Controller + Interface
Control unit and connection to the system.
The controller is the central control unit of every display, comparable to the brain. It converts the signals between the host system, such as microcontroller, processor, GPU, and the actual panel. The interface defines how the data is transmitted.
Solutions that fit
Controller or interface, beyond the standards?
We advise you on what works—and what doesn’t. And we support your design-in with our expertise from more than 45 years of experience in the development of display systems, including project-related special solutions.
Display controller
Active system component with extended functionality.
The central control module in your display architecture: In addition to pure data transmission, the controller is responsible for timing synchronization, image processing, and signal conditioning.
Specifications
The technical properties of the controller can be precisely tailored to your requirements profile.
Pixel+Color Control
- Management of color depths with 6-bit, 8-bit, or 10-bit per channel
- Gamma correction and gamut mapping for precise color representation
Signal Processing
- Framebuffer management for buffering image content
- Image enhancement with contrast enhancement, noise reduction
Additional Functions
- Integration of backlight controls with PWM dimming, brightness control
Timing
- Generation of synchronization signals
- Control of the refresh rate with 30 Hz, 60 Hz or higher
Display interfaces
Connection between host system and display unit.
The choice of interface significantly influences the performance, energy consumption, and system design of your display solution.
Depending on the installation situation and application, different technologies have become established: from low, mid to high speed.
Low/Mid-Speed Interfaces
I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)
Mainly for control commands, configuration, and status queries. Data rate typically up to 3.4 Mbit/s.
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
Frequently used in small displays such as OLEDs and TFTs up to 3 inches. Supports higher data rates up to ~10 Mbit/s. Simple implementation. Low pin requirement.
Parallel MCU Interfaces
8080/6800 bus. Classic solution for embedded systems with small to medium-sized TFTs. Easy to control. Limited in speed and bandwidth.
High-Speed Interfaces
RGB (Parallel)
Direct pixel streaming with 24-bit RGB or reduced to 18/16-bit. Simple, but high pin count and limited distances.
LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling)
Robust against EMC interference, ranges up to 3–5 m. Standard in industrial and automotive applications. Typically 1–4 lanes, bandwidth up to approx. 1 Gbit/s per lane.
Parallel MCU Interfaces
8080/6800 bus. Classic solution for embedded systems with small to medium-sized TFTs. Easy to control. Limited in speed and bandwidth.
MIPI DSI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface – Display Serial Interface)
High-resolution displays with low energy consumption. Specifically for mobile applications. Scalable from 1 to 8 lanes. Up to 4.5 Gbit/s per lane.
eDP (Embedded DisplayPort)
Very high bandwidth. HBR3: up to 8.1 Gbit/s per lane. Standard in notebooks and modern embedded systems.
HDMI (DisplayPort)
Consumer standard for multimedia. HDMI: ideal for televisions, digital signage, entertainment. DisplayPort: highest flexibility and bandwidth, multi-stream support.
Your desired display?
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