eCOUNT embedded connects displays and control panels to the cloud

Thanks to these three features, the new solution platform of the well-established CRTtoLCD product family provides a completely fresh user experience with high resolution 4K UHD graphics, RFID support for screen unlock authentication, and easy management via cloud apps.

This IIoT connectivity for monitors, displays and control panels offers users convenience, efficiency and reliability, enabling them for instance to configure distributed installations remotely, monitor the operating status constantly and manage access control centrally.

"Our new CRTtoLCD-91 flatpanel controllers will significantly change the way how OEMs design and deploy and how users operate their monitors, displays and control panels, as RFID and cloud connectivity open up whole new worlds of possibilities," explained Dirk Finstel, Managing Partner and CTO of eCOUNT embedded.

"Today, the control of devices, machines and systems are carried out by touch displays and their peripherals. When it is possible to monitor the usage or to manage the authorisation processes and user-dependent configurations of these touch displays centrally, even payment systems for pay-per-use applications can be connected. This is just one of many scenarios that can be implemented with our new CRTtoLCD-91 flatpanel controllers. We are very excited to see what new applications our customers will think up."

The feature set in detail
The new 4K UHD CRTtoLCD-91 flatpanel controller from eCOUNT embedded is based on the Himax HX6310-A scaler chip and supports flatpanel displays with 4K-UHD up to 3,840×2,160@60Hz. Thanks to content-dependent backlight control and new scaling algorithms, displays - even of non-native 4K content.

An optional HF RFID reader with NFC support and WiFi cloud connection can be plugged onto the controller board. Later this year, a UHF RFID reader with a range of up to ten metres will be added as a suitable option for logistics applications. The RFID reader enables user authorisation management or the identification of RFID tagged goods of all kinds.

The WiFi cloud connection, which is designed as a powerful, ready-to-use, end-to-end solution, can be customised and/or expanded as needed. With a comprehensive range of on-screen display functions, as well as extended configuration and scripting options for OEM-specific designs, the intelligent LCD controller board also provides all features OEMs need to develop custom monitors, displays and control panels.

For the connection of flatpanel displays, there are 8 VbyOne lanes @ 3.75 Gbps/lane, or 4 eDP 1.2a lanes @ 5.4 Gbps/lane. RGB colour formats up to 30-bit depth and CYbCr (420/422/444) are supported. Graphics and HDCP 1.4/2.2 protected content is handled via DisplayPort 1.4 or DVI/HDMI 2.0.

Additional interfaces include Dolby 7.1 audio and analogue stereo sound, dual USB for touch functionality as well as keyboard/mouse and 1x USB for client connection to embedded computer systems. Digital and analogue GPIOs - e.g. for fan control and intrusion detection - as well as a serial interface (USB to RS232) for industrial peripherals complete the range of interfaces. Power is supplied via 12-24VDC wide-range mains supply, which allows control of large displays up to 8A and backlights up to 3.5A.

The new display controller is now also available with optional accessories, ranging from a keypad with infrared-receiver and ambient light sensor for situational brightness control, to RFID support, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and WiFi IoT modules for cloud connectivity. Off-the-shelf cable sets for flatpanels and eCOUNT's customer-specific integration support further simplify the integration process.