4D Systems announced the launch of the gen4 CAPE series of TFT LCD display capes designed specifically for use with the BeagleBone Black single board computer. The series comprises 4.3-, 5.0- and 7.0- inch models, each equipped with a 30-pin robust FPC cable that plugs into the supplied gen4 CAPE adapter board. No additional connectors are required to operate the display since all power, control and data signals come through the FPC. Use of an adapter board, the cape that plugs directly into the BeagleBone Black, permits ease of using different display sizes to suit the application. In addition, each gen4 CAPE has the choice of either resistive or capacitive touch options.
The resistive touch function uses an on-board Microchip AR1021 resistive touch controller that communicates directly with the BeagleBone Black over I²C in place of traditional LCD capes which utilise the analog inputs that are rather susceptible to external EMI. The capacitive touch models incorporate a cover lens bezel that enables the construction of a robust yet slim design with ease, utilizing Focaltec CTP controller that communicates over I²C.
The gen4 CAPE series comprises the following models:
- gen4-4DCAPE-43T 4.3-inch display with resistive touch
- gen4-4DCAPE-43CT-CLB 4.3-inch display with capacitive touch and cover glass
- gen4-4DCAPE-50T 5.0-inch display with resistive touch
- gen4-4DCAPE-50CT-CLB 5.0-inch display with capacitive touch and cover glass
- gen4-4DCAPE-70T 7.0-inch display with resistive touch
- gen4-4DCAPE-70CT-CLB 7.0-inch display with capacitive touch and cover glass
Changing the display backlight brightness is facilitated through the use of a TI TPS61165 backlight driver IC for which a Linux driver is also provided. This method of varying the brightness is more stable and less noisy than using PWM signals.
The gen4 CAPE series suits a wide range of applications that require a high-quality, easy-to-use and compact graphical display (monitor) to be incorporated into a BeagleBone Black-based design. The BeagleBone Black Wireless and BeagleBone Green boards are also supported.
The gen4 CAPE series is available for immediate shipping from authorized distributors or via 4D Systems. Prices start at US$59 for single unit quantities of the 4.3-inch resistive touch models.
Further product information can be found here: http://www.4dsystems.com.au/product/gen4-4DCAPE
The 4DCAPES datasheet can be found here: http://www.4dsystems.com.au/productpages/gen4-4DCAPE/downloads/gen4-4DCAPE_datasheet_R_1_0.pdf
An introductory video can be found here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYfmtBhRxco
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