MVS 640x480 VGA LCD CONTROLLER 1.0 INTRODUCTION The MVSVGA1 card is a VGA LCD controller for use with PC motherboards or the MVS Single Board Computers. It looks like a standard VGA card with IBM compatible BIOS and is capable of driving most dual scan monochrome 640x480 panels. Special versions are available at no extra cost to support single scan panels as follows: MVSVGA1a 640x480 MVSVGA1b 640x240 MVSVGA1c 640x200 MVSVGA1d 480x128 MVSVGA1e 320x240 MVSVGA1f 320x200 A CRT version is available (MVSVGA2) that will drive color video monitors in addition to LCDs. A utility is included to switch between the two modes. A complete kit including MVSVGA2, 640x480 panel, and cables is available (KLCD2). A built-in power sequencer protects panels from DC damage and allows auto power down for battery operated applications. On-board bias voltage adjustment allows contrast to be set without the need for a TSR or other program. Controllers from other companies use software control therefor do not power up in a readable state and must be set each time. The MVS controller is set once during installation and the panel automatically powers up with proper contrast every time. 2.0 INSTALLATION Insert the MVSVGA1 into an open slot making sure the component side faces the same direction as other ISA cards. PCI cards face the opposite direction so double check. The MVSVGA1 output connectors must be toward the rear of the PC. To check LCD operation short J5 to J6 and open J8 to J9. Next connect the panel and power up the system. Adjust the contrast pot for best angle. If text does not appear within a few seconds then power down and check wiring. To test CRT operation short J6 to J7, short J8 to J9, and run VGA18CRT.COM with a monitor connected. The 20 pin header used for the panel interface (P3) has the following pinout (alternate signal definitions and example wiring also shown): MVSVGA1 P3 Sharp Sharp Sharp pin signal 64194F 64P70 641521 1 VSYNC (S,VSYNC,FRAME,FLM,Scan Start) 1 1 4 2 HSYNC (CP1,CL1,HSYNC,LP) 2 2 5 3 Dot clock (CP2,CLK,CP,SHCLK,CL2) 3 3 6 4 LCD enable 0=off 1=on (DISP) 4 7 5 +5v LCD power switched (VDD,VPLCD) 5 4 8 6 Ground (VSS) 6 5 9 7 -12v to -24v switched (VEE,BIAS) 7 6 10 8 Upper Data (UD0,DU0,PIXEL4) 8 7 11 9 Upper Data (UD1,DU1,PIXEL5) 9 8 12 10 Upper Data (UD2,DU2,PIXEL6) 10 9 13 11 Upper Data (UD3,DU3,PIXEL7) 11 10 14 12 Lower Data (LD0,DL0,PIXEL0) 12 11 15 13 Lower Data (LD1,DL1,PIXEL1) 13 12 16 14 Lower Data (LD2,DL2,PIXEL2) 14 13 17 15 Lower Data (LD3,DL3,PIXEL3) 15 14 18 16 Ground 19 17 Backlight (open collector, other end of inverter goes to +12) 18 +12v 19 Ground 20 +5v 3.0 PROGRAMMING Registers are identical to those in the original standard IBM VGA specification. For details refer to books specializing in PC video programming. Extended (Private) registers are available as listed in the Software Specification Manual. They select LCD type, control windowing, power management, and other enhanced VGA features. These are normally locked out to prevent interference from "ill behaved" applications. VGATSR.COM is a TSR program that allows controlling things like zooming, panning, inverse video, font size, suspend, standby, and wakeup. It also allows switching between CRT and LCD mode for the MVSVGA2. VGA18CRT.COM is a program for the MVSVGA2 that initializes graphics mode 18, switches from LCD to CRT operation, and then draws characters. This is done by accessing the hardware registers directly (no DOS or BIOS calls). Source code is included to show how to program the card in detail. LIMITED WARRANTY MVS will repair free of charge product suffering from manufacturing defects for a period of 5 years after shipping. This will be done only if it has been determined by MVS that the product has not been misused (improper voltages, physical alteration, etc.). Otherwise a minimum service charge is required. In either case it is necessary to contact MVS for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before shipping the unit.