New drag-and-drop tool helps OEMs create displays

Microsoft Windows-based programming tool for large-format LCD panels from Teleflex-Morse Electronics gives industrial designers in-house control over the look, functionality and er-gonomics of instrumentation for vehicle cabs, pumps, compressors, and engine-powered equipment.

By Control Engineering Staff January 15, 2004
A drag-and-drop programming tool for automotive-grade LCD panels gives industrial designers complete control over look, functionality and ergonomics of instrumentation displays.

Microsoft Windows-based programming tool for large-format LCD panels from Teleflex-Morse Electronics gives industrial designers in-house control over the look, functionality and er-gonomics of instrumentation for vehicle cabs, pumps, compressors, and engine-powered equipment. GRADE—graphical rapid application development environment—lets OEMs build unique instrumentation and user interfaces using simple “drag-and-drop” techniques and a component li-brary with gauges, indicators, shapes and text.

Users can create displays without having to understand real-time programming. Tool bars and property menus are presented in the same familiar format as other Windows packages. A display concept can be built in just a few minutes, then evaluated immediately using a built-in simulator. The utility presents data exactly as it would appear on the real-world display.

GRADE is compatible with the latest members of the manufacturers CANtrak series of CAN-compatible displays. The displays are rugged 4.3 x 4.3 in. DIN-format units with five soft keys and offer a 160 x 128 pixel area, large enough to support up to four simultaneous instruments and alarms. The displays use film supertwist nematic LCD technology for visibility in direct sunlight—with backlighting. Additional options provide support for use in harsh environments.

Click here to download a datasheet

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com


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