Avnet, Inc. has introduced the i.MX53 Quick Start Break-Out with 7-inch LCD and PCAP (Projected Capacitive) Touch Kit. In collaboration with Freescale, Avnet's technical team created a development kit designed to meet the medical or industrial aneeds of customers looking to integrate touch technology into their products. The kit builds upon the Freescale i.MX53 Quick Start board, an open source development platform that integrates an ARM Cortex-A8 2GHz processor with the Freescale MC34708 PMIC.

Avnet's new kit is well suited for end-applications in harsh or outdoor environments. Utilizing a 7-inch PCAP touch overlay, the device works in rain, humidity, condenzation, and ice, as well as temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. Its discerning touch technology can identify the difference between a finger and a water droplet. The touch screen is also designed to work with gloved hands. The auto-tuning capability of the touch controller allows the glass to be configured up to 6MM without changing firmware. The kit is available for $499.