LCAD: Low Cost Access device (tablet computer)

LCAD is a project initiated by the Indian Government’s Human resource Ministry. It is an effort to develop the necessary framework and technology to facilitate the distribution of educational and academic resources to the students of India.

It is to connect people who do not have  access to desktops or laptops. It is related to the “Virtual Labs” initiative by IIT Bombay to allow students from remote parts of India to have access to the laboratories in the well established universities. The target is to distribute around a 100,000 of these devices in the initial phase. These can be used by students to access the internet, academic resources and other specific portals.

The agenda was to develop low cost tablet devices under $35 which can be easily dispensed to the students. Theses devices should be capable of delivering content such as e-books, video and audio lectures and other academic resources. It should consume as less power as possible as the targeted user base may not have uninterrupted access to electricity. The device must be robust and be long lasting and use eco-friendly technologies to the maximum possible extent.

My work dealt with the development of the development of the power analysis equipment and the display driver parts of the motherboard.

You can check on the progress of the project at the LCAD wiki here