FTDI’s FT800 graphics controller, the first member to emerge from the company’s new EVE (Embedded Video Engine) family, will set its sights on QVGA and WQVGA TFT display panels. The FT800 supports 4-wire resistive touch sensing, and features an embedded audio processor that allows MIDI-like sounds combined with pulse-code modulation for audio playback. Combining display, audio, and touch on a single chip simplifies GUI development. The device’s object-oriented approach renders images line by line with 1/16th of a pixel resolution, eschewing the need for traditional frame buffer memory. This approach also means objects such as images, fonts, and audio elements can easily be implemented and manipulated via a low-pin-count SPI or I2C interface. To achieve the desired GUI, object memory (up to 256kB) is initialised, which then promotes control of specified objects and their attributes via the construction of, and interaction with, a small display-list buffer. As a result, even low-end 8-bit MCUs can be used as the host processor. Up to 2000 objects can be controlled within an 8kB display list. Eliminating frame buffer memory and the need for a high-end MCU, together with integrating touch and audio in a 48LD package, creates substantial cost savings.
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