Drag and drop design for automotive LCDs: News from Teleflex Electronic Systems

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TeleflexMorse Electronics has developed a novel Windows programming tool for large-format, automotive-grade LCD panels. The software gives industrial designers complete in-house control over the look, functionality and ergonomics of cab instrumentation. Called GRADE - Graphical Rapid Application Development Environment - it allows OEMs to build unique instrumentation and user interfaces via simple "drag and drop" techniques, using a component library with gauges, indicators, shapes and text.

It demystifies the embedded system at the heart of an LCD panel, allowing users to create displays without having to understand real-time programming.

"GRADE gives OEMs the means to use an off-the-shelf component for a vehicle displays, yet stamp their own unique brand values on it to optimise vehicle productivity and ease of use", says Gary Rands, Product Manager at TeleflexMorse Electronics.

Using tool bars and property menus that are presented in the same familiar way as other Windows packages, GRADE allows in-house industrial designers and vehicle engineers to build a display concept in as little as a few minutes.

Display ideas may then be evaluated immediately using a built-in simulator.

This utility presents the data exactly as it will appear on the real-world display, right down to the pixel level, providing the means to evaluate and refine display ergonomics rapidly.

GRADE is compatible with the latest members of TeleflexMorse Electronics' CANtrak series of CAN-compatible displays.

These displays are rugged 110 x 110mm DIN-format units with five soft keys, and offer a 160 x 128 pixel area.

This is large enough to support up to four simultaneous instruments and alarms - providing great flexibility for managing the rich data available from modern electronically controlled engines and allied equipment.

The displays employ FSTN (film supertwist nematic) LCD technology for visibility in direct sunlight - with backlighting.

They may be specified with a heater for operation down to -40C, a Deutsch connector interface to the vehicle network, and protection to IP67 which covers immersion in water up to one metre.

These options provide support for OEMs building for harsh environments, such as vehicles or boats with exposed control panels, or pump and compressor equipment destined for offshore platforms or remote wellheads.

CANtrak displays come with three serial interfaces: a CAN 2.0B-compatible port, plus RS232 and RS485 interfaces.

The simple case design of CANtrak modules eases incorporation into vehicle instrumentation panels and interiors, blending easily with higher-level styling concepts that industrial designers create for their user interfaces.

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