A Complete Guide to Display Interfaces in Embedded SBCs
Embedded systems powered by Single Board Computers (SBCs) are everywhere today — from industrial automation panels to smart home controllers, automotive dashboards, and handheld IoT devices. One of the most critical aspects of these systems is the display interface, which defines how information is transferred from the SBC to the screen.
Choosing the right display interface is not a trivial task. It impacts not only performance and power consumption, but also design flexibility, signal integrity, and ultimately the user experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common display interfaces used in embedded SBCs, their strengths and limitations, and how engineers can make the right selection for their projects.
Why Display Interfaces Matter in Embedded SBCs
Before diving into technical details, it’s worth asking: why does the display interface matter so much in an embedded system?
- Performance Bottlenecks: An outdated interface may limit resolution or refresh rate, making applications feel sluggish.
- Power Efficiency: Some interfaces consume more power than others, which can be a deal-breaker in portable or battery-powered devices.
- EMI and Stability: In industrial environments, choosing the wrong interface can lead to electromagnetic interference and signal loss.
- Product Lifecycle: The chosen interface influences component availability, cost, and long-term support.
In short, the display interface is at the core of both system performance and product design longevity.
Common Display Interfaces in Embedded SBCs
1. RGB Parallel Interface
The RGB parallel interface is one of the oldest and simplest display technologies. Data is sent in parallel for each pixel across multiple pins, along with synchronization signals.
Advantages:
- Easy to implement
- Cost-effective for low-resolution displays
- Widely supported in legacy designs
Limitations:
- Requires many pins (inefficient PCB layout)
- Poor scalability for higher resolutions
- Not suitable for compact designs
RGB is still found in simple embedded systems such as low-cost HMI panels, but most modern SBCs are moving toward more efficient options.
2. LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling)
LVDS is one of the most popular interfaces in industrial and automotive systems. It uses differential signaling, which allows long cable lengths and better resistance to noise.
Advantages:
- Stable and reliable over long distances
- Supports resolutions up to Full HD and beyond
- Excellent for industrial environments
Limitations:
- Requires additional serializer/deserializer ICs
- Higher BOM cost compared to RGB
- Power consumption higher than MIPI DSI
LVDS is especially strong in industrial HMIs, medical monitors, and car infotainment systems where stability is critical.
3. MIPI DSI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface – Display Serial Interface)
MIPI DSI has become the default choice for mobile devices and is increasingly adopted in smart panels and IoT controllers.
Advantages:
- High bandwidth with fewer pins
- Supports HD, Full HD, and even 4K panels
- Very power-efficient
- Compact connectors ideal for small devices
Limitations:
- Shorter cable length than LVDS
- Sensitive to signal quality
- Mostly used in consumer and IoT products rather than heavy industrial systems
For smart home panels and portable devices, MIPI DSI is usually the best balance of performance, size, and cost.
4. eDP (Embedded DisplayPort)
eDP is derived from DisplayPort but optimized for embedded applications such as laptops and high-end tablets.
Advantages:
- Supports ultra-high resolutions (4K, 8K)
- High refresh rates and color depth
- Scalable and future-proof
Limitations:
- More complex integration
- Higher power consumption
- Overkill for many industrial use cases
eDP is a natural choice for premium displays where color accuracy and resolution are top priorities.
5. HDMI
Although HDMI is more common in consumer electronics, it still plays a role in SBC-based systems.
Advantages:
- Widely compatible with monitors and TVs
- Supports both video and audio
- Easy for prototyping
Limitations:
- Power-hungry compared to LVDS or MIPI
- Not ideal for embedded systems with space or energy constraints
HDMI is best suited for development boards, demo units, and systems that need to connect to external monitors.
Practical Considerations When Selecting an Interface
When engineers choose the display interface for an SBC-based design, they need to consider several factors:
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Resolution Requirements
- Will the device need 720p, 1080p, or 4K resolution?
- MIPI DSI and eDP are better for high-resolution displays.
-
Environmental Factors
- Will the system operate outdoors or in noisy industrial environments?
- LVDS is often more robust against EMI.
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Form Factor Constraints
- Is the product compact, such as a wall-mounted smart panel?
- MIPI DSI is preferred for space-constrained designs.
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Cost and Lifecycle
- Does the BOM allow for serializer ICs and complex connectors?
- RGB may still be valid for low-cost mass-market devices.
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Power Budget
- For battery-powered devices, prioritize power-efficient interfaces like MIPI.
Application Examples
- Smart Home Control Panels: MIPI DSI offers slim connectors and supports capacitive touchscreens.
- Industrial Automation: LVDS ensures stable communication with large panels over longer distances.
- Medical Equipment: eDP is favored for high-resolution, color-accurate displays in diagnostic tools.
- Automotive Infotainment: LVDS and MIPI DSI are widely used due to their balance of stability and efficiency.
Future Trends in Display Interfaces for SBCs
Looking ahead, several trends are shaping the future of embedded display interfaces:
- Shift from LVDS to MIPI: More industrial devices are starting to adopt MIPI due to cost and efficiency.
- Adoption of eDP in Premium Devices: High-end tablets and industrial-grade monitors are increasingly adopting eDP.
- USB-C Integration: Some modern SBCs are experimenting with USB-C as a universal connector that can handle both power and display.
- AI-Optimized Displays: With AI on SBCs, expect tighter integration between GPU/NPU and high-bandwidth display interfaces.
The industry is moving toward higher resolution, lower power consumption, and compact connectors. Engineers must anticipate these shifts when designing next-generation products.
Extended Reading and Resources
To explore more detailed insights about embedded SBC display interfaces, check out:
👉 Embedded SBC Display Interface Guide
For additional articles, comparisons, and real-world examples about TFT displays and display technologies, visit:
👉 TFT Displays Resource Hub
Both resources provide practical examples, technical explanations, and external references that complement the discussion in this article.
Conclusion
The choice of display interface is one of the most important decisions in embedded SBC design. From the simplicity of RGB to the scalability of LVDS, the efficiency of MIPI DSI, and the high-end potential of eDP, each interface offers unique benefits and trade-offs.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each interface, engineers can make informed decisions that optimize performance, power, and cost. And with the right strategy, SBC-based systems can achieve both reliability and scalability in diverse applications.
Whether you’re designing for smart home panels, industrial HMIs, or automotive systems, carefully selecting the display interface is the first step toward a successful embedded product.
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