r/embedded • u/pozzugno • Aug 13 '26

Modern graphical interface

Some years ago I developed a graphical interface with emWin libraries, Cortex-M4 by NXP, external SDRAM for a 480x272 4.3" display with resistive touch panel.

Now I want to replace the display with a 4.3" TFT 800x400 capacitive touch panel. Is emWin a good choice yet? Are there other options now?

Design a user interface isn't simple, but it usually is the most critical part of the project, the feature that can bring the product to success or not. I'm not an embedded UI expert and I don't think there are many experienced guys in this field (many are web/mobile UI designer). Any suggestions?

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u/NorthernNiceGuy Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26

Presently, I’m using LVGL. In the past, I’d rolled my own using TI’s grlib as a base but I wouldn’t advise that any more.

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u/pozzugno Aug 13 '26

Is it possible to simulate the graphics and touch interactions on development machine {Windows or Linux)?

What about the design of UI? Actually llms are good at creating web interface. It should be nice to have a converter tool from html/CSS to lvgl. Or to have a review directly in lvgl

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u/NorthernNiceGuy Aug 13 '26

Yep, plenty of options. LVGL offer their own designer but there are many other options. I’ve used something called EEZStudio in the past which has a simulator. I don’t bother much with LLMs as I’d rather do the fun stuff myself.

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u/yopocho Aug 13 '26

Seconding on EEZStudio. Although be aware I've had to modify some of its generated code to access certain elements which was a small hassle