OEM&Lieferant Ausgabe 2/2020

99 user-friendly testing of APIX3 displays,” says Bernd Schmieder, development engineer at ARRK Engineering. “The result is a practical box that, despite its small dimensions, sim- ulates all of the necessary functions of the original image source.” The new APIX3 con- verter from ARRK avoids the complexity of setting up a test environment. The converter can be quickly and easily adapted to any ve- hicle and enables the display of video signals from any HDMI source on APIX3-compatible display devices. Flexible and user-friendly control of APIX3 components The HDMI–APIX3 converter is 105 x 46 x 80 mm and weighs just 250 g. Its extremely com- pact design makes the box very easy to use. The front features an interface for USB, Eth- ernet, and HDMI connections, while the APIX3 components to be tested, the supply voltage, and a replaceable SD card can be connected to the back. “All of the important features of the APIX3 converter can be controlled us- ing the integrated microcontroller,” explains Schmieder. “It controls the HDMI display data channel, for example, so that the video data can be transmitted in the proper format for the display connected.” The resolution of the HDMI interface can also be adapted dynam- ically during run-time. This way, the desired image content can be easily reproduced on the display device to conduct comprehensive tests and analyses. The sideband channel data can also be tested and used by connecting the converter to a computer. The USB interface enables easy access to the heart of the box: the internal micro- controller, which can, among other things, simulate part of the on-board computer. “A great flexibility of the converter has been important to us in order to be able to handle all possible use cases in a most realistic way,” says Schmieder. “That’s why we designed the system so that all of the parameters can either be saved internally or predefined on an SD card that can be replaced as needed.” This ensures the comprehensive configura- tion of all parameters that are necessary for producing an image on the display. In this way, the converter provides an adaptable test environment for a wide range of ap- plications. User-friendliness was also a top priority during development. Individually adaptable to different manufacturers The prototype of the APIX3 converter is pres- ently being optimized and validated for series production by, for example, ensuring it is resis- tant to electrostatic discharges and the com- pliance with electromagnetic compatibility regulations. The next step allows the device to be individualized for any given vehicle model as the displays and infotainment systems of different manufacturers are often based on a fundamentally different architecture. “We can also configure the APIX3 converter for any manufacturer,” explains Schmieder. “It is even possible to individually adapt the control software. This way, features that facilitate display calibration or temperature monitor- ing, for example, can be integrated on request.” This flexible solution allows OEMs and system suppliers to quickly implement tailored appli- cations without requiring costly equipment. The APIX3 converter can be used in vari- ous ways. Thanks to its compact design, for example, it can be used for lifetime tests of displays. These tests require many different image sources, which have to be controlled with as little technical influence as possible and integrated into the existing test environ- ment. The device also makes it easy to test an OEM’s new concept ideas and develop HMIs tailored for specific applications. “We support our customers with our expertise in APIX3 technology and offer consultation on imple- menting a suitable test environment so the customer receives the best possible quality for the infotainment experience in their vehicle,” adds Schmieder. ARRK Engineering www.arrk-engineering.com Website APIX Sales apix-sales@arrk-engineering.com Contact The APIX3 converter from ARRK avoids the complexity of setting up a test environment. The handy converter can be quickly and easily adapted to any vehicle and enables the display of video signals from any HDMI source on APIX3-compatible display devices. Images: © ARRK Engineering Image: © Grzegorz Czapski/shutterstock.com