When designing embedded systems, especially those involving Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), selecting the appropriate display interface is critical. The display interface determines how image data is transmitted from the processor or controller to the screen. This impacts not only visual performance but also hardware cost, signal integrity, power efficiency, and compatibility with different TFT LCD modules. In this article, we explore five of the most commonly used display interfaces in embedded SBC applications: HDMI, RGB, LVDS, MIPI, and eDP.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is one of the most widely adopted digital video standards in consumer electronics and embedded platforms. It supports high resolutions, audio transmission, and plug-and-play functionality.
Pros:
Supports Full HD and 4K video resolutions
Audio + video over a single cable
Widely supported in SoCs and SBCs
Plug-and-play via standard connectors
Cons:
Higher power consumption
Bulkier connector compared to embedded options
Not ideal for thin, compact designs
Use Case: Industrial monitors, kiosks, and signage systems that rely on standard consumer displays often use HDMI.
The RGB parallel interface is a classic standard in embedded display systems. It connects the SoC directly to the display panel using separate lines for red, green, blue, and sync signals.
Pros:
Low latency transmission
Direct control over timing signals
Simple to implement on older platforms
Cons:
Requires a large number of pins
Limited signal integrity over distance
Not ideal for high-resolution displays
Use Case: RGB is common in cost-sensitive applications like POS terminals and older HMI designs.
Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) is a robust and power-efficient interface for transmitting high-speed data. It is popular in both embedded systems and laptops for connecting high-resolution screens.
Pros:
Excellent signal integrity over long distances
Suitable for HD and higher resolutions
EMI-resistant design
Cons:
More complex signal routing
Requires external serializers/deserializers in some cases
Use Case: Industrial control panels, automotive infotainment systems, and medical displays.
Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI DSI) is designed for mobile and compact embedded systems. It uses a high-speed serial link and significantly reduces pin count.
Pros:
High data bandwidth in small form factor
Low power consumption
Widely supported in modern ARM-based SoCs
Cons:
Short signal length
Complex initialization and driver support
Use Case: Tablets, smart panels, and compact embedded touchscreens.
Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) is a modern high-speed digital interface derived from DisplayPort, optimized for internal display connections in laptops and embedded platforms.
Pros:
High-resolution support (up to 8K)
Efficient power management
Reduces EMI compared to LVDS
Cons:
Less widespread in embedded SBCs compared to HDMI/LVDS
Requires advanced SoC support
Use Case: High-end industrial displays and AI-enabled edge systems requiring ultra-high-resolution panels.
The choice of display interface should be based on multiple factors:
Display resolution required
Distance between SBC and screen
Connector and space constraints
Power budget of the system
SoC and display module support
For example, a rugged outdoor panel with long cable runs and sunlight-readable TFT might favor LVDS for its signal reliability. In contrast, a battery-powered smart home controller might benefit more from MIPI DSI.
To better understand how display resolution and aspect ratio affect the user experience and interface compatibility, check out this detailed analysis:
👉 Why Display Resolution and Aspect Ratio Matter
Display resolution can be explored further at Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_resolution)
Embedded systems today span across industries — from medical diagnostics to factory automation to consumer interfaces. A well-matched display interface ensures not only technical compatibility but also improves product stability, EMI performance, and long-term maintainability. Understanding each interface's trade-offs is crucial for embedded developers and product managers alike.
When selecting your next embedded display or SBC platform, consider signal integrity, scalability, and support. Matching the interface with the target environment can significantly reduce development time and cost.
If you’re working with Rockchip-based SBCs and custom TFT LCD modules, our team at Rocktech provides DTS and driver-level support for all of the above interfaces. Feel free to explore related resources and reach out for collaboration.