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Embedded Systems
The simplest approach to controlling an LCD is to be unaware of the hardware details. Simply buy an embedded system where the manufacturer has already integrated an LCD, controller, microprocessor, bios, drivers and operating system. All you need to add is the application. At one time this would have been called a Single Board Computer (SBC), but today Embedded System is a more common name.
The vendors listed below have all demonstrated systems controlling a Kyocera color STN LCD. There must be many more. If you know of another embedded system that supports Kyocera LCDs, please email Bob Joslyn at Kyocera with details.
Advanced Digital Logic (www.adlogic-pc104.com) sells a variety of PC104 nodules and general purpose SBCs. Their specialization in Asiliant controller ICs leads to easier integration of LCDs. They keep a library of Kyocera LCDs and cables in the USA to facilitate integration and they are in communication with Kyocera applications engineering.
Advantech Embedded Computing (www.advantech.com/epc) sells an especially wide range of SBCs and modules through most of the same distributers used by Kyocera. They have a well defined "LCD Lighting Service" which provides cables, BIOS and testing to assure the operation of Kyocera LCD panels on the Advantech platforms which support LCDs. They keep a library of Kyocera panels in the USA which usually speeds up the integration process and they are in communication with Kyocera applications engineering.
Applied Data Systems (www.applieddata.net) designs and manufactures RISC-based embedded systems which enable wireless, mobile, Internet-connected and networked applications. ADS systems are application-ready, robust 32 bit ARM RISC systems built for high-temperature operation using Linux, OS-9, VX/Works or Windows CE. ADS product line ranges from the Bitsy, a 3 x 5" platform ideal for handheld and mobile applications, to versatile full featured SBCs. ADS understands how to most effectively use the STN LCD controller functionality which is built into ARM microprocessors. ADS keeps a large library of Kyocera LCDs and has been integrating Kyocera LCDs for many years.
Reach Technology Inc. (www.reachtech.com). The RTI-SLCD is a small board which is strictly a QVGA LCD and touch screen controller. It has a command-based serial interface, easily useable by application boards in instruments or machines. The LCD is driven by an Epson S1D13705 controller IC with software contrast control. It supports the bright new Kyocera KCG057QV1DB-G50 LCD with software contrast control and has a controller for a 4 or 8 wire touch panel.
In 2007 Reach Technology introduced the SLCD5, which can drive TFT LCDs (only) in formats up to 640x480, with the same easy-to-use
serial interface and touch panel controller.
Tern. (www.tern.com). The Tern SLC is an industrial controller which supports the bright new Kyocera KCG057QV1DC-G50 LCD and touch panel as its user interface. It's machine-side interfaces can be configured with a variety of serial ports, ADC channels, DAC channels, high voltage drivers, timer/counters, PWM outputs and other device interfaces. The LCD is driven by an Epson S1D13705 controller IC with software contrast control. It has a 186 class MPU and customers are provided with C/C++ routines to control its user interface and machine interfaces with no need for an operating system.
Single Board Computers (SBCs) in General use a controller IC to drive a variety of displays. The BIOS of the SBC loads the control registers of the controller IC at system initialization time. It is much easier if the SBC vendor preconfigures the BIOS to load the registers for the chosen Kyocera LCD. Otherwise the customer must reconfigure and download the BIOS firmware from a standard computer or perhaps set DIP switches.
Cables are another consideration. In the ideal case, a customer receives an SBC which already includes cable(s) from the SBC's LCD connector to a specific Kyocera LCD. Otherwise the customer must figure out the interconnection and build the cable.
Experience has shown that many SBCs use Asiliant controller ICs and many customers want to use Kyocera VGA format DSTN LCDs. On the flat panel display connector the SBC vendor often gives Asiliant-style signal names, which correspond to Kyocera VGA DSTN signal names as follows:
Asiliant
name |
Kyocera
CSTN name |
| GND |
VSS |
| P0 |
HD7 |
| P1 |
HD6 |
| P2 |
HD5 |
| P3 |
HD4 |
| P4 |
LD7 |
| P5 |
LD6 |
| P6 |
LD5 |
| P7 |
LD4 |
| P8 |
HD3 |
| P9 |
HD2 |
| P10 |
HD1 |
| P11 |
HD0 |
| P12 |
LD3 |
| P13 |
LD2 |
| P14 |
LD1 |
| P15 |
LD0 |
| SHFCLK |
CP |
| FLM |
FRM |
| LPP |
LOAD |
| VDDSAFE |
VDD |
| ENAVEE |
DISP |
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