Introducción

When jumping into the world of Raspberry Pi, knowing about display connectors is super key to making projects shine. Whether building a nifty user interface or just needing a screen to show stuff, choosing between HDMI (or Micro-HDMI) and DSI connectors can change how well things work, how they match up, and what they cost.

What is a Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi is a cheap, tiny computer, about the size of a credit card. It hooks up to a monitor or TV. It works with a regular keyboard and mouse, too. This cool gadget lets folks of all ages play with computing and learn coding in languages like Scratch and Python. It can do lots of what a normal computer does, like browsing the web, playing clear videos, making spreadsheets, writing documents, and even running games. Raspberry Pi 4 is the latest in the Raspberry Pi family. It’s the zippiest compared to older models.

Connecting a Display to a Raspberry Pi

Using a Raspberry Pi for projects means attaching a display helps interact with it better. But there are different connectors for linking to a screen. It can feel a bit tricky to pick the right one for a display.

Display Connectors on the Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi 4 has three display connectors in total. These are two Micro-HDMI connectors and one DSI connector.

The Raspberry Pi 3, on the other hand, has one standard HDMI and one DSI connector. The only big difference between Micro-HDMI and regular HDMI is their size.

This blog uses HDMI in a general way, since regular and Micro versions only differ in size.

What is HDMI?

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s a connector and cable that sends top-notch sound and visuals between devices. Plus, the data sent through HDMI is raw and digital. This lets HDMI carry video signals as sharp as 4K resolution.

HDMI is super common in TVs, monitors, projectors, gaming systems, and computers. That makes it one of the handiest interfaces out there. Its easy plug-and-play setup means no extra software is needed to start.

Different HDMI Versions

There are many HDMI versions, but this article focuses on those in Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi 4. The Raspberry Pi 3 uses HDMI version 1.3. The Raspberry Pi 4 uses HDMI version 2.0.

Here’s the breakdown:

HDMI 1.3: Handles up to 1080p@60Hz with a bandwidth of 10.2 Gbit/s.

Conexión HDMI 1.4: Supports up to 4K@30Hz but doesn’t handle HDR.

HDMI 2.0: Found on Raspberry Pi 4, supports up to 4K@60Hz and includes HDR features.

What is DSI?

DSI stands for Display Serial Interface. It makes a fast serial connection between a main processor and a display unit. Folks often call it MIPI DSI because MIPI is the standard behind it. Unlike HDMI, DSI displays are made for specific gadgets. They’re found in things like mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, and other devices.

Every Raspberry Pi board has a 15-pin DSI connector built in. A 15-pin ribbon cable is needed to link the Raspberry Pi to a DSI display.

Advantages of Using DSI for Communication

DSI brings a bunch of cool perks for small, built-in projects:

Fast Serial Connection: Moves data quickly.

Uses Less Power: Saves energy, which is great for small setups.

Low Electrical Noise (EMI): Keeps signals clean.

Needs Fewer Pins for Linking: Simplifies connections.

Supports 3D Content Sending: Handles fancy visuals.

Budget-Friendly Option: Costs less than other options.

These features make DSI a swell choice for tiny systems where saving power matters.

HDMI vs DSI

Here’s a side-by-side look at the two interfaces:

Depending on project needs—like video and sound output or low-power small systems—one might be better than the other.

Preguntas frecuentes

Can I use any touchscreen with my Raspberry Pi via DSI?

No. DSI displays are usually made for specific setups. So, check if they match before buying.

Why does my Micro-HDMI not fit into older models?

Older models like Raspberry Pi 3 have full-size HDMI ports. Newer ones like Raspberry Pi 4 use Micro-HDMI ports to save space.

Does using DSI free up USB ports?

Yes, it does. Unlike some displays that connect via USB, DSI uses its own pins on the board. It doesn’t take up USB slots.

Is there a speed difference between these interfaces?

DSI often has less delay since it connects directly. HDMI might need external converters, which can slow things down a bit.

Ordering Raspberry Pi Displays from Kadi Display

For creators wanting special solutions beyond basic displays, Kadi Display offers loads of custom choices. These include screen clarity, brightness tweaks, touch options (CTP/RTP), case design, connection types (TTL/LVDS/MIPI/EDP/DP/HDMI/Type-C/VGA/USB-A), optical bonding, anti-glare coatings, and more. All are built sturdy for industrial use.

They make the Cover Glass as requested—LOGO, color, shape, thickness. Please Contact us to send your inquiry now.