Smart TFT controller targets 4K applications
Industrial TFT flat panel display specialist, Distec, has announced the Artista M4 smart TFT controller.
It enables the control of high resolution TFT displays of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels at 60Hz. Compared to its predecessor with CM3+, the Artista M4 thus provides the necessary computing power for 4K applications of all kinds, such as for info terminals, in medical technology or in building management.
The controller consists of an in-house developed baseboard and Raspberry Pi Compute Module CM4 with a 64-bit quad processor and fast LPDDR4 RAM.
The Artista M4 directly controls almost any TFT display with V-by-One interface and PCAP touchscreens. In addition to Gigabit Ethernet for fast data transfer to the network, wireless modules can be connected via an M.2 interface. Dual-band WLAN 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and an internal or external antenna are optionally available. A real-time clock with built-in battery is also available.
HDMI-in allows the connection of external sources, such as an X86 PC, so that either the content of the integrated Raspberry Pi or that of the external source can be shown on the connected display. An external monitor can be operated via HDMI-out, in addition to the internally connected display.
It is even possible to display different content on both devices. For example, in conference rooms, the audio and camera interface (CSI) can be used for sound and image transmission.
The soon to be introduced Artista IO module will serve as an expansion board that provides CAN and RS232 or RS485 in addition to freely programmable digital inputs and outputs. In combination with CODESYS, for example, simple PLC applications can be implemented.
Raspberry Pi OS is installed so that users can easily integrate their own software, although Distec also offers other OS and software options specially adapted to the Artista M4 to simplify the use of the controller for human machine interfaces, conference rooms, information monitors in public areas, or the full-screen display of websites.
Distec guarantees a long-term availability of at least six years for the Artista M4. Customised adaptations and system solutions can be quickly implemented on a project basis, added the company.
A modified version of the Arista M4 will be introduced, said Distec, to enable the connection of eDP displays.
