MOTG Modules
Introduction
MOTG, Modules on the Go is a concept from 4D Systems revolutionizing embedded design allowing instant and flexible hardware expansion solutions.
MOTG modules offer a simple plug-and-play interface to Universal MOTG BUS (UMI) allowing rapid assembly and maintenance. This removes the hassle of having to solder and end up with a wiring nest. It also allows the designer to easily remove the existing module or add another module instead, which could be very useful during the phase of prototyping.
Importantly, the MOTG series was designed with careful consideration for space with its compact and low-profile design.
Universal MOTG Interface
Pin Description
Header possible signals
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| 3.3V | 3.3V Input Supply |
| GND | Supply Ground |
| RX | Asynchronous Serial Receive Pin |
| TX | Asynchronous Serial Transmit Pin |
| GPIO5 | General Purpose Input Output Pin |
| GPIO4 | General Purpose Input Output Pin |
| GPIO3 | General Purpose Input Output Pin |
| GPIO2 | General Purpose Input Output Pin |
| GPIO1 | General Purpose Input Output Pin |
| SCL | I2C Clock Pin |
| SDA | I2C Data Pin |
| MISO | Master In Slave Out |
| MOSI | Master Out Slave In |
| GND | Supply Ground |
| 5.0V | 5.0V Input Supply |
Board Dimension
The MOTG boards are designed in such a way that the leading edge (header end) of the MOTG modules is a fixed design, and depending how complex the MOTG module is, will determine how long the board itself is. By default, the standard MOTG module is around 38mm in length but can be extended longer if required. Note that depending on the target application, longer boards may have mounting challenges.
The headers used are 1.27mm pitch Through Hole headers, which are mounted on their side and surface mounted. Suitable headers are JAWS F4SC38S16GFDA24000V or Palyoo F334-1116A1BSUX1, other brands may also be suitable with the same specification. These headers are 2.2mm thick at the plastic end, which corresponds well to using a 1.0mm thick PCB once the plating and paste are considered.
UMI is an open standard - anyone can implement UMI in their hardware design provided the requirements for UMI are met. If you are designing a custom MOTG module and need more information, potential help with the supply of parts, or an exported PCB from Altium Designer (or supported export formats), please make contact with us.
Hardware Support
4D Systems provides several MOTG modules providing different additional functionlities to gen4-uLCD display modules and other microcontollers.
MOTG-WiFi-ESP
MOTG-WiFi-ESP provides a low-cost solution for all embedded wireless applications. It features an ESP8266 Wi-Fi SoC, a leading platform for Wi-Fi related projects or the Internet of Things (IoT). It contains a self-calibrated RF allowing it to work under all operating conditions. For more information, refer to the MOTG-WiFi-ESP datasheet.
MOTG-Bluetooth
MOTG-BLUETOOTH provides low-cost and low-energy solutions for all embedded Bluetooth applications. The MOTG-BLUETOOTH carries an RN4870 Bluetooth module, providing a complete solution to implement Bluetooth 4.2 Low energy connectivity. For more information, refer to the MOTG-Bluetooth datasheet.
MOTG-RS232
RS232 is a standard communication port for various industries and networking equipment. However, most of the microcontrollers do not facilitate direct RS232 communication as they do not support RS232 voltage levels MOTG-RS232 provides a low-power, high speed and low-cost solution for incorporating RS232 serial communication into your design. For more information, refer to the MOTG-RS232 datasheet.
MOTG-RS485
RS485 is a standard communication port for various industries and networking equipment and enables easy configuration of local networks and multipoint communications links. Unfortunately, most of the microcontrollers do not support RS485 voltage levels. For more information, refer to the MOTG-RS485 datasheet.
MOTG-CANBUS
Controller Area Network (CAN Bus) is a multi-master communication network for various industrial and automotive applications. Unfortunately, the microcontroller does not have an onboard CAN Bus controller and transceiver MOTG-CAN provides a high-speed and low-cost solution for incorporating a CAN bus controller and transceiver into your design. For more information, refer to the MOTG-CANBUS datasheet.
MOTG-MP3
MOTG-MP3 is an audio sound module that can play MP3 audio files stored on a micro-SD card, such as voice and music. The MOTG-MP3 features an onboard 16-bit MCU, specifically designed for hardware audio decoding by 4D Systems. For more information, refer to the MOTG-MP3 datasheet.
Hardware Interfacing
Improving the experience with MOTG modules, 4D Systems provides interface boards enabling easy connectivity to popular host controllers such as gen4 modules, Arduino, Raspberry Pi and Beaglebone Black.
MOTG-BREADTOOTH
The MOTG-BREADTOOTH breaks out the UMI pins of the MOTG. It is compatible with all MOTG modules and is a quick and easy way to make your MOTG module breadboard friendly. The MOTG-BREADTOOTH permits the MOTG to be interfaced to a breadboard for prototyping and interfacing with virtually any host. For more information, refer to the MOTG-BREADTOOTH datasheet.
gen4-MOTG-AC1
The gen4-MOTG-AC1 Interface Board allows easy interface of a MOTG module to DIABLO-16-based gen4 display modules. The board carries one UMI-compatible MOTG slot which acts as an extension to the display module providing a plug-and-play interface with MOTG.
The interface board is designed to sit flush on the back of the DIABLO-16 2.4" to 3.5" display modules (stuck on the gen4 plastics with double-sided adhesive tape) enabling sleek and compact designs. For more information, refer to gen4-MOTG-AC1 datasheet.
gen4-MOTG-AC2
The gen4-MOTG-AC2 Interface Board allows easy interface of a MOTG module to DIABLO-16-based gen4 display modules. The board carries two UMI-compatible MOTG slots which act as an extension to the display module providing a plug-and-play interface with MOTG.
The interface board is designed to sit flush on the back of the DIABLO-16 3.2" and 3.5" display modules (stuck on the gen4 plastics with double-sided adhesive tape) enabling sleek and compact designs. For more information, refer to gen4-MOTG-AC2 datasheet.
gen4-MOTG-AC3
The gen4-MOTG-AC3 Interface Board allows easy interface of a MOTG module to PICASO-based gen4 display modules. The board carries one UMI-compatible MOTG slot which acts as an extension to the display module providing a plug-and-play interface with MOTG.
The interface board is designed to sit flush on the back of the PICASO 2.4" to 3.2" display modules (stuck on the gen4 plastics with double-sided adhesive tape) enabling sleek and compact designs. For more information, refer to gen4-MOTG-AC3 datasheet.
gen4-MOTG-AC4
The gen4-MOTG-AC4 Interface Board allows easy interface of a MOTG module to DIABLO-16-based gen4 display modules. The board carries two UMI-compatible MOTG slot which acts as an extension to the display module providing a plug-and-play interface with MOTG.
The interface board is designed to sit flush on the back of the DIABLO-16 4.3" display modules (stuck on the gen4 plastics with double-sided adhesive tape) enabling sleek and compact designs. For more information, refer to refer to gen4-MOTG-AC4 datasheet.
Software Support
4D Systems provides software support allowing designers to get started easily with popular host controller platforms. In addition, projects, application notes and code base examples using MOTG modules are available at www.4dsystems.com.au.
Revision History
Hardware Revision
| Revision Number | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | 16/11/2016 | Initial Public Release version |
| 1.3 | 28/10/2019 | - Addition of gen4-MOTG-AC4 module - Addition of MOTG-CAN module |
| 1.4 | 18/08/2020 | Formatting and additional information added |
| 1.5 | 24/08/2020 | Fixed pinout mistakes associated with MOTG-CAN information |
| 1.6 | 03/11/2020 | Added some information about the MOTG UMI specification, PCB size, Compatible Headers, etc - for people designing their custom MOTGs |
| 1.7 | 04/05/2021 | Added notes about SPI Bus on DIABLO-16 based modules with external touch controllers and limitations. |
| 1.8 | 06/01/2023 | Modified datasheet for web-based documentation |