EVE ICs support up to 800x600px for larger displays

24th February 2015

Future Technology Devices International Limited

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

FTDI Chip has expanded its Embedded Video Engine (EVE) portfolio for advanced HMI implementation with four ICs supporting higher maximum screen resolutions than previously possible. The FT81xQ series supports up to 800x600px, increasing from the 512x512px of the FT800Q/801Q series, in order to address the larger displays (7" and above) used in point-of-sales units, information kiosks, etc.

The FT810Q provides 18-bit RGB interfacing and resistive touch functionality, while the FT811Q offers 18-bit RGB interfacing for capacitive touchscreen implementation (with provision for five-point touch detection). These are complemented by the FT812Q and FT813Q which offer 24-bit RGB, for use with resistive and capacitive touchscreens, respectively.

As a direct result of algorithm enhancements, the devices in the FT81xQ series have much smoother video playback. Furthermore, screen rotation through 90° is far easier to achieve, permitting both landscape and portrait orientations - a clear benefit when these ICs are utilised in handheld designs. The memory capacity has also been increased from 256kB up to 1MB and a quad SPI interface accelerates data transfer rates. Multiple palettes are supported, covering 16-bit and 32-bit colours with transparency. Extra-large ROM fonts have also been added so that there is greater scope when it comes to using different text options.

These features result in major performance improvements, with JPEG loading being 500 to 1,000 times faster than previously possible and the ability to draw up to 16px within every clock cycle (compared with 4 for the FT800/801). Firmware memory operations (such as copy, fill and CRC) are 2 to 4 times faster due to the tuned inner loops, while the CMD SNAPSHOT function is now hundreds of times faster. An analogue pin allows the input of external audio, temperature or light sensor data (allowing the system to benefit from voice inputs, light adjustment, etc.). These devices are, to a high degree, code compatible with the previous generation of resistive (FT800) and capacitive (FT801) EVE ICs.

Fred Dart, CEO and Founder, FTDI Chip, comments: “It is now two years since the first EVE devices were introduced to the market and in that time we have seen considerable buy-in to the concept, due to the simplified HMI system architecture that EVE enables. Now with these latest additions to the offering we are giving engineers higher resolution, greater colour depth, larger memory capacity and audio input, so that they can construct HMIs that have a much higher degree of sophistication and enhance the overall user experience."

The FT810Q and FT811Q are supplied in 48-pin VQFN packages, while the FT812Q and FT813Q come in 56-pin VQFN packages.