Congatec to unveil Apix starter kit

Apix was originally developed for transferring image data in vehicles and, due to the Apix starter kit, can now also be put to use in industrial applications.

The Apix transfer process enables the use of standard Ethernet cables and makes it possible to simultaneously transmit video data and bidirectional control data, as well as the power supply, for the control or display units used.

The Apix Design Kit consists of a PCI Express add-on card, including the appropriate operating system drivers, and a remote display unit with integrated touch screen.

The image data, the coordinates from the touch screen and the power supply are all transmitted using a normal Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors.

If high-quality cables are used, distances of 40m or more can be covered.

Apix technology was developed for the automotive industry, but is also suitable for use in industrial automation solutions and in medical applications, as well as for gaming machines, weighing scales or in the fast digital signage market.

With Apix, displays and control units can be connected using one single cable, without any additional network equipment, because Apix provides the power for the remote displays.

The PCI Express x1 add-on card has two Apix ports.

This expansion card reads directly from the video memory and sends the data to the Apix channels at a current maximum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

Up to four of these cards can be used per system, creating a maximum of eight Apix channels.

The sideband signal data is also received by the PCI Express card and made available to the computer.

PoA (Power over Apix) is used to supply power to the remote control units and allows a maximum current of 2A with a 12V supply voltage.

The receiver unit includes a touch controller, a 7in TFT panel with LED backlight and the Indigo chip from Fujitsu that refines the transmitted signals.

Depending on requirements, more complex or encrypted communication is also possible.

The kit gives users the opportunity to quickly and easily evaluate the Apix display-link interface.

As well as all the necessary hardware, the kit contains comprehensive documentation, including all the required circuit diagrams, to allow the implementation of customer-specific solutions.