with the display and a case wirh the controller

ChatGPT:

Updated Cable Requirements (Including Backlight Control)

Since you need RGB display, touch, and backlight control, the required signal lines are:

1. MIPI DSI (Display Data) - 10 Lines

  • Data Lanes (4-lane MIPI DSI, differential pairs, 8 lines)
    • DSI Data Lane 0+ / 0-
    • DSI Data Lane 1+ / 1-
    • DSI Data Lane 2+ / 2-
    • DSI Data Lane 3+ / 3-
  • Clock (2 lines, differential pair)
    • DSI Clock+ / Clock-

2. I2C (Touch Control) - 2 Lines

  • SCL (Serial Clock Line)
  • SDA (Serial Data Line)

3. Power & Ground - 3 Lines

  • VCC (3.3V or 5V, depending on the display)
  • GND (Ground, shared across all functions)
  • Backlight Power (if separately powered, otherwise use VCC)

4. Backlight Control (PWM & Enable) - 2 Lines (Optional)

  • PWM (Pulse Width Modulation for dimming)
  • BL_EN (Backlight Enable, HIGH to turn on the backlight)

Total Cable Requirements

If backlight is powered from VCC and always on: 14 lines
If backlight has PWM and enable control: 16 lines


Cable & Connector Recommendations

Cable Type Recommendations

Since MIPI DSI is high-speed, signal integrity is critical. The best options for cabling include:

  1. Shielded FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit)
  • Common for MIPI DSI displays.
  • Low-profile, flexible, and supports high-speed signals.
  • Needs a matching FFC connector on both ends.
  • Keep the length as short as possible (≤10cm ideally, max ~30cm).
  1. High-Quality Twisted Pair Ribbon Cable
  • If using individual wires, use a twisted pair configuration:
    • Each data pair (DSI lanes & clock) should be twisted together.
    • Use a ground return wirebetween high-speed signal pairs.
  • Shielding recommended to prevent signal degradation.
  1. Coaxial Miniature Cable (for extended distances)
  • Used in LVDS and MIPI long-distance applications.
  • Expensive, requires differential routing, but can extend beyond 50cm.

Connectors for Panel & Case Mounting

Since you want a case-mounted connector, consider these options:

1. FFC/FPC Connectors (Best for MIPI DSI)

  • Connector Type: 15- to 22-pin 0.5mm pitch FFC/FPC.
  • Case Mounting Option: Use an FFC Extension Board with panel-mount connectors.
  • Example: Hirose DF40, Molex Easy-On FPC/FFC.

2. Board-to-Board High-Speed Connector

  • If using twisted pair ribbon cable, a high-speed board-to-board connector like:
    • Samtec QTE/QSE Series (for differential signals).
    • TE Connectivity FAKRA (if coaxial).

3. Circular Industrial Connectors (For Robust Mounting)

  • If you need rugged case connectors, consider:
    • LEMO or Hirose HR10A (small, shielded, high-speed).
    • M12 X-Code (Ethernet-type, good for signal integrity).
  • Needs an adapter PCB inside the case.

4. HDMI-Type Connectors (For DIY MIPI Extensions)

  • Some DIY projects use HDMI connectors for MIPI routing.
  • Pros: Readily available, supports differential pairs.
  • Cons: Not standard, may cause impedance mismatches.

Conclusion & Recommendation

For a short & reliable connection (≤30cm):

  • Use a 15-22 pin FFC/FPC cable with case-mount FFC extension connectors.

For a longer distance (30cm - 1m):

  • Use a shielded twisted pair ribbon cable with Samtec QTE/QSE connectors.

For rugged enclosures:

  • Consider M12 X-Code or Hirose HR10A circular connectors.

Let me know if you need specific part numbers or supplier links!

Du:

Links where I can purchase these are wellcome

ChatGPT:

Certainly! Here are some recommended products and suppliers in Germany for the components you need:

1. FFC/FPC Cables and Connectors:

  • Reichelt Elektronik: Offers a variety of FFC/FPC connectors and accessories suitable for your project.
    • Website: Reichelt FFC/FPC Connectors
  • Harfington: Provides FFC/FPC connector boards, such as the 15-pin 0.5mm pitch connector board.
    • Product: FFC/FPC Connector Board 15 Pin 0.5mm

2. High-Speed Board-to-Board Connectors:

  • Samtec QTE Series: These 0.80 mm pitch high-speed connectors are suitable for your application.
    • Product Page: Samtec QTE Series
  • Samtec QSE Series: Complementary to the QTE series, these connectors offer reliable performance.
    • Product Page: Samtec QSE Series

3. Circular Industrial Connectors:

  • M12 X-Code Connectors: Widely available through various industrial component suppliers in Germany.
    • Example Supplier: Phoenix Contact
  • Hirose HR10A Series: Compact and suitable for robust connections.
    • Product Page: Hirose HR10A Series

Purchasing Tips:

  • Local Electronics Suppliers: Consider checking with local electronics stores or distributors in Germany for availability.
  • Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Mouser Electronics and Digi-Key also ship to Germany and offer a wide range of components.

Ensure that the connectors and cables you choose are compatible with your specific requirements, especially concerning pin count and pitch size. If you need further assistance or specific part numbers, feel free to ask!

Quellen

Du:

You are so great!! It is a pleasure to work with your talents Thank you

ChatGPT:

You're very welcome! I really appreciate your kind words—it’s a pleasure helping you out. If you ever need more advice, part recommendations, or just want to chat about your project, I'm here for you.

Good luck with your Arduino GIGA setup, and have fun building! :rocket: