4D Systems
4D Systems, founded 1990 in Sydney, designs and manufactures intelligent OLED and LCD embedded display modules built on four proprietary graphics processors (PIXXI, PICASO, DIABLO-16, GOLDELOX), sold globally via direct online and tier-one distributors to OEMs across medical, marine, automotive, and industrial markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersSydney, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What 4D Systems does
4D Systems is a privately-held Australian electronics company founded in 1990 in Sydney by Atilla Aknar. The company designs, develops, and manufactures intelligent embedded display modules combining OLED and LCD panels with proprietary custom graphics processors. Its product portfolio spans four proprietary processor families (PIXXI, PICASO, DIABLO-16, GOLDELOX) and modular display lines including the gen4 series and the 4DHDMI series, with integration support for platforms such as the ESP32 family and the Raspberry Pi RP2350. The firm has operated continuously for over 30 years and remains family-owned, with leadership having transitioned from founder Atilla Aknar to Sinan Aknar.
The company's business model centers on selling embedded display hardware and accompanying development software to product developers and OEMs. It operates a direct-to-customer channel via its own online store and reaches global demand through tier-one electronics distributors including Digi-Key, Mouser, Farnell, RS Components, Arrow, and Rutronik. Per-unit pricing spans approximately $13.50 to $337, with volume discounts available for qualified customers and ISO-certified operations underpinning the manufacturing base. Its development ecosystem is anchored by Workshop5, a proprietary IDE launched in November 2024, and is supplemented through partnerships with GUI middleware providers LVGL and Embedded Wizard for the gen4-ESP32 platform.
End customers span diverse verticals including medical devices, marine electronics, automotive, smart building systems, hospitality, and industrial automation. Named deployments include BKS Electronique (1,000+ units for marine applications) alongside a broad long tail of smaller-volume integrators. With 11-50 employees, the company operates at a small-to-mid scale as a niche embedded graphics specialist, prioritizing long product lifecycle support (10+ years) over high-volume consumer turnover.
4D Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 4D Systems
- Legal name
- 4D Systems Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://4dsystems.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- 4D Systems, founded 1990 in Sydney, designs and manufactures intelligent OLED and LCD embedded display modules built on four proprietary graphics processors (PIXXI, PICASO, DIABLO-16, GOLDELOX), sold globally via direct online and tier-one distributors to OEMs across medical, marine, automotive, and industrial markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
4D Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Intelligent Embedded Display Modules
- NAICS
- Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)
- SIC
- Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Embedded & Compute Modules (SoMs, COM Express/SMARC, industrial SBC modules) (IMAGAJAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs) (IMAGAGAD), Advanced SoCs & Application Processors (HDAHAAAB), Display & Illumination Components (MicroLED/OLED Drivers/Backlight Optics) (HDAHALAN), DIY Kits, STEM Electronics & Maker Bundles Retail (CRACAKAN)
Keywords
Where 4D Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sydney
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
4D Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Intelligent Display Modules: Sale of proprietary intelligent display modules including gen4 series, ESP32-P4 series, microOLED, pixxiLCD, microLCD, and 4Discovery series. Products are sold directly through online store and through global distribution network.
- Graphics Processors: Sale of proprietary graphics processors including PIXXI-28, PIXXI-44, GOLDELOX, PICASO, and DIABLO-16 for integration into embedded display applications.
- Display Accessories: Sale of accessories including starter kits, programmers, adaptors, bezels, flexible flat cables, and SD cards for display modules.
- Custom Display Solutions: Custom display solution design and manufacturing services for specialized applications, leveraging 30 years of experience and engineering expertise.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | gen4-uLCD Series: US$34.95 – US$214.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | gen4-ESP32 Series: US$39.00 – US$175.00 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | gen4-RP2350 Series: Starter Kit US$57.00 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | gen4-FT81x Series: US$59.95 – US$99.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ESP32-P4 Series: US$103.95 – US$144.93 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | microOLED Series: US$49.95 – US$89.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | pixxiLCD Series: US$34.95 – US$79.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | microLCD Series: US$39.95 – US$245.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 4Discovery Series: US$159.95 – US$214.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 4DHDMI Series: US$72.95 – US$337.00 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 4DLCD Series: US$16.45 – US$129.95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Graphics Processors: US$13.50 – US$21.95 |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Workshop4 IDE: FREE |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
4D Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
4D Systems designs, develops, and manufactures intelligent embedded display modules (OLED and LCD) and proprietary graphics processors for engineers and OEMs across industries including appliances, automotive, medical, industrial, smart buildings, and transportation. The company offers multiple display series (gen4, ESP32-P4, microOLED, pixxiLCD, microLCD, 4Discovery, 4DHDMI, 4DLCD, SBC), proprietary graphics controllers (PIXXI-28/44, GOLDELOX, PICASO, DIABLO-16), Video & Audio Modules, the Workshop4 and Workshop5 IDEs with the 4DGL programming language, Accessories, and Custom Display Solutions.
Product overview
4D Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent display solutions organized into multiple product series. The core offering centers on the gen4 Series of intelligent displays (including gen4-uLCD, gen4-ESP32, gen4-RP2350, and gen4-FT81x variants) powered by proprietary and third-party processors. Additional display lines include ESP32-P4 Series, microOLED Series, pixxiLCD Series, microLCD Series, 4Discovery Series (wall-mount IoT displays), 4DHDMI Series (HDMI-connected displays), and 4DLCD Series (TFT-LCD panels). The company also produces proprietary Graphics Processors (PIXXI-28/44, GOLDELOX, PICASO, DIABLO16) and Video/Audio Modules. Development is supported through Workshop4 and Workshop5 IDEs, with a full range of Accessories including starter kits, programmers, and adaptors for Arduino/Raspberry Pi integration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- gen4: Intelligent Display Modules series available in sizes ranging from 2.4 to 9.0 inches, featuring robust performance with consistent professional-grade design.
- gen4-uLCD Series
- gen4-ESP32 Series
- gen4-RP2350 Series
- gen4-FT81x Series
- ESP32-P4 Series
- microOLED Series
- pixxiLCD Series
- microLCD Series
- 4Discovery Series
- 4DHDMI Series
- Workshop4 IDE
- Workshop5 IDE
Products and services
- gen4-uLCD Series
Companies that use 4D Systems
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
4D Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature7 records
4D Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Digi-KeycoreGlobal authorized distributor providing access to 4D Systems product portfolio with local support and seamless supply chain management.
- Mouser ElectronicscoreGlobal authorized distributor offering global access to 4D Systems products with efficient distribution services.
- Farnell (Avnet)coreGlobal authorized distributor providing access to 4D Systems product portfolio in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.
- RS ComponentscoreGlobal authorized distributor offering 4D Systems products with strong presence in UK and Europe.
- Arrow ElectronicscoreGlobal authorized distributor providing access to 4D Systems product portfolio with comprehensive supply chain solutions.
- RutronikcoreEuropean authorized distributor offering 4D Systems products across EMEA region with local technical support.
- SparkFun ElectronicsminorUS-based authorized distributor providing access to 4D Systems products for maker and hobbyist communities.
- SOS ElectronicminorEuropean distributor partner with specialization in electronic components serving Central and Eastern Europe.
- Conrad ElectronicminorEuropean authorized distributor serving Germany and broader European markets with 4D Systems products.
- element14 (Avnet)minorAsia-Pacific authorized distributor providing 4D Systems products to engineers and makers in the region.
- LVGLcoreIndustry-standard graphics library partnership providing LVGL certified compatibility for gen4-ESP32 series, enabling efficient GUI development with extensive widget libraries.
- Embedded WizardcoreProfessional GUI development tool partnership providing compatibility with gen4-ESP32 series, enabling visual development environment for intuitive user interfaces.
- Espressif SystemscoreTechnology partnership powering gen4-ESP32 and ESP32-P4 series displays with ESP32-S3, ESP32-P4 processors featuring built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and advanced multimedia capabilities.
- BridgetekcoreTechnology partnership powering gen4-FT81x series with FT812 and FT813 graphics processors featuring second-generation Embedded Video Engine (EVE) technology.
- Raspberry Pi LtdcoreOfficial 'Powered by Raspberry Pi' certification partnership powering gen4-RP2350 series with RP2350 microcontroller featuring dual-core architecture and advanced security features.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
4D Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bridgetek: Supplier of FT81x graphics controllers and EVE-based intelligent display modules; a primary technology partner of 4D Systems but also a competing merchant supplier of display modules targeting the same embedded HMI design wins.
- Riverdi: European manufacturer of intelligent TFT display modules with touch and embedded controllers; competes directly with 4D Systems' gen4 catalog across industrial, medical, and IoT use cases.
- Displaytech (a Septentrio company): Designs and manufactures small-to-medium TFT and OLED display modules for embedded applications, directly overlapping with 4D Systems' microLCD and pixxiLCD lines.
- Anders Electronics: UK-based supplier of embedded TFT and OLED modules and custom display solutions, mirroring 4D Systems' combination of catalog modules and custom HMI engineering services.
Broad incumbents
- Mouser Electronics: Global distributor that not only carries 4D Systems products but also stocks competing intelligent display modules from many vendors, making it a broad incumbent channel influencing design-win outcomes.
- Raspberry Pi Ltd: Technology partner for 4D Systems' RP2350 series but also a broader incumbent offering official Raspberry Pi displays and a complete SBC ecosystem that can substitute for 4D's display modules.
- Espressif Systems: Provides the ESP32-S3 and ESP32-P4 silicon at the heart of multiple 4D Systems product lines; also offers its own reference displays and partnerships that compete for the same IoT HMI design wins.
Emerging players
- SparkFun Electronics: US maker and education-focused electronics retailer that bundles small TFT/OLED modules and development kits, competing with 4D Systems' starter-kit and hobbyist offerings in the maker segment.
- Adafruit Industries: Sells a wide range of small OLED and TFT displays with development libraries, overlapping with 4D Systems' lower-end pixxiLCD and microOLED lines in the maker, education, and prosumer segments.
Regional players
- Crystal Display Systems: UK-based specialist in industrial and custom LCD/TFT display modules with engineering support, comparable to 4D Systems' custom display solutions arm though primarily serving European OEMs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
4D Systems social profiles
Digital presence4D Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
4D Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
4D Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
4D Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
4D Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 4D Systems
What does 4D Systems do?
4D Systems designs, develops, and manufactures intelligent embedded display modules (OLED and LCD) and proprietary graphics processors for engineers and OEMs across industries including appliances, automotive, medical, industrial, smart buildings, and transportation. The company offers multiple display series (gen4, ESP32-P4, microOLED, pixxiLCD, microLCD, 4Discovery, 4DHDMI, 4DLCD, SBC), proprietary graphics controllers (PIXXI-28/44, GOLDELOX, PICASO, DIABLO-16), Video & Audio Modules, the Workshop4 and Workshop5 IDEs with the 4DGL programming language, Accessories, and Custom Display Solutions.
Is 4D Systems a public or private company?
4D Systems is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was 4D Systems founded?
4D Systems was founded in 1990. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is 4D Systems based?
4D Systems is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does 4D Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Intelligent Display Modules are the primary driver. The others are graphics Processors, display Accessories and custom Display Solutions.
Who are 4D Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bridgetek, Riverdi, Displaytech (a Septentrio company) and Anders Electronics. Broad incumbents are Mouser Electronics, Raspberry Pi Ltd and Espressif Systems. Emerging players are SparkFun Electronics and Adafruit Industries. Crystal Display Systems is listed as a regional player.
Does 4D Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for 4D Systems.
What industry is 4D Systems in?
4D Systems's product category is Intelligent Embedded Display Modules. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAJAK, Embedded & Compute Modules (SoMs, COM Express/SMARC, industrial SBC modules), with a secondary code of IMAGAGAD, Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs). Its NAICS code is 33411 and its SIC code is 3670.