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Written new FTDI driver using MPSSE functionality

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2015-10-21
2016-01-15
  • Alex Scarbro

    Alex Scarbro - 2015-10-21

    Hello, I've written a new/different FTDI driver that uses the MPSSE functionality available on some chips (FT2232 onwards i think). This means one hd44780 display in 8 bit mode or up to four hd44780 displays in 4 bit mode could be driven on a single FTDI interface port. Ive also written a generic matrix keypad interface to work along with this using the Synchronous Bit Bang mode. This supports a 4x4 matrix keypad.

    The key matrix aspect of this driver can use any spare interface on the same FTDI chip that runs the LCD display or you can use an entirely separate device!

    The MPSSE+keypad interface is quite a different approach to the current ftdi driver and so I was wondering what I would need to do to add this as an additional connection type under the HD44780 driver? incorporating this in to the current ftdi driver might really confuse anyone wanting to modify either connection method.

    Best regards,
    Alex

     
  • Alex Scarbro

    Alex Scarbro - 2015-11-24

    Hello,

    Please find attached a patch to add FTDI-MPSSE support for the HD44780 display.

    This patch has had the required docbook files updated and also provides example configuration settings.It also adds support for the latest LIBFTDI1 and LIBUSB1 libraries.

    I have tested the patch with the FT2232D device, but it should also work with any FTDI device that supports MPSSE mode.

    The benefit of using MPSSE mode is that both the Data (ADBUS) and Control (ACBUS) can be used on the same interface to fully control a HD44780 display in 8bit mode, leaving spare interfaces available for a 4x4 matrix keypad. This is not possible with the existing FTDI driver.

    Best regards,
    Alex

     
    • Ethan Dicks

      Ethan Dicks - 2015-11-24

      On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 4:11 PM, Alex Scarbro alexscarbro@users.sf.net wrote:

      Hello,

      Please find attached a patch to add FTDI-MPSSE support for the HD44780
      display.

      Thanksgiving is looming fast, so I'll be able to take a look at this
      after the holiday.

      -ethan

       
      • Alex Scarbro

        Alex Scarbro - 2015-11-27

        Great, thanks Ethan.

        if you're happy with how the FTDI MPSSE driver integrates with the HD44780 I may look at writing an FTDI MPSSE driver for the popular SED1330 graphical display controller.

        Have a good Thanksgiving,
        Alex

         
  • Alex Scarbro

    Alex Scarbro - 2016-01-15

    Here's the FTDI-MPSSE interface up and running with both the LCD and keypad attached.

    Best regards,
    Alex

     

    Last edit: Alex Scarbro 2016-01-15

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