Low-cost HMI with ESP32-S3 Chip & LVGL

Low-cost HMI can be used for your innovative projects. Wondering how to choose and what are their features. Learn through this article.

The world of embedded systems has been witnessing a revolutionary transformation, marked by innovations that redefine the boundaries of technology. At the forefront of this evolution stands the NORVI ESP32 HMI, an ingenious fusion of the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a versatile 5-inch TFT LCD, and the dynamic LVGL Graphics Library. This confluence presents an alluring solution for developers and enthusiasts seeking to create cost-effective yet high-performance Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).

Key 3 Features of Low-cost HMI

A Low-cost HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solution boasts three fundamental components.

Firstly, it integrates the ESP32-S3 Microcontroller, esteemed for its robust capabilities in handling IoT applications, equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a rich set of peripherals. Secondly, it incorporates an 8-bit RGB 5-inch LCD complemented by a touch panel, offering a cost-effective yet visually engaging display solution, ideal for various interactive applications. Lastly, leverages the LVGL (LittlevGL) Graphics Library, renowned for its efficiency in creating intuitive user interfaces across diverse embedded systems. This amalgamation delivers an affordable yet powerful HMI platform suitable for numerous projects requiring graphical user interfaces and touch interaction. These Low-cost HMI features will be discussed one by one now.

Unveiling the ESP32-S3 Microcontroller

As the first feature of Low-cost HMI, ESP32-S3 microcontroller can be identified.
The NORVI ESP32 HMI is based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, which has 45 physical GPIO pins. It utilizes 20 GPIO pins for the display and the majority of the remaining pins for various functions, including digital inputs, transistor outputs, and communication.
ESP32-S3 is best for low-power applications that require advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
ESP32-S3 is a newer and more advanced microcontroller, and as such, it is generally more expensive than ESP32. But ESP32-S3 is an enhanced variant of the ESP32 microchip. Compared with ESP32, ESP32-S3 supports larger, high-speed octal SPI flash, and PSRAM with configurable data and instruction cache. Prices for ESP32-S3 can range from around $5 to $15 per unit, depending on the specific model and features.
However, the NORVI ESP32 HMI has an integrated ESP32-S3 module, serving both UI functions and communication purposes. This integrated approach lends the NORVI ESP32 HMI a cost-effective and higher performance edge compared to the others.

8-bit RGB 5-inch LCD with touch panel: A Visual Delight

Second Low-cost HMI feature is LVGL 5inch LCD Display with 8-bit RG and resistive touch.
NORVI ESP32 HMI offers a crystal-clear 5-inch TFT LCD with resistive touch technology, ensuring a user-friendly and interactive experience.
TFT display has a resolution of 800×480 pixels and a high contrast ratio of 500:1, making it capable of rendering deep blacks and vibrant colors. It also has a high brightness of 450cd/m2, making it suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments.
TFT display comes with optional resistive touch screen capability, allowing users to interact with the display through touch. This option allows for precise touch input using a stylus or finger.
8-bit RGB is used to interface with large color displays. It sends 8 bits of data for each of the three colors, Red Green, and Blue every clock cycle. Since there are 24 bits of data transmitted every clock cycle, at clock rates up to 50 MHz, this interface can drive much larger displays at video frame rates of 60 Hz and up.RGB is Low-cost due to technology maturity but High performance.
Prices for a 5-inch TFT LCD can range from around $19 to $20 per unit, depending on the specific model and features.

Powering Creativity with LVGL Graphics Library

Third, the Low-cost HMI feature is LVGL library support which makes it more useful.
LVGL is the most popular free and open-source embedded graphics library that offers a wide range of features that can be used to create beautiful UIs for any display type. LVGL’s graphical elements are fully customizable.

It provides building blocks for creating user interfaces on embedded systems and it has advanced graphics features such as animation, also it supports a variety of input devices, including touch pads, mice, keyboards, and encoders.
Especially, the library is hardware-independent, meaning it can be used with any microcontroller or display.

Embracing the Future of Human-Machine Interaction

The ever-expanding landscape of embedded systems, the NORVI ESP32 HMI stands as a testament to the innovation driving the industry forward as positioning by Low-cost HMI. In the realm of creating low-cost Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), the fusion of the ESP32-S3 microcontroller with NORVI ESP32 HMI, alongside the integration of a versatile 5-inch TFT LCD and the dynamic LVGL Graphics Library, defines an enticing solution for developers and enthusiasts.Whether an experienced developer or a hobbyist embarking on a new project, this powerful combination offers the tools needed to bring ideas to life. In a world where seamless interaction between humans and machines is paramount, the NORVI ESP32 HMI and its companions pave the way for a new era of user-friendly and cost-effective solutions.