💸 Cutting Costs in Embedded Graphics: No SDRAM Needed

27 Sep 2026 –

Introduction

As embedded systems evolve, the demand for high‑quality graphics continues to rise. Yet, with SDRAM and DDR memory prices skyrocketing, traditional graphics MCUs that rely on external RAM (or a large RAM capacity in the MCU itself) face mounting challenges in cost, complexity, and design scalability. Yet, with SDRAM and DDR memory prices skyrocketing, traditional graphics MCUs that rely on external RAM face mounting challenges in cost, complexity, and design scalability. Bridgetek’s Embedded Video Engine (EVE) family offers a smarter alternative: line buffer rendering with internal RAM, eliminating the need for external RAM altogether. Graphics, touch and even audio can be added to any MCU without requiring large RAM or Flash resources.

🧩 The Problem with SDRAM-Dependent Designs

Conventional graphics MCUs require two full frame buffers in external SDRAM:

• One buffer drives the display.
• The other is updated with the next frame.

This architecture consumes large amounts of memory. For an 800×480 display at 24‑bit colour, each frame is nearly 1 MB. Two buffers double that, without considering fonts, icons, and images.

The result is:

• High BOM cost due to external SDRAM chips.
• Complex PCB layouts with wide memory buses.
• Increased power consumption from constant memory access.

With SDRAM and DDR prices rising, these drawbacks are magnified, making SDRAM‑dependent designs less attractive for cost‑sensitive applications.

⚙️ The EVE Solution: Line Buffer Rendering

Bridgetek’s EVE devices (EVE1 to EVE4) take a different approach. Instead of storing entire frames, they use a line buffer to render graphics line‑by‑line.

The key benefits are:

• No external SDRAM required — the system architecture is simpler
• Simpler design — fewer components, smaller PCB footprint.
• Lower cost — reduced BOM and manufacturing expenses.

This architecture not only saves money but also streamlines development, enabling faster time‑to‑market.

📦 Internal RAM for Assets

Bridgetek EVE chips include up to 1 MB of internal RAM. Developers can store fonts, logos, images and other assets in this RAM as it is not used for frame buffering.

EVE Devices	Internal RAM
FT800, FT801	256 kB
BT880, BT881, BT882, BT883	256 kB
FT810, FT811, FT812, FT813	1 MB
BT815, BT816	1 MB
BT817, BT818, BT817A	1 MB

 

Competitors must place these assets in external SDRAM alongside their frame buffers, further increasing cost and complexity.

🔋 Efficiency and Market Impact

The SDRAM‑free design delivers multiple advantages:

• Cost savings — no need for expensive SDRAM chips
• Energy efficiency — fewer memory transactions reduce power draw.
• Reliability — fewer external components mean fewer points of failure.
• Scalability

As SDRAM and DDR prices continue to rise, EVE’s architecture becomes even more compelling for manufacturers seeking cost‑effective solutions.

💾 Flash and Asset Management

Since RAM is volatile, assets must be reloaded after power‑up. EVE supports a wide range of image formats as well as commands for inflating compressed assets, minimising Flash usage and ensuring efficient asset storage. From the BT81x series onward, the ASTC format support allows high-quality images with small file sizes. Overall, these features reduce the need for large, expensive Flash ICs, further cutting costs.

🏁 Conclusion

Bridgetek’s Embedded Video Engine (EVE) family demonstrates that smart architecture beats brute force. By eliminating SDRAM requirements through line buffer rendering, EVE simplifies design, reduces costs, and delivers efficient and  high‑quality graphics.

In a market where SDRAM prices are rising, the choice is clear: EVE enables affordable, scalable, and future‑proof embedded graphics solutions.

To find out more, visit www.brtchip.com or contact marketing@brtchip.com

It’s Easy with EVE!