Summary of MCUs with High-Resolution Graphics Control
This article discusses the evolution of human-machine interfaces from simple terminals to high-resolution LCDs, driven by consumer expectations and productivity gains. It highlights the shift toward microcontrollers capable of handling complex graphics for industrial applications, citing specific display resolutions like XGA and QXGA, and details the Touch Revolution F10A-0102 as a prime example of modern touchscreen technology featuring LVDS interfaces and capacitive touch capabilities.
Parts used in the Industrial Touchscreen Display Project:
- High-resolution LCD panels
- LVDS interface (6 or 8 bits)
- Microcontrollers with graphics control
- Projected capacitive touch screen
- Touch Revolution F10A-0102 display module
- Fusion touch controller system
- Chip on Flex integrated controller
- Proprietary firmware
The human-machine interface, once simply known as an “operator panel” or “terminal”, is changing rapidly, due to the graphical, visual way operators now interact with an industrial machine or process.
At one time, designers of these systems could get by with a three-line segmented LCD display. Today, LCD interfaces are quickly replacing traditional LED and segment LCD displays as designers take advantage of the aesthetic, flexibility, and cost benefits they provide.
Beyond that, high-resolution LCDs are becoming the norm, which should not be surprising when one considers that when the operator of industrial equipment goes home these days, his or her 9-year old daughter does homework on a high-res display iPad or Android tablet. One can see that working with a monochrome readout attached to a million-dollar piece of industrial machinery can quickly become unsatisfactory. And more importantly, management also has come to recognize that high-res visual displays can go a long way toward increasing the efficiency and productivity of both man and machine. This article will look into microcontrollers with graphics control, placing particular emphasis on those that can handle high-resolution displays.
First, some display data
Quite a few of today’s ~10 in. pad computers display information, photos, or video in a 1366 × 768 resolution format, but the better ones have 1920 × 1080 displays and some even offer multitouch capacitive touch screens. The iPad has a 2048 × 1536 screen and the Google Nexus 10 has a “dazzling” 2560 × 1600 (300 ppi) display.
Most LCD panel interfaces are LVDS (6 or 8 bits). Following are common display resolutions accompanied by their picture width/height ratios.
1024 × 768 XGA 4:3
1280 × 1024 SXGA 5:4
1280 × 800 WXGA 16:10
1600 × 1200 UXGA 4:3
2560 × 2048 QXGA 4:3
2880 × 1800 QWXGA 16:10
Before we explore the parts designed to control these visual devices, let’s take a look at an example industrial touchscreen display. The Touch Revolution F10A-0102 is an 8.8 in. 1024 × 600 resolution display with an LVDS interface and projected capacitive touch. It takes 12 to 20 mA from a 5 V supply and has a 45 degree viewing angle. The company’s Fusion touch displays include an integrated touch-controller system mounted directly on the flex tail (Chip on Flex). The Fusion controller runs Touch Revolution’s proprietary firmware, capable of tracking at least two unambiguous touch points with a high report rate.
For more detail: MCUs with High-Resolution Graphics Control
- Why are designers replacing traditional LED displays?
LCD interfaces offer aesthetic appeal, flexibility, and cost benefits while meeting modern operator expectations. - What resolution formats do common pad computers use?
Many use 1366 × 768, while better models feature 1920 × 1080 or higher resolutions. - How does consumer electronics influence industrial design?
Operators accustomed to high-res tablets expect similar visual quality on expensive industrial machinery. - What is the primary benefit of high-res visual displays?
Management recognizes they significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of both man and machine. - What interface type do most LCD panel interfaces utilize?
Most utilize an LVDS interface supporting either 6 or 8 bits. - What are the specifications of the Touch Revolution F10A-0102?
It is an 8.8 in. display with 1024 × 600 resolution, LVDS interface, and projected capacitive touch. - How much power does the Touch Revolution F10A-0102 consume?
The device takes 12 to 20 mA from a 5 V supply. - What capability does the Fusion touch controller provide?
It runs proprietary firmware capable of tracking at least two unambiguous touch points.
