When is it worth choosing a smart display instead of a standard LCD-TFT module? Jacek Marcinkowski, CTO at Unisystem, discusses how tasks are divided between the display and the main platform, the compatibility of solutions from different manufacturers, and the requirements that display modules must meet in professional applications. This mini-interview was originally published in the August issue of the industry magazine “Elektronik”.
Which market segments – in terms of industry and production volume – are smart displays intended for?
Jacek Marcinkowski, CTO at Unisystem: The decisive factor is not production volume, but the specific application and device architecture. A smart display is particularly useful when the goal is to simplify the overall design by eliminating the need for a dedicated graphics controller and additional memory resources.
The main platform can then handle the device’s core functions and logic, while the display controller, located on a PCB next to the display, is responsible for graphics generation, data presentation and touch operation. This division of tasks simplifies the system architecture and reduces the resources required from the main control unit to support the user interface.
This approach is used in applications such as industrial automation, medical and laboratory equipment, smart building systems and operator panels.
Are there any common standards for such units, and are solutions from different manufacturers compatible?
There is no single standard for smart displays.
Each manufacturer develops its own solution, so even modules based on similar chip families, such as EVE, ITE or STM, may differ in pinout, power supply requirements or memory configuration. Compatibility is therefore generally limited to a specific product family and its API.
How widely available are smart displays for professional applications in which factors such as IP protection are important?
The broadest range of products is available in sizes from approximately 4.3 to 15.6 inches. This includes displays with wide viewing angles, brightness levels of up to 800–1000 cd/m², different operating temperature ranges and variants adapted to specific mounting methods.
In professional applications, it is important to remember that the IP rating usually applies to the complete device rather than to the LCD-TFT module itself. An open-frame display does not provide the IP65 protection level often required in such applications. This level can only be achieved through correct mechanical integration, together with suitable protective glass and sealing.
For devices intended for outdoor use, sealing alone is not sufficient. The effect of solar radiation on the durability of the module must also be taken into account. Additional protection, such as anti-UV layers, may therefore be required to limit the degradation of components caused by ultraviolet radiation.
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