To get a UI output working on our linux environment, we have to sort things out on the hardware & software level.

Hardware-level

We must choose an output protocol: VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort. This governs the display protocol & physical connector.

1. Frame-buffer or video output HW blk
   1. Reads pixel data from dedicated RAM or system RAM
   2. Outputs video using a pre-defined protocol
   3. Often includes:
      • Timing generators (according to the display protocol)
      • Pixel clocks (PPL)
      • Color space formatting
2. Frame-buffer memory
   • Memory-mapped region where CPU writes pixel data
   • Common formats: RGB565, RGB888, ARGB8888
3. Bus interface
   • AXI or Wishbone
   • The frame-buffer should be accessible via the CPU’s memory bus

Software-level

Optimizations / accelerations

• Add hardware support for:
  • Blitting (short for bit block transfer)
  • Cursor overlay (we can add it into the linux video processing pipeline)
  • GPU-like acceleration

Experiment board IO

• VGA port
• 4.3” TFT LCD
• USB2.0
• PS2
• 4x4 click button matrix
• 8 toggle switches
• 4x2 7-segment LCD
• 8x8 LED matrix
• 16 LEDs

Plan of attack