This comprehensive design and technology integration make DCARD an adaptable and high-performance solution for the future of in-car digital displays.
The Jacinto automotive processor Digital Cluster Automotive Reference Design (DCARD) is a cost-effective solution tailored for reconfigurable digital cluster systems in automotive applications. This design provides a complete 6-layer printed circuit board (PCB) solution that enables smooth 60 frames per second (fps) digital displays at 1920×720 resolution while maintaining an optimized bill of materials (BOM). It also includes essential features like single-zone audio output for warning chimes, CAN-based wake-up capabilities, and Ethernet connectivity, which allow seamless integration into modern automotive systems. The modularity of DCARD offers further customization options, allowing developers to incorporate features such as camera inputs for rear-view or driver monitoring, as well as secondary display outputs for heads-up displays (HUD). DCARD’s adaptability makes it ideal for use in reconfigurable digital clusters, hybrid clusters with active graphics, heads-up displays, and driver monitoring and identification systems.
The design TIDEP-01002 by Texas Instruments (TI) revolves around the Jacinto DRA71x automotive processor, which is equipped to handle complex 3D cluster graphics and deliver a consistent 60 fps experience on a 1920×720 cluster display. The DRA71x processor is also equipped with a C66x DSP, which enables advanced functionalities like driver monitoring and identification. Audio output for warning chimes is managed by the TAS2505 Class-D amplifier, a low-power digital speaker amp that supports high-quality 24-bit digital I2S data mono playback. This is essential for delivering clear audio alerts to drivers in real time. For display output, DCARD utilizes the DS90C189-Q1 serializer, converting RGB output from the DRA71x processor into a dual OpenLDI output that drives the 1920×720 resolution display. This serializer acts as a low-power bridge, minimizing the size of the RGB interface, which is crucial for compact automotive applications where space optimization is critical.
The technical specifications highlight its optimized power management solutions and connectivity features. Power management is achieved through Texas Instruments™ components such as the LM87523 and LM5141, which help reduce the overall BOM by maximizing energy efficiency. The design supports CAN wake-up through the TCAN1043 CAN transceiver, providing robust network integration and immediate system responsiveness. Ethernet connectivity is enabled via the DP83TC811 PHY, allowing high-speed data communication within the automotive system. For display output, the OpenLDI cluster display is supported by the DSC90C189 serializer, while audio output is handled by the TAS2505 amplifier. The addition of a secondary HDMI output enables seamless HUD integration. Furthermore, the design is based on a 6-layer PCB, which is crucial in minimizing component footprint and system cost, making it an efficient and scalable solution for automotive manufacturers looking to implement advanced digital cluster technologies in their vehicles.
TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
