Displaying information in color is just one key function of TFT displays, though integrating conventional TFTs into existing systems is usually a complex process. With AMPIRE’s new intelligent TFT display, this no longer holds true!

Monochrome displays are slowly going out of style. Not only have prices for color TFTs by now dropped to levels on par with STN displays, but TFTs also offer more options with respect to the display of information. So, why do many developers still hesitate when it comes to adding color to their products? Surely, one reason is the aforementioned integration complexity. After all, color displays require more data, and that at a higher rate than do monochrome displays. And, depending on the display’s level of upgrade, data must often be cyclically updated. In short: a high-performance processor becomes necessary. Or does it?

AMPIRE, a manufacturer specializing in displays for industrial applications, has developed an intelligent display solution that unburdens the main processor and is easier to drive at the same time. With integrated µC logic and memory, as well as a UART interface, AMPIRE intelligent displays offer a nearly complete plug-and-play solution.
The modules can be configured as UART, RS-232 or USB versions and feature a wide input voltage range from 4.6VDC to 26VDC. With a brightness of up to 500cd/m² and resolution ranging from VGA to WVGA, the displays are well suited for many different applications.   The integrated fonts and basic character/draw functions, such as text, pixel, line, right angle and circle, permit an attractive GUI to be up and running within a short amount of time. Images or graphics can be stored in 65,000 colors in the internal DisplayFlash, to be displayed when needed.

An 8051 processor is all the external processing power that these displays need!

The accompanying table shows the performance data for AMPIRE’s intelligent display modules, with availability of the following versions receiving priority:

* 5.7” VGA
* 7.0” WVGA
* 8.0” SVGA
* 10.4” VGA

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