M5Stack has recently launched the M5Stack ATOMIC Display Base, an HDMI display driver designed to emulate traditional SPI TFT-LCD data output using Gowin GW1NR-9C FPGA and a built-in LT8618SX RGB-to-HDMI chip and designed to work with the company’s Atom IoT controller family based on ESP32 wireless microcontrollers.
The module supports up to 720p (1280×720) image output with a 24-bit color depth and has an average frame rate of 12–16 FPS. Additionally, it can be paired with ATOM series hosts for various memory and application needs. These features make this compact device suitable for industrial control displays, smart home information screens, educational and conference presentations, and remote monitoring displays. The only downside of this device is that it requires a display with adaptive resolution scaling to avoid compatibility issues.
M5Stack ATOMIC Display Base (HDMI display driver) specifications
- FPGA – Gowin GW1NR-9C (PDF datasheet) FPGA with 8,640 LUTs used to simulate SPI TFT-LCD data output,
- HDMI bridge – Lontium Semi LT8618SX RGB to HDMI chip with 24-bit color depth up to 1280×720 output @ 60 fps (optimized frame rate up to 12 ~ 16FPS)
- Interfaces
- SPI (FPGA)
- I2C (LT8618SX)
- Power Supply – Via host device (not specified)
- Dimensions
- Product size – 64 x 24 x 29 mm
- Package size – 136 x 92 x 30 mm
- Weight
- Product weight – 15.2g
- Package weight – 17.3g
The ATOMIC Display Base is not a standalone device but works as an add-on device for AtomS3R, AtomS3R-CAM, AtomS3, AtomS3 Lite, and other devices whose list can be found at the end of the documentation page. On the same page, you can find the datasheet link design manual, schematic, and Arduino library which will help you get started very easily. The company also mentions that the device can be programmed with the ESP-IDF framework.
Previously we have written about M5Stack ATOM Display Lite which is very similar to the ATOMIC Display Base but designed for different needs. The Atom Lite Kit ships as a kit with an M5Stack Atom Lite ESP32 IoT controller with a programmable RGB LED, a reset button, and a Grove expansion port. The ATOMIC Display Base supports a wider range of Atom modules. We have also written about Olimex RP2040 Pico PC and Adafruit Feather RP2040 with DVI Output Port which allows you to display images and graphics from a microcontroller on an HDMI monitor or TV.
The M5Stack ATOMIC Display Base is priced at around $19.95 and is available on both AliExpress and the M5stack’s store. European users will also find it on openelab.io for €22.06.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
