First Color QVGA LCD Controller Board with multi-vendor panel support for 8 / 16 bit embedded systems

Reach Technology Inc. introduces the SLCD Controller board enabling inexpensive processor based systems to provide a modern looking GUI (Graphical User Interface). Supporting a variety of panels from multiple vendors gives the designer and manufacturer more choices. The SLCD also speeds development dramatically - a user interface can be created and tested in days, not months.

Colorful touch-enabled LCD displays with icons, tabbed folders, and other familiar symbols from the PC desktop are eye-catching and make equipment easier to use. For industrial and medical devices, these interfaces have traditionally required 32 bit processors with complex and resource-hungry Operating Systems. The Reach SLCD Controller offers a new approach that allows even entry-level 8 bit microprocessors to provide LCD touch operator control. The SLCD supports popular QVGA (Quarter VGA, 320x240 pixels) displays from Hitachi, Kyocera, Lumex, NEC, Sharp and others in monochrome, color, passive, and active panel technology,.

The SLCD is driven by a standard UART serial port and accepts high level commands to draw text and lines, create pushbuttons of different types, and display stored graphic bitmaps. Touch events are reported using the same serial port and identify the button or screen area pressed. The board provides a large user-programmable flash memory (512Kbytes) for graphic storage, uses low profile surface mount technology for compact enclosures, and includes a beeper for audible touch button feedback.

Pricing depends on volume and board options and can be as low as $100. An evaluation kit is available complete with color QVGA LCD touch panel and power supply for $295 US.