Upgraded Dual-Display Driver Board for Project NorthStar

Compare to the previous Project NorthStar driver board, this upgraded version brings together dual-display support, USB3.0 connectivity, audio output, and programmable control.

• USB-C video input: Accepts DisplayPort 1.4 video over USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, including from compatible USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4 host ports.
• Dual-display output: Drives two compatible BOE displays via MIPI in a side-by-side configuration, with 60 Hz or 90 Hz operation selectable through the onboard microcontroller.
• USB3.0 connectivity: An onboard USB 3.0 hub provides four downstream ports for sensors and other peripherals, with USB 2.0 support also available. USB 3.0 provides additional bandwidth for devices that require higher data transfer rates.
• Audio output: A 3.5 mm jack provides analog stereo audio through the onboard CS4344 audio DAC.

The onboard RP2040 microcontroller manages the power-on sequence for the LT7911UXE and connected displays. Additional features include:

• Board temperature monitoring: An onboard NTC thermistor provides temperature feedback that can be used to implement fan control.
• Cooling fan control: A dedicated DRV8837 driver allows the RP2040 to control an external cooling fan.
• Display brightness control: Adjustable brightness via PWM.
• Refresh rate selection: Configurable 60 Hz and 90 Hz display modes.
• Expansion connections: Access to I²C, three GPIO pins, and one ADC input.

The RP2040 firmware is user-updatable.

The block diagram below shows the board’s main components and connections.

We have also developed a custom FPC cable with display connectors on ribbon for connecting the displays.

Specifications

• Power supply: 5 V DC, 3 A.
• Typical operating current: Approximately 1.8 A at 5 V, with both displays powered on and an IR170 and T261 connected.
• Supported displays: Two BOE VS035ZSM-NW0 panels, each featuring a 3.5-inch TFT-LCD with a resolution of 1440 × 1600 pixels.
• Combined display resolution: 2880 × 1600 pixels at 60 Hz or 90 Hz in side-by-side mode.
• Onboard NOR flash for the RP2040: Winbond W25Q16JVUXIQ, 16 Mbit (2 MB).
• Driver board weight: 17 g.
• PCB thickness: 1.6 mm.
• FPC ribbon cable dimensions: 140 × 13 mm.

Driver Board Dimensions

Package Contents

• 1 × Display driver board
• 2 × Display FPC ribbon cables

Important Notes

• FPC cable connection: The FPC cables must be connected in the correct orientation at both the driver board and display ends. Incorrect connection may damage the driver board and/or displays. Disconnect power before connecting or disconnecting the cables, and check all connections before powering on.
• Display condition and warranty: All displays we sell are pre-owned and priced accordingly. Their original price was US$34 per unit. Each display is tested before shipment; however, no warranty is provided for the displays.