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Doctor Volt’s project uses an Arduino Uno or Nano to control a Texas Instruments TMS9918-family video display processor (VDP), which generates vintage-style graphics for a composite-video display. It is not video generated by the Arduino alone: the design also needs external video RAM, a TMS9918-family chip, and a compatible composite-input TV or monitor.
How the Arduino and TMS9918 work together
The Arduino supplies the computer logic; the TMS9918 handles video generation. The VDP has an 8-bit data path and can connect directly to an 8-bit bus, as project author Doctor Volt explained in Hackster’s project report. The Arduino library provides example code for text, graphics, image loading, and sprites.
This division of work is the key to the build: the Arduino does not need to synthesize a composite signal in software. Instead, it communicates with the VDP, which reads video data from its external memory and produces the display output. Arduino’s April 19, 2022 tutorial describes the experiment using an Arduino Nano, a TMS9918 VDP, and compatible video memory.
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The TMS9918 technical description documents 256×192 pattern graphics and 15 display colors. Doctor Volt’s project demonstrates several ways to use the chip:
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Arduino UNO, R3, MEGA 2560 Due: The HiLetgo 5pcs Micro SD TF Card Adapter Reader Module works with these Arduino boards for easy data transfer.
- 6-pin SPI interface: The module features a 6-pin SPI interface for connecting to micro SD cards and reading data.
- Chip level conversion: The module converts chip level data into a standard format for easy access and analysis.
- Lightweight and compact: Weighing just 0.11 pounds, the module is lightweight and compact for easy handling.
- 40×24 text mode for a compact text display.
- 32×24 character graphics for arranging characters as a screen grid.
- 256×192 color images loaded from a desktop computer over USB.
- Sprite handling for movable graphic elements.
Those are capabilities and demonstrations of the VDP-based project, not a claim that the Arduino itself has a 256×192 display mode. The display output comes from the TMS9918 and its video memory.
Parts and memory options
The practical build centers on an Arduino Uno or Nano, a TMS9918 or compatible TMS9918A-family VDP, external RAM, wiring, and a display with composite video input. Hackster’s listed components include an Arduino Uno, two breadboards, jumper wires, and a composite display. Doctor Volt’s memory implementation addresses a difficulty in the original application design.
Rank #2
- 2.8-Inch Touch Display: Add a compact graphical interface to electronics projects with a 320 × 240 TFT display and touch input for menus, sensor readings, controls and interactive project screens
- 320 × 240 TFT LCD: Display text, graphics, icons and project data on a 320 × 240 color screen; the shield format connects through UNO-style headers for compact prototyping
- Touch Input With Stylus: Use the included stylus for precise resistive-touch input when building buttons, menus, calibration screens and other interactive controls
- MicroSD Expansion and Parallel Interface: The onboard card slot can store compatible project assets, while the 8-bit parallel display interface supports responsive screen updates in compatible projects
- What's Included: Includes one 2.8-inch TFT touch screen shield, one touch stylus and one tutorial CD; UNO boards, USB cables and memory cards are not included
| Memory approach | Configuration | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Original DRAM example | 16 KB of video RAM using eight MOS 4116 dynamic RAM chips, as reported by Doctor Volt around 2022. | Doctor Volt notes that 4116 chips require three supply voltages and are no longer made, making the circuit difficult to build. |
| Doctor Volt’s replacement | 32 KB SRAM with three 74LS575 chips between the VDP and memory, as reported around 2022. | This is the project author’s practical alternative to the multi-chip 4116 arrangement; the cited project report does not establish present-day part availability or pricing. |
The TMS9918 is a 5 V-era part that operates from a single +5 V supply, according to the technical description. That does not eliminate the need to plan the rest of the circuit’s power and signal connections: follow the project’s wiring and component requirements rather than assuming the VDP is a self-contained Arduino shield.
Choosing an Arduino host and display
Uno or Nano
The open-source library is documented for Arduino Uno and Nano. The project describes the Uno as a host, while Arduino’s tutorial uses a Nano. For either board, the host must be wired to the VDP and its memory interface as the project specifies. Other Arduino-compatible boards are not established as plug-and-play; they may require changes to core I/O code or wiring.
Rank #3
- The Geforce 210 is with a 589MHz core clock,up to 1066Mbps effective,perfect for working,video and photo editing,allows good fluency,which can effectively meet your needs.
- PCI Express 2.0 interface,offers compatibility with a range of systems. Also includes VGA and HDMI outputs for expanded connectivity,supports up to 2 monitors.Good for adding a simple low profile gpu to a small form factor pc.
- The computer graphics cards is small in size and saves more space,easy to install,plug and play,you can build a compact PC system easily for slim/ITX chassis.
- This low profile video card is good value option for entry level, if you just want basic upgrade graphics and daily simple work for your computer, or not be AAA gamer.(include low profile bracket)
- No external power supply and the all-solid-state capacitor keeps low power consumption and high performance,supports Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP(not compatible with windows 11).
Composite-video display
The project uses a TV or monitor with a composite-video input. An Arduino Uno or Nano by itself does not provide the TMS9918’s composite output: the VDP is the video-generating component. Confirm that the display accepts composite video before assembling the circuit; a display with only HDMI or another input is not shown as compatible by the project documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from the build
Doctor Volt’s design is an open-source graphics-card add-on built around vintage hardware, not a modern plug-in graphics card. Its documented software examples cover text, character graphics, loading images from a desktop via USB, and sprites. The source pages do not publish independent performance benchmarks, reliability statistics, or confirmed current sourcing and pricing for the chips.
Rank #4
- Robust 4GB Memory & Quad Display Ready: Equipped with 4GB of fast GDDR5 memory to smoothly handle daily graphics tasks. Features four built-in HDMI ports, enabling a seamless quad-monitor setup directly out of the box—perfect for multi-tasking offices, digital signage, or trading desks.
- Plug-and-Play Installation & Wide Compatibility: Utilizes a standard PCI Express interface for broad compatibility with most desktop PCs. Offers straightforward plug-and-play installation and stable driver support for modern Windows and Linux operating systems, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
- Quiet, Cool & Compact Design: Engineered with a silent fan and efficient cooling system for near-silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Its low-profile design fits easily into small form factor cases, with both half-height and full-height brackets included for flexible installation.
- Enhanced Multimedia & Everyday Performance: Delivers smooth 1080P video playback and supports hardware-accelerated decoding, offering an excellent experience for home theater PCs (HTPC). Provides capable performance for everyday applications, multimedia tasks.
- Complete Package & Reliable Support: Includes the graphics card, both low-profile and standard brackets, a quick start guide, and screwdriver, which make it simple and quick setup process.
For a first build, the project’s breadboard-based approach lets you assemble the Uno or Nano, VDP, memory, and wiring without committing to a permanent board. A permanent PCB is a possible implementation choice, but the cited pages do not provide a comparative test of breadboard and PCB reliability. In either case, the memory interface matters: the SRAM-and-74LS575 configuration is the alternative Doctor Volt reports using instead of the original 4116 DRAM design.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-Capacity Data Logging with SD Card Slot – Built-in SD card interface allows easy data storage and logging for sensors, time tracking, and experimental projects with reliable file recording capability.
- Integrated Real Time Clock (RTC) Function – Equipped with onboard RTC chip and coin-cell battery backup to maintain accurate timekeeping even when main power is disconnected.
- Prototyping Expansion Area – Includes a dedicated prototype section for soldering custom circuits, enabling flexible development and hardware customization for various DIY electronics projects.
- Stackable Shield Design for Easy Integration – Standard shield form factor allows direct stacking with compatible development boards, simplifying wiring and reducing assembly complexity.
- Stable SPI Communication Interface – Provides reliable SPI data transfer for SD card communication, ensuring fast and stable performance for continuous data logging applications.
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