Introduction: Epson Display Controllers for Industrial Applications
Epson has long been a trusted name in the automotive industry, delivering advanced display controller ICs to power high-performance in-vehicle displays. Now, Epson is expanding its reach into the industrial sector, leveraging its expertise to meet the growing demand for versatile, high-quality display solutions in industrial automation, medical equipment, and beyond.
The ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52) and GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70) are at the forefront of this expansion. Originally designed for automotive applications, these display controllers are now finding new roles in industrial systems, offering engineers enhanced flexibility, seamless interface conversion, and superior display quality. By addressing the unique challenges of industrial environments, these ICs allow designers to achieve high-resolution displays, extend the capabilities of existing SoCs, and simplify complex display architectures.
This article explores the features and benefits of these two display controller ICs, showcasing how Epson is empowering industrial engineers with cutting-edge display technology.
2. ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52): Flexible Resolution Scaling
The ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52) is a versatile solution for scaling and enhancing display resolutions in industrial applications. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of automotive displays, this scaler IC is now being utilised in industrial environments where high-quality visuals and flexible resolution adjustments are essential.
Key Features of the ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52):
Resolution Scaling:
Supports scaling of input resolutions to match display panel specifications, ensuring compatibility with various display sizes.
Input Cropping and Area Blanking:
Allows selective cropping of input images and blanking unused areas, optimising display output for specific requirements.
Interpolation Filters:
Provides advanced image filtering, enhancing visual clarity and reducing artefacts during scaling.
Low-Latency Operation:
Designed for real-time display updates, crucial for applications such as industrial monitoring systems.
Benefits for Engineers:
Enhanced Compatibility:
Allows integration with existing SoCs or MCUs without requiring costly upgrades to support higher resolution displays.
Simplified Design:
Reduces the complexity of system architecture by handling scaling and cropping directly within the IC.
Future-Proofing:
Offers flexibility to adapt to future display requirements, ensuring long-term viability of designs.
The ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52) provides a robust, scalable solution for engineers looking to achieve exceptional display performance in industrial systems.
3. GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70): Seamless Interface Conversion
The GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70) is a cutting-edge display controller designed to simplify interface conversion between display systems and next-generation SoCs. Originally tailored for automotive applications, this IC is now bringing its advanced capabilities to the industrial sector, enabling engineers to integrate diverse display technologies with minimal effort.
Key Features of the GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70):
Interface Conversion:
Translates DisplayPort (DP) or Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) signals to LVDS for compatibility with a broad range of display panels.
Dual-Display Output:
Supports independent control of two displays, offering flexibility for multi-display systems.
Error Detection and Correction:
Monitors and corrects signal integrity issues, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.
Scalability and Versatility:
Designed to interface with low- to mid-range displays, ideal for systems where high-end panels are unnecessary or cost-prohibitive.
Understanding the Display Protocols Handled by the GoldenGate Bridge IC
The GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70) excels in converting between different display protocols, enabling compatibility between modern SoCs and a variety of display panels. To appreciate its versatility, it’s important to understand the key protocols it supports: DisplayPort (DP), Embedded DisplayPort (eDP), and Low-Voltage Differential Signalling (LVDS).
1. DisplayPort (DP)
DisplayPort is a high-performance digital display interface commonly used in modern computing devices, such as laptops, desktops, and monitors. It offers:
High Bandwidth: Supports resolutions up to 8K, ensuring clear and detailed visuals.
Versatility: Transmits video, audio, and data over a single cable, reducing system complexity.
Packet-Based Transmission: Uses data packets for flexibility and efficient communication, similar to Ethernet.
2. Embedded DisplayPort (eDP)
eDP is a variation of DisplayPort designed for use within devices, such as laptops, tablets, and all-in-one PCs. It shares many of DP’s features but is optimised for embedded systems:
Energy Efficiency: Designed to reduce power consumption, which is crucial for portable devices.
Compact Design: Uses fewer pins and thinner cables, enabling slimmer device profiles.
Integrated Features: Supports touchscreens and other advanced display technologies.
3. Low-Voltage Differential Signalling (LVDS)
LVDS is a long-standing display protocol commonly used in legacy and cost-effective panels. It remains prevalent in industrial and automotive applications due to its simplicity and robustness:
Low Power: Operates at low voltages, making it suitable for energy-conscious designs.
Reliability: Offers strong noise immunity, essential in electrically noisy environments.
Widespread Adoption: Many existing display panels use LVDS, ensuring broad compatibility.
Why Translation Between These Protocols Matters
Modern SoCs increasingly use DisplayPort or eDP for their high performance and scalability, while many industrial and automotive applications still rely on LVDS due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability. The GoldenGate Bridge IC bridges this gap, allowing engineers to:
Leverage Modern SoCs: Use advanced processors without needing to replace legacy displays.
Reduce Costs: Extend the lifecycle of existing LVDS-based panels by enabling their use with DP/eDP SoCs.
Simplify Integration: Avoid redesigning systems by seamlessly converting between protocols.
By enabling smooth communication between these protocols, the GoldenGate Bridge IC simplifies design challenges and enhances system flexibility, making it an invaluable tool for engineers in the industrial sector.
4. Technical Specifications at a Glance
Epson’s ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52) and GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70) are engineered to deliver high-performance display capabilities while maintaining compatibility and flexibility for diverse industrial applications. Below is a snapshot of their key technical specifications:
ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52):
Input Formats: Supports various input resolutions with dynamic scaling capabilities.
Output Resolutions: Configurable to match display requirements, ensuring sharp and clear visuals.
Features:
Advanced interpolation filters for enhanced image quality.
Input cropping and area blanking for flexible display layouts.
Power Requirements: Low-power operation optimised for industrial systems.
Operating Temperature: Suitable for industrial environments with wide temperature tolerance.
GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70):
Input Interface: DisplayPort (DP) and Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) support for compatibility with modern SoCs.
Output Interface: LVDS, allowing integration with a variety of display panels.
Features:
Dual-display support for simultaneous independent outputs.
Built-in error detection and correction for signal integrity.
Power Requirements: Energy-efficient operation for cost-effective designs.
Operating Temperature: Designed for robust performance across industrial temperature ranges.
These technical specifications highlight the versatility and performance of Epson’s display controllers, making them well-suited for both current and next-generation industrial applications.
5. Applications Across Key Industries
Epson’s ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52) and GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70) are paving the way for advanced display solutions in industrial environments. Originally built for the demanding automotive sector, these ICs now address the unique challenges of key industrial applications, offering reliability, flexibility, and performance.
Industrial Automation
Enhances HMIs and control panel displays for real-time monitoring and management of industrial processes.
Provides scaling and interface conversion for compatibility with a wide range of display technologies.
Medical Equipment
Delivers high-resolution, low-latency visuals for diagnostic imaging systems and patient monitoring devices.
Ensures precise and clear displays essential for critical environments.
Transportation and Logistics
Powers display systems in transportation hubs, including ticketing machines, schedule boards, and signage.
Supports rugged displays in logistics vehicles and equipment.
Agriculture and Construction
Enables robust displays for heavy machinery, such as tractors and excavators, operating in harsh environments.
Facilitates real-time information displays for GPS-guided systems and sensor integration.
Consumer and Home Appliances
Expands the capability of smart home devices, offering sleek, high-performance displays for refrigerators, ovens, and more.
Supports multi-display configurations for enhanced user interfaces in advanced consumer electronics.
6. Conclusion
Epson’s ToraFugu Scaler IC (S2D13V52) and GoldenGate Bridge IC (S2D13V70) exemplify the company’s ability to bring high-performance, automotive-grade technologies into the industrial sector. With features like flexible resolution scaling, seamless interface conversion, and robust error detection, these display controllers empower engineers to design cutting-edge industrial systems.
From industrial automation and medical devices to transportation and smart home applications, Epson’s display solutions are enabling a new era of high-quality, reliable, and efficient displays tailored to diverse needs. These ICs not only simplify system integration but also ensure scalability and compatibility for both current and future designs.
Contact
Ready to enhance your industrial displays with Epson’s proven display controller technology? Contact the Ineltek UK team to arrange a technology introduction with the Epson engineers, or to arrange pricing and samples.