[Updated Oct. 13, 2005] — Anders Electronics has launched a custom development and manufacturing service for display-oriented applications using XScale processors and either embedded Linux or Windows CE. The service covers all aspects of design, prototyping, testing, and manufacture using the latest low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) QVGA TFT displays, according to the company.

(Click here for larger image of CompuLab's CM-X270W SBC)

Anders says its custom designs are based on CompuLab's CM-X255 and CM-X270W sub-credit-card sized single-board computers (SBCs), which are based on 400MHz PXA255 and 520MHz PXA270 Intel XScale processors, respectively. The devices offer up to 64 MB of onboard SDRAM and 512 MB of onboard Flash memory. To complement the “usual array” of on-chip peripherals (graphics controller, Ethernet, serial ports, USB, GPIO lines, etc.), the modules include PCI and LPC expansion buses for interfacing to off-board peripherals.

Custom designs generally use Toppoly 2.8- or 3.5-inch QVGA TFT displays, although larger, high-resolution LCDs are also available, according to the company. System options include touchscreen, on-board flash memory, CMOS/CCD cameras, and a variety of wired and wireless interfaces including Ethernet, PCMCIA, RS-232, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WiFi, and Bluetooth. In addition to hardware and software design, Anders says it also offers various enclosure and packaging options.

“For customers who are looking to launch products in volumes of between 1000 and 5000 pieces per year, the associated hardware and software development costs are relatively high and the time it takes to develop a fully custom solution in house can be 12 months or longer,” noted Tony Saigh, business development manager at Anders. “Even when using a computer-on-module approach, there can be a steep learning curve which lengthens the design process. This [custom service] allows our customers to focus on what they do best — creating their killer application!”

Anders Electronics plc describes itself as “a leading global supplier of standard and custom LCD solutions, integrated display systems, embedded PCs, and meters.”

Design and development take place at the company's European Display Design Center in London, while manufacturing makes use of “low-cost and high quality off-shore facilities.”

 
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