New Gameduino 3X Dazzler with BT815 Controller Enables High-definition Video Playback at 30 fps Frame Rates

Press Release Summary:

• Delivers 1280 x 720 pixel high-definition graphical content as well as 48 KHz stereo audio, to a large format display or TV screen
• BT815 EVE IC is a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA, a 24-bit HDMI video interface, plus JTAG, SPI and UART I/Os
• Suitable for the development of compelling games and various other multimedia projects via C+

Original Press Release:

New Arduino-compatible HD Gaming Development Platform Leverages Bridgetek Graphic Controller Technology

7th October 2020 - Following the success of the original Gameduino, Excamera Labs now announces its successor - the Gameduino 3X Dazzler. This compact (83mm x 53mm x 20mm) Arduino-compatible shield features a Bridgetek BT815 embedded video engine (EVE) graphics controller with 32-bit internal color precision. Running at speeds reaching 1.1Gps, this takes care of all the graphics processing activities and can support up to 2000 sprites.

Alongside the EVE IC is a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA (with 8MBytes of embedded flash), a 24-bit HDMI video interface, plus JTAG, SPI and UART I/Os. There is accommodation for a microSD memory card (with a 16GByte card supplied on certain package options) and a pair Wii Classic controller ports (again with the controllers being provided for some packages).

Thanks to the BT815, the new Gameduino can deliver 1280 x 720 pixel high-definition graphical content, as well as 48KHz stereo audio, to a large format display or TV screen. This translates into a much more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. It also enables high-definition video playback at 30fps frame rates.

Gameduino is suitable for the development of compelling games, and various other multimedia projects, via C+. Alternatively, the CircuitPython open source programming language can be used. It has the capacity to deal with both 2D gaming projects and sophisticated 3D renderings. An array of project examples and helpful demos are available online to get aspiring games developers started. In addition to the Arduino-compatible shield, the new Gameduino can be offered as a streamlined core module too. This still has the graphic controller, programmable logic and HDMI capabilities, but allows easy integration into existing hardware. 

The Gameduino 3X Dazzler crowdfunding campaign is already close to reaching its target. To get involved go to: https://www.crowdsupply.com/excamera/gameduino-3x-dazzler

About Excamera Labs

Excamera is dedicated to building useful hardware and software solutions, particularly where embedded systems meet graphics and imaging. This is showcased in the Gameduino open source game accessory board series. To learn more, please visit: www.excamera.com

About Bridgetek

Founded in 2016, Bridgetek supplies highly advanced ICs and board level products to meet the exacting demands of a constantly evolving global technology landscape. The company’s Embedded Video Engine (EVE) graphic controller ICs each integrate display, audio and touch functionality onto a single chip, thereby dramatically reducing the time period and bill-of-materials costs associated with developing next-generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems. These are complemented by its highly-differentiated, speed-optimized microcontroller units (MCUs) with augmented connectivity features. For more information go to www.brtchip.com