In the maritime industry, precision and reliability are fundamental. Fremantle Marine Electronics (FME), a distinguished Australian company, has long been a beacon for those seeking cutting-edge marine solutions.
This case study investigates FME’s journey, the challenges they faced, and how their strategic partnership with Embedded Technologies (ETE) led to transformative outcomes.
Continue reading Navigating Success: Case Study of Fremantle Marine Electronics
At the forefront of innovation, we proudly introduce the UP Squared i12 Edge, a Mini PC that redefines compactness and performance in industrial automation.
Boasting the power of 12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors, this diminutive device packs a punch, measuring just 130mm x 94mm x 68mm. Tailored for industrial applications like AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) and IoT Gateway, the UP Squared i12 Edge stands as a testament to ETE’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
Continue reading Compact Powerhouse for Industrial Automation – UP Squared i12 Edge
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses and industries alike. Innovation is not just a buzzword; it’s the driving force behind progress and competitiveness.
One key element in this journey toward innovation is the often-overlooked hero: embedded computers. In this blog article, we’ll explore how embedded computers play a pivotal role in future-proofing your projects and why selecting the right embedded solutions is crucial for staying competitive and forward-thinking.
Continue reading How embedded computers drive innovation today
In a stride towards revolutionizing embedded computing solutions, ETE proudly announces the launch of the BOXER-6406-ADN, a compact and fanless embedded computer meticulously crafted upon the Intel Atom Processor X Series/Intel Processor N-series Processor platform. This latest addition to ETE’s product lineup is set to redefine the landscape of industrial projects, particularly catering to the demands of smart factory applications.
Continue reading ETE Introduces the Cutting-Edge BOXER-6406-ADN
Embedded computers are the unsung heroes of the digital age, silently powering countless devices and systems that make our lives more convenient, efficient, and connected.
While they may go unnoticed by the average person, their significance in the world of technology cannot be overstated. In this blog article, we’ll embark on a journey to demystify embedded computers, taking a deep dive into the modern technology that drives innovation across various industries.
The demand for cutting-edge solutions is at an all-time high. Businesses across various industries are constantly seeking advanced AI systems that can enhance their operations. The latest innovation, BOXER-8652AI, is set to redefine AI capabilities in a compact and efficient package.
The BOXER-8652AI is a Compact Fanless Embedded AI System empowered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX system-on-module. This AI powerhouse is equipped with features that set it apart. Its dual LAN ports, DB-9 and DB-15 interfaces for CANBus, DIO, and RS-232/422/485 communications, as well as two USB 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, offer unmatched versatility. These features open the doors to a wide array of applications, making it a top choice for businesses seeking an adaptable AI solution.
One of the truly neat and unique features of industrial Single Board Computer (SBC) is ability to drive a high resolution LCD panels via the on board LVDS (low voltage differential signalling) interface, giving a superior image quality when compared to a standard monitor. There are many technical advantages in this method and can be easily be seen in pictures below: – comparing what’s inside a stand monitor and using a single board computer to drive a LCD panel.
In the following guide, will provide insight on how to go from this:
To the simplicity of a single board driving a LCD panel:
For every Display monitor to work, it needs to process the video inputs from a computer via a variety of inputs such as VGA or HDMI, then best guess how the image is to be displayed and converts the image a LCD panel can understand via the LVDS interface. Operator tweaking is sometimes needed via the OSD control/button to achieve the ideal image. The heart of the LCD monitor, the “A/D board” (Analogue to digital) has two primary functions, convert the image and control the backlight.
A good example of comparing the quality of image, compare the same image on monitor and a laptop (laptops use LVDS to connect directly the built in LCD panel). Laptop screens images are crisp whilst a display monitor can look fuzzy.
Using a single board computer to directly drive the panel via LVS doesn’t best get the panel resolution, it knows the exact resolution of the panel and displays images in crisp and clear. All functions such as LCD controls brightness, contrast, colours etc. are controller by the application and/or operating system.
Whilst SBC can support other direct interface methods such as TTL, I2C, SPI or parallel or serial more commonly used on smaller low definition displays. Single boards stand out with the ability to support the 1000’s of LCD panel makes and models commonly used in monitors, infotainment systems and industrial high brightness displays.
So, how do you interface a single board computer to a LCD panel via its LVDS interface?
Very easily!
First a super quick guide to understanding the two basic parts of a LCD panel. The LCD display and backlight.
LCD display generate the image from the signal received through the LVDS input and displays does its magic and creates an image on the panel.
Backlight as the name entails provides the back light, typically a set of LEDs at the back of the LCD panel to project the image.
Think of the relationship like a super 8 projector, the light in a projector is the backlight and the film is LCD display. Both parts of the LCD are controlled and powered independently. But like a super 8 projector both are needed to display the image!
Here are the main points needed to interface and connect to a LCD panel:
LVDS connectors used on LCD panels, come in different size and shapes and are manufacturer-specific, all do follow a reasonably common LVDS panel signal standard and sometimes pinout. The hardest part is matching the pinout between the LCD panel and the single board computer. Embedded Technologies has a range of LVDS cables available or can design a cable to suit your requirements.
Depending on the resolution and specification of the LCD panel, SBC computer will need either 18/24/32/48 bit single or dual channel LVDS output. The amount of flexibility in resolution supported by the SBC is dictate by the chipset, as an example the PICo-XXX supports a range of panel resolution from 640 x 480 up to 1800 x XYZ is found on higher end Industrial single board computer. Options can be configured via the BIOS setup screen.
3.3V or 5V, set via a jumper on the SBC. Refer to the LCD manufacturers specifications as to which driving voltage is required. As a word of warning, setting the wrong voltage can damage the LCD panel especially if it’s a 3.3V and jumpered for 5V!
All panels’ need some type of backlight driver board, smaller panels in particular panels with LED backlight may the electronics embedded inside the panel or on larger higher brightness panels have external driver boards.
They all need require: Power, On/Off and brightness control. Depending on the specification of the controller, brightness can be adjusted via PWM (pulse width modulation) or analogue voltage range.
To view our full range of Single Board Computers (SBC’s) that support this feature. For more information please visit: Embedded Boards
12V is commonly used. Current requirements vary, from Sub 1 amp upwards, all depends on size and brightness of a panel. As an example a 6.4” LED backlight display with 300Nit brightness uses XYZ or a super bright 24” 1500 NIT brightness panels requires 4+amps. Ensure you’re power supply is designed to deliver the necessary currents to drive the backlight. For the higher current displays, supply power directly to the display.
Typically 3V for on and 0V for off.
Ideally signal from the SBC can provide an analogue or PWM (pulse width modulation) output allowing the ability to dim the display.
Still sounds overwhelming, seriously it’s not. The hardest part is getting the right cables to match the panel, Embedded Technologies can provide you with a panel specific connector, send the panel specs through and will match a suitable cables to drive both the LVDS and backlight.
As for the SBC, view our full range, a good example PICO-APL1 wide temperature single board computer, right off the shelf supports up to 48BIT dual-channel LVDS and 3840 x 2160 resolution, in addition, can power the backlight directly via the onboard LCD backlight control. The neat thing once connected right, brightness control and switching the LCD on/off can be directly controlled by the operating system. And it all fits neatly in the palm of your hand, how simple clean and neat is that! PICO-APL.
For more information get in touch with us.
