Coinciding with the BT815 and BT816 advanced graphics controller ICs being ramped up into volume production, Bridgetek has introduced a series of accompanying entry-level development modules. Supporting a range of different display configurations, the compact (54.1mm x 85.60mm) VM816C modules each feature a BT816 device. Through these items, engineers will be able to utilise the functionality offered by the latest generation of Bridgetek’s proprietary Embedded Video Engine (EVE) technology and apply it to their human machine interface (HMI) designs. In particular, they will benefit from the BT816’s adaptive scalable texture compression (ASTC) capabilities – which lower the system’s graphics processing overhead.
The modules are offered with either a simple SPI interface to connect directly with an SPI Master – namely an external system microcontroller or microprocessor, or as a USB variant ideal for developing display lists to be trialled via a host PC. They can be ordered as a PCB assembly incorporating a 5.0” WVGA (800pixel x 480pixel) resolution TFT display with a resistive touchscreen, with the display supplied loosely – ready for assembling. Alternatively, it is possible to specify one without the display included – thereby giving the user the flexibility to connect with their own choice of display (addressing 4.3”, 5.0” and 7.0” form factor preferences).
The audio capabilities of these modules each comprise of a 3 stage audio filter and a power amplifier, as well as a connector port for attaching an external speaker. 16MBytes of on-board Flash memory connected to the new BT816 dedicated flash host port are also included for storing graphical content. A variety of different power sourcing options are covered – with the required 5V being delivered via the SPI host connector, the USB Micro-B port, or the 2.1mm DC power jack. In order that engineers can get started quicker, Windows-based sample applications plus numerous additional demos are provided with this development package.
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