4D Systems has announced the release of the modules-on-the-go (MOTG) Series offering a simple plug-and-play interface to the 4D systems gen4 range of DIABL016 and PICASO intelligent display modules. In order to meet the demand for additional display modules interface and communication capabilities, the MOTG Series has been specifically designed to cater to the customer needs. To offer this connectivity, the company has developed the Universal MOTG Interface (UMI), published as an open standard. 

 

Initially, the series would include 4 modules offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (BLE), RS232 or RS485 connectivity. These modules are plugged into an interface board that also links to either a gen4 DIABL016 or PICASO display. The fifth module would add MP3 playback functionality. The MOTG-WiFi-ESP module provides WiFi connectivity through an Expressif ESP8266 WiFi SoC and suits use in IoT/Industrial IoT applications.

 

 

The MOTG-Bluetooth module which incorporates a Microchip BM70BLES1FC2 device provides Bluetooth 4.0/4.2/ low energy connectivity. Serial communication is accommodated with either the MOTG-RS232 or MOTG-RS485 (differential) modules. Moving on, the MOTG-MP3 provides MP3 playback capability using a 16-bit MCU audio decoder.

 

The MOTG approach conveniently adds a host of low-profile connectivity options to the gen4 series of display modules and facilitates the use of the display modules in a broad range of embedded applications. Further, developing the UMI as an open standard encourages developers to implement it in any design. Making this approach accessible to any embedded design is the MOTG-BREADTOOTH prototyping board, which allows the use of any MOTG module with virtually any host.

 

 

The MOTG series can be ordered from authorized distributors or via the 4D Systems website. As far as the pricing is concerned, the MOTG-Wifi-ESP module is available at $26.00, the MOTG-Bluetooth at $29 and the MOTG-RS232 at $14.