Open Plugable Specification (OPS)
Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) is a set of parameters for standardizing modules that add compute ability to screen readers. In 2010, Microsoft, NEC and Intel jointly announced OPS.
OPS standardizes a common interface for simple embedded devices' LCD readouts and other digital signage. This simplifies the addition or replacement of compute modules for digital signage. Digital signage LCDs exist in many machines, including media players, information boards, vending machines and digital signage-based advertisements.
Specifications include:
- Enclosed compute module with of dimensions of 180mm x 119mm x 30mm.
- JAE TX25 plug.
- TX24 receptacle.
- 80 contact pins supporting HDMI, DisplayPort, Audio, USB, and UART interfaces.
OPS standardization helps to alleviate issues in servicing existing digital signage units by making the compute modules more easily replaceable, where former lack of standardization required very specific parts and technicians of broad skills.
An estimated 15 million connected devices incorporate LCD readouts. As the major microprocessor manufacturer, Intel looks to gain sales of many chips as compute capacity is added. Drop-in replacements favor sales over repairs. OPS-supporting compute modules are available in both Intel and ARM chipsets but there is nothing to prevent other manufacturers such as AMD from creating devices to use the same interface, package size and OPS.