Using external TFT-LCD with STM32F429I-DISC1

[Benjamin Brammer]

Posted on March 27, 2018 at 16:21

Hi there folks!

I just wanted to know if it is possible to use the STM32F429I-DISC1 to test different external displays. The appropriate pins are provided via P1 and P2 but as far as I have understood the schematics the integrated display is allways connected with the MCU and there is no chance to disconnect that display or power it off.

I hope I am wrong

best regards

Benjamin

#stm32f429i-disc1 #external-display #lcd

[markus239955_stm1_stmicro_com · Accepted solution]

Posted on March 28, 2018 at 10:02

HI Benjamin,

the STM32F429i-disco is one of the most moddable disco boards available. To get some inspiration how to add another TFT to your STM32F429i-disco have a look at my webpage:

http://www.dasrotemopped.de/index.php?var=projekte&nr=21

 

Drive the LTDC in 16 bit mode and attach any direct driven TFT to the board. To save some power consumption, you can remove the onboard TFT (fastened with double sided duct tape) with a knive (be carful not to cut youself or damage the board). It is not neccesary to remove the onboard TFT if you use LTDC for your external TFT. Just disable the background LED and set your timings to the LTDC needed for your external TFT. Be aware that the power supply of the disco Board may be too weak to supply your external TFT and an external PSU is needed.

Have fun modding the STM32F429i-disco,

Markus.

[Benjamin Brammer]

Posted on March 28, 2018 at 11:13

Hey Markus,

thx for your detailed answer. This sounds perfect and exactly for what I need.

best regards

Benjamin

[Benjamin Brammer]

Posted on April 11, 2018 at 17:45

A very important hint on using external displays:

It is NOT possible to use the discovery board to test 24Bit RGB LCDs because the appropriate pins are used for the 64Mbit external SRAM. Very sad.

[markus239955_stm1_stmicro_com]

Posted on April 12, 2018 at 12:50

Hi Benjamin,

if you need a Discovery Board with 24 bit TFT Support just try the STM32F746G-Disco :

http://www.dasrotemopped.de/index.php?var=projekte&nr=22

 

If you do the same trick as with the STM32F429i-disc1, removing the original onboard TFT, you get access to the 24 bit LTDC interface.

http://www.dasrotemopped.de/bilder/stm32f746g-disco_vga.jpg

 

More challenging to solder than the STM32F429i-disc1, but possible. Also inexpensive with some extra power of an STM32F7.

Happy modding,

Markus

[Benjamin Brammer]

Posted on April 12, 2018 at 19:39

Hey Markus,

thanks again for your fast and good answer. I wanted to use the appropriate processor for this project, because I will have a bigger test set up not only using a TFT. So a bigger processor will give me no benefit this time, as I will not have this computation power or available peripheral ressources. Maybe I will not have to use the internal LTDC. But this decision will be made next week

best regards

Benjamin