Turning control into clarity: our latest encoder with TFT

By Stefano Rosato | 9 October 2025

Technologies tend to come full circle, but in this case we mean literally – combining an advanced rotary encoder (and encoder shell) with a 1.28-inch circular TFT display for a single, compact control solution. Users can navigate with precision by simply turning or pressing the knob, while the integrated screen displays menus, status updates or graphics right at the point of interaction.

And while the design seems like the perfect fit for use in consumer electronics and smart home devices, it’s also ideal for medical equipment and industrial systems. Indeed, it’s so user friendly that it can fit easily into many applications where people interact with technology – even under extreme conditions. Because it’s built to cope. It has an operating temperature range of -20°C to 70°C and humidity levels from 10% to 90% RH. Plus, an electrostatic discharge protection, designed to handle air discharge up to ±4KV and durable mechanical switches rated for 30000 cycles.

The circular rotary TFT display has a 1.28-inch IPS panel, with 240×240 resolution and a wide viewing angle (85°/85°/85°/85°), while supporting 262K colors. It also has an LED backlight with service life of over 20,000 hours and a brightness of 400 nits for sharp and vivid images.

Power beyond the screen

But it’s important to note that this encoder solution is more than just a display – it’s a platform. And one that significantly improves user interaction through:

  • High-speed data processing: 1MBytes of NOR Flash memory for quick performance, plus 16MBytes of storage for images, icons and audio files.
  • Connectivity options: USB and serial communication supported for easy integration into a variety of systems.
  • Energy efficiency: It operates at a under 1W power consumption.
  • Real-time recovery system: A PGT05 interface updates the DGUS kernel, enabling smooth recovery in the event of a system crash.

Advanced firmware

A smooth and responsive user experience is powered by the T5L0 chipset, which runs the DGUS II system. This architecture supports high-speed GUI processing:

  • 2D hardware acceleration: For smooth animations and quick JPEG decompression at speeds of up to 200fps at 1280×800.
  • High-frequency touch recognition: Of up to 400Hz for responsive and precise touch controls.
  • Dual-core design: Separate GUI and OS operations optimize performance and reduce system load.

Together, the TCXD013IBLGA-5 Encoder with TFT Solution is a major step forward in user interface technology. Functional, durable and with superb visual clarity, it takes display-based control systems to a new level.

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About Author

Stefano Rosato - Director, Technical Touch Technology at Avnet

Stefano Rosato is director of technical touch technology in the Display Solutions team at Avnet. Stefano helps customers solve touch challenges and supports customers through the whole design-in phase for touchscreen integration. With deep knowledge about PCAP technology, along with its design-in rules, tuning and pattern designs, Stefano is a leading expert in the touchscreen industry.Read More

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