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Embedded Mode

DisplayLink Direct can run in two modes, selected at initialization time through the SDK's configuration. The mode controls how the SDK manages memory at runtime, letting you trade flexibility for determinism depending on your target system.

Hardware support required

Embedded mode is supported only on selected DisplayLink devices based on the DL-7xxx family chipset. It is not available on other devices. For details on compatible hardware and enabling this feature, please contact Synaptics.

Non-embedded mode (default)

In the default mode, the SDK allocates memory dynamically at runtime as needed. This is the most flexible option and is appropriate for general-purpose hosts such as desktops, laptops, and servers, where dynamic allocation is not a concern.

  • Simplest to use — no special hardware requirements.
  • Suitable for the majority of applications.
  • Memory usage adapts to the current workload.
  • Higher performance at high resolutions and refresh rates.

Embedded mode

In embedded mode, the SDK does not use dynamic memory at runtime. This gives predictable, deterministic resource usage, which is important for embedded and resource-constrained systems, long-running deployments, and environments where runtime allocation is undesirable.

  • No runtime dynamic memory allocation.
  • Predictable, deterministic memory footprint.
  • Well-suited to embedded, industrial, and safety-conscious deployments.
  • May be constrained at high resolutions and refresh rates compared to non-embedded mode.

Firmware update not available

Automatic and manual firmware updates are not available in embedded mode. Ensure the device is running compatible firmware before using embedded mode.

Resolution limits

In embedded mode, the maximum supported resolution depends on how many outputs are driven:

Configuration Max width Max height
Single output 5120 px 2160 px
Multiple outputs 1920 px 1080 px

Feature Comparison

Consideration Non-embedded (default) Embedded
Runtime memory allocation Dynamic None
Resource predictability Adapts to workload Deterministic
High display modes Higher performance May be constrained
Hardware requirement Any supported device DL-7xxx family only
Typical hosts Desktop, laptop, server Embedded, industrial

Enabling embedded mode

Embedded mode is enabled through the SDK configuration when initialising the system. Set the DLSDK_CONFIG_FLAG_EMBEDDED_MODE flag in the configuration before initialisation:

#include <dlsdk/dlsdk.h>

dlsdk_config config;
DLSDK_CONFIG_INIT(&config);
config.flags = DLSDK_CONFIG_FLAG_EMBEDDED_MODE;

dlsdk_initialise_with_config(&config);

#include <dlsdk/dlsdk.h>

// firmwarePath = nullptr, firmware update not supported in embedded mode
dl::sdk::Config config(nullptr, /*flags=*/DLSDK_CONFIG_FLAG_EMBEDDED_MODE);
dl::sdk::System system(config);

import dlsdk

config = dlsdk.Config()
config.embedded_mode = True
dlsdk.create_system(config)

Note

If the connected device does not support embedded mode, enabling this flag will not have the intended effect. Ensure you are using a compatible DL-7xxx family device — contact Synaptics if you are unsure.