Choosing the Right Display Interface for Embedded SBCs

 

When talking about single board computers (SBCs), most people immediately think about the processor, memory, or operating system. But for products that include a screen—whether it’s a small smart panel or a large industrial display—the real question often comes down to this: which display interface should you use?



Why the Display Interface Matters


The display interface is more than just a connector. It influences how smooth the graphics look, how much power the system consumes, and how reliable the device will be in daily use.

  • If the interface can’t handle higher resolution, the system will look outdated.

  • If it uses too much power, battery life suffers.

  • If it’s not stable, the display may flicker or lose signal.


In short, the interface plays a big role in the user experience.

Common Options You’ll Find

  1. RGB Parallel – The simplest option, often used in older or very low-cost designs. Easy to implement but not practical for modern, high-resolution panels.

  2. LVDS – Very popular in industrial and automotive devices. It’s stable, supports longer cables, and works well in noisy environments.

  3. MIPI DSI – Originally made for smartphones, now widely used in smart home panels and IoT devices. It provides good performance with low power consumption and fewer pins.

  4. eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) – A more advanced option, capable of driving 4K or higher. It’s common in high-end tablets and professional displays.

  5. HDMI – The familiar connector for TVs and monitors. Great for prototyping and testing, but less common in final embedded products because of its higher power needs.

How to Decide


The “right” interface depends on what your product needs:

  • For home devices: MIPI DSI is often the best choice.

  • For factories and machines: LVDS offers stability and reliability.

  • For medical and professional displays: eDP provides the resolution and clarity required.

  • For demos or prototypes: HDMI is quick and convenient.

The Direction Things Are Moving


We’re seeing a gradual shift in the market:

  • More devices are adopting MIPI DSI for efficiency and cost reasons.

  • eDP is growing in high-end applications.

  • LVDS still has a strong position in heavy-duty industrial products.

  • Some new boards are even experimenting with USB-C as an all-in-one port for power, data, and display.

Want to Learn More?


If you’d like to go deeper into this topic, here are two useful resources:


👉 Embedded SBC Display Interface Guide

👉 TFT Displays Hub


Both provide additional context and examples for engineers and developers.

Final Words


The display interface may not be the most exciting part of designing an embedded device, but it’s one of the most important. The choice you make today will affect not only how the product looks and feels, but also how long it can stay competitive in the market.


Whether you’re building for homes, factories, or vehicles, keep in mind that the display interface is the bridge between your SBC and the user—and getting it right makes all the difference.

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