Serial Port Display vs. Rockchip Industrial Computer Display

In essence, a Serial Port Display is a "component," while a Rockchip Industrial Computer Display is a "system." Their positioning, functionality, and application scenarios are fundamentally different.

The following comparison table provides a clear overview:

Detailed Explanation:

1. Serial Port Display (Also known as UART TFT LCD, HMI Display)

• How it Works: It contains a dedicated internal "computer" (a GUI kernel) that manages the display and touch. The user designs the interface (images, buttons) on a PC using the manufacturer's proprietary software and downloads it to the display's memory. The main host MCU (e.g., an STM32) only needs to send simple commands via a UART serial port (e.g., "show image A at X,Y," "button B was pressed"), and the display executes the corresponding action.

• Advantages:

  • Simple Development: No deep embedded knowledge required; UI designers can create the interface.

  • Clear Separation: Display and business logic are separated, reducing the load on the host MCU.

  • Low Cost: More economical for simple applications.

• Disadvantages:

  • Performance Bottleneck: Struggles with complex animations, HD video, or high-speed data refresh.

  • Limited Functionality: Relies on low-bandwidth UART; cannot directly connect to networks or complex peripherals.

  • Less Flexible: Changes in business logic may require updates to both the host MCU and the display's UI project.

2. Rockchip Industrial Computer Display (All-in-One Embedded PC with Display)

• How it Works: This is essentially an embedded computer with an integrated screen. Its core is a high-performance ARM-based application processor from Rockchip. It runs a full operating system (like Linux or Android). Your application (developed with Qt, LVGL, Java, etc.) runs directly on this system and has full control over all hardware resources.

• Advantages:

  • High Performance & Rich Features: Capable of networking, database operations, file management, multi-threading, and AI acceleration.

  • High Integration: Integrates display, computing, and connectivity into a single unit, eliminating the need for an external host board.

  • Rich I/O: Native support for Ethernet, USB, CAN bus, etc., making it ideal for industrial environments.

  • Powerful Graphics/Video: Can handle 1080p/4K video playback and complex, modern GUIs.

• Disadvantages:

  • Complex Development: Requires professional embedded Linux/Android development expertise.

  • Higher Cost: Both the hardware unit and development effort are more expensive.

  • Power & Thermal Management: High-performance processors require robust power design and thermal management.

Summary:

• Choose a Serial Port Display if your project needs only to show information and receive simple touch input, with the core logic handled by a separate, main controller board.

• Choose a Rockchip Industrial Computer Display if your project needs to be a fully functional, intelligent terminal that requires networking, heavy data processing, complex applications, or on-device AI.