Entry-level embedded display platform based on latest ARM Cortex A8 processor

AndersDX has created a new entry-level DX series embedded display platform. Based on the latest 600MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor from Texas Instruments, the DX1a features a pre-integrated TFT touch screen, and a pre-loaded Linux, Android or Windows CE operating system, and becomes a fully working prototype system with the addition of the application software. Commenting, Rhett Evans, embedded sales manager, Anders Electronics Plc, said: “AndersDX is leveraging process shrinks to deliver a new generation of our entry level Embedded Display platform, offering more performance and more features at a lower cost than ever before. Booting the DX is no harder than booting a new desktop PC, and developers just need to load their application to create a prototype platform for their design that can be used to prove a concept and deliver a powerful working demonstration to generate management buy-in. Having finalised the design, the same platform can be customised to create the production system with a minimum of further development.” The DX1a is an embedded single-touch display platform which integrates TFT touch display with an ARM single board computer to provide a ready to go prototyping platform that can also form the basis of the production system. It is offered with a 5.7-inch Resistive touch screen, and is currently available with Embedded Linux (Debian) or Android Jelly Bean as standard. A Windows Embedded Compact 7 version is due shortly, as is an alternative touch screen: 4.3-inch WQVGA Projected Capacitive. The package includes all of the required drivers and is fully pre-integrated and debugged, providing a stable development platform for the system designer. A key feature of the module is the comprehensive interface options delivered as standard, including four USB ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, WiFi, two serial ports, up to 24 lines of GPIO, sound IO, a CAN bus interface, and four general purpose ADC sockets. The module is available as a development kit, with all required cables and a power supply, or as an assembled product. For orders of over 100 units the number of interfaces can be reduced in order to reduce the cost of the final product. The company will customise the system further including changing the display by negotiation. Like other DX platforms, the new DX1a hardware is highly flexible, and can be tailored to suit an individual application in terms of operating system, display size, cabling, screen glass, backlighting, processor speed and interfaces. The DX can essentially be dropped into a product with negligible integration effort. Developers can, if they wish, just add a suitable enclosure and load their application software to deliver a finished product, says the company.