Reach Launches Next Generation of Display Modules

New product line offers off-the-shelf touch display modules with proven hardware and full software support to speed development and reduce production risk. G2 (Generation Two) modules give products a high-end look with animated controls and glossy indicators.

Reach Technology, Inc., a recognized leader in embedded touchscreen modules, today launched a new product line to help product designers add user interfaces that look like an iPad(R) or iPhone(R) with scrolling, sliding, transparencies, 3D graphics and animations to their medical or industrial products. These modules:

  • Include High level Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with drag-and-drop visual design tools provided by the Qt Project, an open
    source collaboration used in thousands of commercial products.

  • Come with example code, video tutorials, and Reach custom visual components.
  • Provide full connectivity options: RS-232, RS-485, CAN bus, Ethernet, USB host, USB device, I2C, SPI, USART.
  • Offer price/performance similar to the highly successful Reach Generation One products.
  • Are field-proven with extreme ESD protection and ultra-low EMC for easy
    regulatory approval.
    G2 4.3″ Display Modules are ultra-compact and combine a multi-function processor board and a 4.3-inch WQVGA (480 x 272) TFT color capacitive touch or resistive touch LCD. A wide range of input/output (I/O) options include serial, Ethernet, USB, CAN, and I2C. WiFi is supported via a USB dongle for maximum flexibility with evolving standards. Modules are small enough to fit in a 2U high rack enclosure. 25+KV ESD and FCC Class B EMC test results are provided to ease regulatory compliance. Modules are designed for long-term availability with a 10+ year processor life and multi-sourced, industry standard LCD form factor. Find additional product specifications at www.ReachTech.com/G2/.
    “The G2 product was instrumental to the success of our newest card shuffler. The support provided by Reach is world class.” – Jim Helgesen, R&D Manager, SHFL entertainment, Inc.

    Complete Development Kits Available

    Kits ($449) include all the hardware, software, and support designers need to create a prototype in days, not months. The Display Module included in the kit is ready for production orders and offers 5-7 years’ availability at a minimum.

    G2 modules run Embedded Linux for stability, reliability, and long-term support. Unlike other off-the-shelf hardware products that require specialized Linux expertise to use, Reach offers two kits each targeted to developers’ existing tool knowledge. These are:

    Windows Kit

    Designed for Microsoft Windows(R) users who want immediate results. Does not require embedded Linux experience. No kernel building, no File System work; all display module files are accessed via a Windows file server running on the development module. A simple Windows G2Link utility provides push-button access to the module for configuration and programming.

    The kit connects the module to your PC (Ethernet or supplied WiFi dongle). Use supplied Qt Creator IDE and library (buttons, indicators, soft keyboard, etc.) to design the user interface (UI) using “drag-and-drop” visual editing. Easily place and customize animated widgets, like the ones you would find on an iPhone, such as spinners for selecting values. All UI code is written in high-level QML and JavaScript; since QML and JavaScript are both interpreted languages, there is no compile step, and the same code can run on either the PC or the target device. QML is a markup language is easily understood by Web designers and UI creators. Design the interface, simulate it on the PC, then push the G2Link “Publish and Run” button to see how it looks and feels on the touch LCD. Kits include sample applications, tutorial videos, and full technical support via email and phone.

    Linux Kit

    This kit provides a full development environment for users with moderate Linux experience that want more development options or need module environment customizations.

    This kit gives developers the freedom to code in C, C++, using packages like Qt, GTK+, X11 and others. Included is a Linux Virtual Machine (VM) with a cross compiler for the module processor. Even the most experienced developers do not need to build their own kernel and Root File System (RFS) – Reach maintains a full Yocto build system and can provide custom builds as needed. This way, the developer can focus on developing the application, not on compiling the Linux environment.

    Reach Technology, Inc./Business Wire

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