TIMI-MB is a unique breadboard-compatible display development module designed to provide development boards/modules which have a MikroBUS socket a simple interface display solution. TIMI MB is aimed to speed up and reinvent the way electronic testing, development and projects are carried out.

TIMI MB is a 0.96” TFT LCD display module that is driven directly by a PIXXI-28 graphics processor from 4D Labs. It features a MikroBUS interface, designed to attach to development platforms featuring a MikroBUS socket or headers.

The TIMI MB also features a 5-pin programming header, to program its processor using the Mates Programmer, and a selection switch (on the back – accessible from the bottom edge) to switch between device programming mode or connection of the device to the MikroBUS Host.

TIMI MB was created as a flexible design aid, primarily to simulate components readouts and meters, which would otherwise be cumbersome or demanding on hardware resources for breadboard or electronic development. Simulating component readouts allows accelerated development and retains the often-limited GPIO hardware associated with many developments.

TIMI MB was designed for engineers, hobbyists, and students, from beginner to advanced levels, designed to make project development, easier.

The TIMI MB connects to the MikroBUS interface, utilising primarily the Serial UART of the Click host. It also features a selector switch, which interrupts the Hosts TX signal, to direct the TIMI MB’s RX signal to the programming header instead. This allows the TIMI MB to be left connected to the Host board when the TIMI MB is required to be programmed.
The interface to the TIMI MB is a 3.3V level Asynchronous Serial UART and is used to communicate between the Host and the TIMI MB itself. Reset is also connected to the RST of the MikroBUS.
Powered by 4D Labs Pixxi-28 Graphics Processor

• 160(W)x80(H) resolution TFT LCD, non-touch
• 3.3V (5V tolerant) Serial UART interface, capable of 300 to 2187500 Baud
• 16MB of External SPI Flash Memory
• 32KB of Processor Flash Memory
• 14KB of Processor SRAM for User Variables
• Single supply 5V power input (*3.3V possible – See ‘System Pins’ Section)
• Standard 0.1” (2.54mm) pitch male pin headers, MikroBUS compatible
• RoHS and REACH compliant
• PCB is UL 94V-0 Flammability Rated
• Weight approx. 6.0 grams

The TIMI MB connects to the MikroBUS interface and utilises the Serial UART of the Host device.

+5V (Device Supply Voltage)
Display supply voltage pin. This pin supplies the TIMI MB with 5VDC from the Host board.

GND (Module Ground)
Device ground pin.

TX (Serial UART Transmit)
TX of the TIMI MB connects to RX of the Host board, this is the 3.3V Asynchronous Serial UART Transmit for communications between the two devices.

RX (Serial UART Receive)
RX of the TIMI MB connects to TX of the Host board, this is the 3.3V Asynchronous Serial UART Receive for communications between the two devices. This pin is also 5V tolerant, so can be interfaced to 5V UART devices.

RESET (Module Master Reset)
This pin is connected to the Host via a 680ohm resistor to the RST pin on the MikroBUS, making it possible for the Host to initiate a reset as required. It is also connected to the Mates Programmer header (bypassing the resistor), for programming the 4D Labs processor using the Mates Studio IDE, based on the position of the switch.

NC (Not connected)
These pins are not connected or used on the Interface.

The PIXXI-28 Processor has a single hardware asynchronous serial port with fixed pins TX/RX. The PIXXI-28’s serial port can be used to communicate with external serial devices and is also used for programming the PIXXI-28 itself.

• The primary features are:
• Full-Duplex 8-bit data transmission and reception.
• Data format: 8-bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit.
• Independent Baud rates from 300 baud up to 2187500 baud.

This serial UART is also the programming interface for User program downloads. Once the compiled application is downloaded and the user code starts executing, the serial port is then available to the user application.

Note: The serial UART output at the level of TTL 3.3V, however, is 5V tolerant on the RX pin, so can accept communications from 5V devices.

The HOST/PROG selection switch is used to switch the RX signal which comes from the TIMI MB, between the Host’s TX, and the Mates Programmer headers TX. This allows the user to select if the TIMI MB is being programmed by the BBM-PROG header, or if it is connected to the Host, making it possible to program the TIMI MB without having to unplug it from the MikroBUS socket.

When you want communications to be between the Host and the TIMI MB, the switch should be on HOST.

When you want the communications to be between the Mates Programmer header and the TIMI MB, the switch should be on PROG.

TIMI MB is designed to be used in several ways, but the most basic configurations can be achieved with a TIMI MB module and a Mates Programmer, connected to your PC in a tethered configuration (See Programming Hardware section).

• TIMI MB Module
• Mates Programmer
• MicroUSB Cable (Standard Type A USB to microUSB – Not included)
• Windows PC/Laptop running Windows 7 or higher, x86 or x64. ARM is currently not supported at this time.

The Mates Programmer does not come with the microUSB cable, this can be purchased from virtually any hardware/computer store.

Currently, Microsoft Windows is the only supported Operating System for Mates Studio. Announcements will be made when other OS will become supported.

Typically, the TIMI MB would be used with a Host board featuring a MikroBUS socket. This is not strictly required to use the TIMI Click, however, is the intended interface for the TIMI MB.

There are a huge variety of MikroBUS compatible development boards, featuring a MikroBUS socket. Select the most appropriate host board for your requirements, and the TIMI MB should be able to connect to it without a problem.

Not all Host platforms will have demo software or libraries available, however, but since the TIMI MB interface is a simple UART, writing code should be a simple task using the documentation provided on the Breadboard Mates website.

All software development for the TIMI MB module utilises the Mates Studio IDE.

Please download the latest version of Mates Studio from the breadboardmates.com website.

Details specific about the Mates Studio IDE can be found in the Mates Studio IDE documentation, available from our website.

TIMI MB utilises a USB to Serial programmer for application and firmware updates, which programs both the Processor Flash memory, along with the on-board SPI Flash memory.

The Programmer, dubbed Mates Programmer, is the official Programmer and can also be used for testing and debugging of TIMI MB applications using the Mates Studio IDE.

The Mates Programmer utilises the Silicon Labs CP2104 USB to UART bridge, and uses the TIMI Click’s Serial UART to load applications, firmware/PmmC and media content.

The Mates Programmer features a 3-pin jumper with shunt, which is present to change the way the programmer handles the Reset line, utilised by TIMI and other devices.

TIMI MB requires the jumper to be positioned like the image above, closest to the 5-way female header. This makes the programmer compatible with programming the 4D Labs Pixxi-28 processor.

If the jumper is placed on the 2 pins closest to the USB connector, this will make the programmer compatible with programming Atmel chips, such is used on many of the Arduino boards, or barebone chips. This may also be compatible with other microcontrollers too.

The TIMI MB connects to the Host directly using the MikroBUS interface.

The TIMI MB male pin headers connect to the Hosts Click female headers/socket. This is compatible with both traditional Female Click headers, and the newer MikroBUS proprietary Click socket which is found on newer boards.

To illustrate, here is a STM32 M4 Clicker development board from Mikroelectronika, with the TIMI Click connected.