All posts by: Microtips Technology

LCD Interfaces: MIPI & LVDS

Microtips Technology / / Others

MIPI DSI and LVDS are two popular high-speed display connection technologies. MIPI, or Mobile Industry Processor Interface, is a high-speed differential protocol that is widely used in cellphones. MIPI Display Serial Interface (DSI) technology is created specifically for display communication.

LVDS is a display data transmission technology that uses differential signalling at low voltages. While LVDS is a comprehensive signaling specification, it has become synonymous with the FPD-Link protocol in the display sector (Flat Panel Display Link). The communication protocols MIPI DSI and FPD-Link both use LVDS as their standard.

These communication protocols use differential signalling to communicate display data, making data transmission faster and using fewer data lines. Large displays, great graphical resolution, and quick frame rates are all advantages of these interfaces. Because these signals are delivered in a differential sequence over bidirectional data lanes, the display interface requires fewer connections.

The MIPI Interface

The MIPI DSI was designed to connect the displays of smartphones and smart gadgets, and it is today the most widely used connection interface. A differential clock pair is also present as part of the MIPI interface, which clocks both the signals and the data lines at a high frequency.

Low voltage triggers these clock and data channels, resulting in low-power displays. This interface can handle a large amount of data since it can signal data quickly, exceeding the minimum frame rate requirements. To put it another way, MIPI interface displays may be capable of supporting high resolution, rich color rendering, and high-speed applications such as video transmission.

The LVDS Interface

LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) is a common choice for large LCDs and peripherals that require high bandwidth, such as high-definition graphics and fast frame rates. Because of its high data transfer speed and low voltage, it is an excellent solution.

The signal is carried on two wires, with one transmitting the inverse of the other. The electric field generated by one wire is neatly hidden by the other, resulting in significantly reduced interference for surrounding wireless equipment. A circuit at the receiver end reads the voltage difference (thus the “differential” in the name) between the wires. As a result, this method generates no noise and does not have its signals confused by external noise.

The display is connected to an HDMI module via an LVDS interface, which handles gate and driver signals and the capacitive touch interface. This display receives RGB data in six or eight-bit sequences through the LVDS interface, equivalent to 16-bit, 18-bit, and 24-bit colour depths.

The Distinction Between The MIPI DSI And LVDS Interfaces

  • Unlike the LVDS interface, which can only carry video data, the MIPI DSI interface can also broadcast control commands.
  • The LVDS interface turns the RGB TTL signal into an LVDS signal that may be transmitted using the SPWG/JEIDA protocol. According to a defined handshake sequence and instruction regulations, the MIPI DSI interface provides the video data and control data required for screen control.
  • The type of LVDS interface signal is LVDS (low voltage differential pair), and the signal’s content is RGB data, line and field synchronisation, and clock.
  • The LVDS signal is the type of MIPI DSI interface signal, and the signal’s content is video stream data and control commands.

Concluding Thought

As display communication interface technology progresses, so are strategies for lowering the system’s complexity. MIPI DSI and LVDS cooperated with the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) to implement video compression into their interfaces, allowing the display to have fewer memory restrictions.

These differential display interfaces are excellent choices for applications where the display is an inherent part of the product rather than a system peripheral. This is why they’re seen in smart gadgets like cellphones, computers, and televisions, where the display is the primary application. Analog interfaces are progressively being replaced with digital interfaces, such as a push button with a capacitive touch display. As a result, differential interfaces have become the new industry standard for display communication.

MINI LED VS. MICRO LED – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE & WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

Microtips Technology / / OLED

The most recent breakthroughs in the LED sector are Mini LEDs and Micro LEDs. Because of their extensive use in smartphones, TVs, displays, laptops, and other electronic devices, these LEDs have a bright future. Their size is the most significant distinction between them. Micro LEDs (100-200 m) are larger than Mini LEDs (100-200 m) (100 m). As a result, both have applications in a variety of sectors.

What Is a Mini LED?

Treating a mini-LED display as if it were a better-LED display is the best way to remember what it is. An LED backlight provides the brightness of an LED display. To see the visuals on the screen, the mini-LED, like LED, requires a backlight.

What Is a Micro LED?

People often confuse the two terms. The main difference is that the former does not have a backlight to illuminate the display. When you consider it, a micro-LED is much closer to an OLED TV than a mini-LED. This is because the OLED does not have a backlight. Instead, it can control the contrast of its pixels.

The Future Of Micro LED Will In The Coming Years

Upstream wafer factories like Epistar, HC SemiTek, etc., companies such as Everlight, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology, Harvatek, and others have invested in Mini LED technology, as have IC designers such as Macroblock, Raydium, and Jasper Display, panel producers such as AU Optronics and Innolux, and digital display makers such as Leyard.

On the one hand, it has been widely reported that Apple is working on its own micro-LED display research, while on the other hand, it has been extensively reported that Samsung is working on its own micro-LED display research. Micro LEDs, according to Apple, have the potential to make future iPhones even slimmer and brighter than the latest-generation organic LED (OLED) displays that have recently supplanted LCD panels.

What Is The Distinction Between Them?

Mini LED and Micro LED are two names that, in theory, signify two different things. Micro LED is a new generation of display technology that uses a matrix of small LEDs to create a display. Each pixel is independently addressed and directed to emit light, similar to OLED (self-emitting). The LED backlight is smaller, thinner, and more evenly distributed, with the LED unit measuring less than 100 micrometers in diameter. Mini LED is a better form of traditional LED backlight and is a transitional technology between traditional LED and Micro LED.

Mini LED vs. Micro LED

Micro LEDs have a simpler structure and better performance, but mass transmission is the main concern. Miniaturizing LEDs, which demand wafer-level technology, is the issue.4K Micro LED panels, for example, require more than 24.88 million LED chips.

Mini LED has a greater yield rate than Micro LED in the production process. When paired with flexible substrates, mini LED is also suitable for notch design and very curved backlight. Another feature that helps Mini LED devices have better color reproduction is local dimming. Mini LED technology allows LCD panels to support more HDR categories, and Mini LED products can be as compact as OLED gadgets, saving power.

ParameterMini LEDsMicro LEDs
Size100 to 200 µmLess than 100 µm
ApplicationLCD backlight, fine pitch display wallSelf-emitting display wall, Micro-projection display wall
Number Of LEDs usedMore than a thousand LEDsMillions of LEDs
Energy ConsumptionMediumLow
Luminous EfficiencyMediumHigh
Viewing AngleMediumHigh
CostLessHigh
Mass ProductionLess difficultHigh

Concluding Thought

To summarise, both the mini-LED and the micro-LED are excellent purchases, but it all comes down to your purchasing criteria. To purchase a micro-LED, you will almost certainly need a ridiculous amount of cash. Micro LED, on the other hand, is the way to go if money isn’t an issue and you want the most incredible TV available. A prominent reason why many people prefer mini-LEDs is because of this. It’s even the greatest LED display currently available.

Mini LED vs. Micro LED – What Is the Difference & Which One is Better?

Microtips Technology / / Uncategorized

The most recent breakthroughs in the LED sector are Mini LEDs and Micro LEDs. Because of their extensive use in smartphones, TVs, displays, laptops, and other electronic devices, these LEDs have a bright future. Their size is the most significant distinction between them. Micro LEDs (100-200 m) are larger than Mini LEDs (100-200 m) (100 m). As a result, both have applications in a variety of sectors.

What Is a Mini LED?

Treating a mini-LED display as if it were a better-LED display is the best way to remember what it is. An LED backlight provides the brightness of an LED display. To see the visuals on the screen, the mini-LED, like LED, requires a backlight.

What Is a Micro LED?

People often confuse the two terms. The main difference is that the former does not have a backlight to illuminate the display. When you consider it, a micro LED is much closer to an OLED TV than a mini-LED. This is because the OLED does not have a backlight. Instead, it can control the contrast of its pixels.

The Future Of Micro LED Will In The Coming Years

Upstream wafer factories like Epistar, HC SemiTek, etc., companies such as Everlight, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology, Harvatek, and others have invested in Mini LED technology, as have IC designers such as Macroblock, Raydium, and Jasper Display, panel producers such as AU Optronics and Innolux, and digital display makers such as Leyard.

On the one hand, it has been widely reported that Apple is working on its own micro LED display research, while on the other hand, it has been extensively reported that Samsung is working on its own micro LED display research. Micro LEDs, according to Apple, have the potential to make future iPhones even slimmer and brighter than the latest-generation organic LED (OLED) displays that have recently supplanted LCD panels.

What Is The Distinction Between Them?

Mini LED and Micro LED is two names that, in theory, signify two different things. Micro LED is a new generation of display technology that uses a matrix of small LEDs to create a display. Each pixel is independently addressed and directed to emit light, similar to OLED (self-emitting). The LED backlight is smaller, thinner, and more evenly distributed, with the LED unit measuring less than 100 micrometers in diameter. Mini LED is a better form of traditional LED backlight and is a transitional technology between traditional LED and Micro LED.

Micro LEDs have a simpler structure and better performance, but mass transmission is the main concern. Miniaturizing LEDs, which demand wafer-level technology, is the issue.4K Micro LED panels, for example, require more than 24.88 million LED chips.

Mini LED has a greater yield rate than Micro LED in the production process. When paired with flexible substrates, mini LED is also suitable for notch design and very curved backlight. Another feature that helps Mini LED devices have better color reproduction is local dimming. Mini LED technology allows LCD panels to support more HDR categories, and Mini LED products can be as compact as OLED gadgets, saving power.

ParameterMini LEDsMicro LEDs
Size100 to 200 µmLess than 100 µm
ApplicationLCD backlight, fine pitch display wall    Self-emitting display wall, Micro-projection display wall
Number Of LEDs usedMore than a thousand LEDsMillions of LEDs
Energy ConsumptionMediumLow
Luminous EfficiencyMediumHigh
Viewing AngleMediumHigh
CostLessHigh
Mass ProductionLess difficultDifficult

Concluding Thought

To summarise, both the mini-LED and the micro LED are excellent purchases, but it all comes down to your purchasing criteria. To purchase a micro LED, you will almost certainly need a ridiculous amount of cash. Micro LED, on the other hand, is the way to go if money isn’t an issue and you want the most incredible TV available. A prominent reason why many people prefer mini-LEDs is because of this. It’s even the greatest LED display currently available.

WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF E-PAPER?

Microtips Technology / / E-Paper Display

As computer screens aren’t designed for reading pages, new ways to view words electronically have emerged due to the growth of online material.  e-Paper is a type of display that imitates the appearance of regular ink on paper, including its flexibility, while being more environmentally friendly than using a computer. It is more environmentally beneficial to read the information on e-Paper than to watch it on a computer. 

e-Paper, which was created to solve the limitations of computer screens, reflects light like ordinary paper instead of utilizing a backlight to illuminate pixels and can store text and images endlessly without draining electricity. 

This new device will be as light and thin as a magazine, yet it will be able to store all of the newspapers and documents that a single person could read in several months.

Paper Vs. Digital: Which Is The “Greenest” Long-Term Future Option?

Going online and replacing paper applications with electronic, digital, and virtual alternatives is one of the most promising techniques for paper efficiency. 

There is a lot of room for paper reductions, whether it’s replacing a catalog with an online shop, use of email instead of paper billing, advertising on the internet instead of magazines or direct mail, and delivering all kinds of information in electronic form, from news to literature to photographs. 

Digital applications might potentially replace up to 25% of paper consumption, according to the research.

Total annual CO2e emissions from the paper sector are estimated to be 2500 tonnes (8 percent of global emissions) and IT emissions are estimated to be 860 tonnes (2.7 % of the global emissions).

The e-Paper Setting With ‘Green’ Displays

In the high-end baggage sector, e-Paper displays have found a home. They display essential travel information instead of the type of printed paper luggage tags usually tied to our suitcase handles during check-in. 

These e-Paper luggage tags may be reused and refreshed for several flights (for example, via NFC or a smartphone, to mention a few examples), giving a green alternative to paper and reducing environmental impact. However, the benefits to customers are numerous.

For travelers, the e-Paper luggage tags make the bag-drop operation much more fluid and efficient, allowing for faster check-in. Additionally, travelers can track their luggage much more efficiently with real-time, global tracking. Built-in GPS, GSM, and WiFi pinpoint a suitcase’s exact location in seconds, reducing the risk of misplaced or delayed luggage.

Finally, several ePaper luggage tags on the market include a built-in weighing scale, allowing you to escape the embarrassment of emptying your suitcase at the check-in desk to reduce the weight. Now, travelers need not worry about being charged an overweight surcharge.

In a Nutshell

e-Paper is a long-lasting, reusable, and environmentally friendly replacement to paper that eliminates all kinds of paper consumption and waste, reducing environmental impact and making it a viable option for various applications and use cases. 

The effects of paper on climate change are mostly driven by those that occur during manufacturing and disposal, with use having only minor consequences. 

On the other hand, the influence of IT is largely determined by how much electricity is consumed during its use (for example, the internet uses a huge amount of electricity). This results in skewed industry comparisons of the energy needed to use paper versus IT.

What Are The Environmental Benefits of e-Paper?

Microtips Technology / / E-Paper Display

As computer screens aren’t designed for reading pages, new ways to view words electronically have emerged due to the growth of online material.  e-Paper is a type of display that imitates the appearance of regular ink on paper, including its flexibility, while being more environmentally friendly than using a computer. It is more environmentally beneficial to read the information on e-Paper than to watch it on a computer.

e-Paper, which was created to solve the limitations of computer screens, reflects light like ordinary paper instead of utilizing a backlight to illuminate pixels and can store text and images endlessly without draining electricity.

This new device will be as light and thin as a magazine, yet it will be able to store all of the newspapers and documents that a single person could read in several months.

Paper Vs. Digital: Which Is The “Greenest” Long-Term Future Option?

Going online and replacing paper applications with electronic, digital, and virtual alternatives is one of the most promising techniques for paper efficiency.

There is a lot of room for paper reductions, whether it’s replacing a catalog with an online shop, use of email instead of paper billing, advertising on the internet instead of magazines or direct mail, and delivering all kinds of information in electronic form, from news to literature to photographs.

Digital applications might potentially replace up to 25% of paper consumption, according to the research.

Total annual CO2e emissions from the paper sector are estimated to be 2500 tonnes (8 percent of global emissions) and IT emissions are estimated to be 860 tonnes (2.7 % of the global emissions).

The e-Paper Setting With ‘Green’ Displays

In the high-end baggage sector, e-Paper displays have found a home. They display essential travel information instead of the type of printed paper luggage tags usually tied to our suitcase handles during check-in.

These e-Paper luggage tags may be reused and refreshed for several flights (for example, via NFC or a smartphone, to mention a few examples), giving a green alternative to paper and reducing environmental impact. However, the benefits to customers are numerous.

For travelers, the e-Paper luggage tags make the bag-drop operation much more fluid and efficient, allowing for faster check-in. Additionally, travelers can track their luggage much more efficiently with real-time, global tracking. Built-in GPS, GSM, and WiFi pinpoint a suitcase’s exact location in seconds, reducing the risk of misplaced or delayed luggage.

Finally, several ePaper luggage tags on the market include a built-in weighing scale, allowing you to escape the embarrassment of emptying your suitcase at the check-in desk to reduce the weight. Now, travelers need not worry about being charged an overweight surcharge.

In a Nutshell

e-Paper is a long-lasting, reusable, and environmentally friendly replacement to paper that eliminates all kinds of paper consumption and waste, reducing environmental impact and making it a viable option for various applications and use cases.

The effects of paper on climate change are mostly driven by those that occur during manufacturing and disposal, with use having only minor consequences.

On the other hand, the influence of IT is largely determined by how much electricity is consumed during its use (for example, the internet uses a huge amount of electricity). This results in skewed industry comparisons of the energy needed to use paper versus IT.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING LCD MONITOR

Microtips Technology / / LCD, TFT

Is your old computer monitor wearing out and you urgently need a new one? Perhaps you should make yourself familiar with LCDs.

LCDs are electroluminescent displays and have been used these days popularly in a wide range of electronic devices. 

In the past years, they have become the norm for desktop monitors. LCDs have also captured the TV market during the same period.

Compared to CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors, flatscreen monitors are much thinner and lighter. The technology also enables more transparent images, higher resolutions, and flicker-free displays, which are easier on the eyes, require less energy, and emit no electromagnetic radiation.

These are only a few of the reasons to replace that old CRT monitor finally. Monitors and flatscreens are described in this article in terms of their features. These tips will help you decide which LCD computer monitor is right for you.

  • Screen Size

The diagonal measurement is from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner in inches. The screen size ranges from 15″ to 30″. Most desktop monitors are between 19″ and 22″ in today’s market, although larger sizes are not uncommon.

In general, larger size means you have more space on your desktop. You could open more than one window at once. Furthermore, larger monitors are more expensive in addition to taking up more space on your desk.

  • Aspect Ratio

According to the aspect ratio, the number of horizontal pixels in a display is higher than that of vertical pixels. Typical CRT monitors had an aspect ratio of 4:3 and were almost square. Today, you can find widescreen monitors with aspect ratios like movie theater screens (16:9 or 16:10). 16:9 is sometimes referred to as HD (high definition).

Widescreen displays let you avoid the black bars that appear across your screen when watching DVDs on your computer. Furthermore, wide ratios make it easier to view multiple windows simultaneously. The only reason to choose 4:3 is if you prefer it or don’t have enough desk space to accommodate a more comprehensive monitor.

  • Resolution

An image’s resolution refers to how many pixels are displayed horizontally and vertically. 

Currently, LCD flatscreens only have one native resolution because of the nature of LCD technology. Thus, their native resolution describes the absolute number of pixels present horizontally and vertically.

When used on a flatscreen, a lower resolution than native causes fuzzy images, unlike CRT monitors. Because the native resolution cannot be changed unless you take a loss in image quality, it is essential to choose the right one from the beginning.

Sharper images, higher clarity, and more desktop space are advantages of higher resolutions. If you enjoy multitasking on your computer or watching movies on it, this is perfect for you. On the other hand, the text becomes much smaller and less readable. As a result, a high resolution should be avoided if your eyesight is not perfect.

  • Contrast Ratio

In LCD computer monitors, the contrast ratio measures how much variation between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. As the contrast ratio increases, the whites and blacks become whiter and blacker, and the gray values in between. 1,000: 1 is the best contrast ratio you can achieve.

It isn’t easy to discuss contrast ratios. You cannot compare the values across manufacturers. Occasionally, you will also see the term dynamic contrast, which is different from contrast ratio and can be misleading.

  • Brightness

Several backlights illuminate an LCD monitor. Candelas per square meter (cd/m2) measure brightness. To watch movies and play games on your computer, you need at least 300 cd/m2, i.e., a higher intelligence. Generally, there is no need to exceed 250 cd/m2 for office work or browsing.

Wrapping It Up!

An essential thing you are supposed to do is choose your desired size, aspect ratio, and resolution. You should select these features based on your needs. In the next step, you can compare features of all available models, such as contrast ratio, brightness, and open ports. After that, you can decide which model is within your budget.

Microtips Technology, a US-based display module manufacturer and distributor, has launched its range of products with LCDs’ latest capabilities.

TOP 4 AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY TRENDS IN 2022

Microtips Technology / / LCD, Industry News, OLED, TFT

The global automotive industry is set to witness the immense change in the manufacturing, sales, and overall business model, owing to the prompt advances in the latest technologies like autonomous driving, augmented reality, and big data. 

In today’s cars, there are a growing number of displays. This article explains the most important trends in automotive displays that you must know in 2022. 

1. A Head-Up Display, An Electronic Mirror, And More

Nowadays, electromechanical switches and controls are being increasingly replaced by electronic controls, which include touchscreen displays. Even smaller controls, such as those to control the air conditioning, the position of a car’s exterior mirrors, or the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, are involved.

In addition to the electronic mirror, there is another new development with cameras and display systems replacing rear-view or exterior mirrors to enhance safety by providing a better viewing angle. Since the protruding mirrors can be eliminated, even fuel savings are possible. The savings may be small for passenger cars, but for trucks and buses, they can be substantial.

2. OLED Technology Adoption On The Rise

In-vehicle interactions are primarily determined by visualization technologies, with overall automotive navigation and connectivity defining the cars of this generation. As a result, prominent automakers have incorporated interactive displays (those capable of responding to touch and visual stimulation) into their manufacturing processes.

As the most preferred display technology, OLED displays are increasingly chosen by automotive companies such as General Motors, Audi, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. Some examples include:

One of the unique selling propositions of OLED displays is their improved picture quality, sharpness, and visibility. The global auto sector is highly competitive, so the automotive display market is experiencing sustained growth.

3. A New Generation Of Chip Solutions

Apart from getting a wide range of innovative chip solutions for processing the video stream and driving the display panels, you can also get accurate solutions for backlighting. Furthermore, you can be ensured that each application connects to high-speed networks while also providing the necessary power, especially for applications that must adhere to very high and constantly expanding safety standards in the automotive industry.

You can get the right system designers with an appropriate software suite to simplify display programming and configuration, especially on safety requirements. In addition, extensive documentation and application notes with design examples and the necessary safety manuals are available.

4. Changes In Architecture

In the past, most display systems had a System on Chip (SoC) with an integrated GPU next to the display panel. Project and system responsibilities and technical feasibility, security aspects, and commercial aspects played a decisive role.

A fundamental change is occurring in this so-called “distributed architecture.” The trend towards stand-alone displays supports the new domain architecture. Currently, LCDs display graphics and video streams generated by a computing unit, a domain controller, far away in the car, typically under a back seat, rather than by an SoC or GPU within the display system.

Wrapping It Up!

C.A.S.E. (Connectivity, Autonomous, Sharing/Subscription, and Electrification) continues to dominate as digital technologies continue to transform the landscape of mobility and the development processes used in the automotive industry. You should understand and look at how these automotive trends will shape the auto industry in 2022!

Microtips Technology, a significant manufacturer of LCDs in the United States, has developed an LCD with less than an inch of diagonal. This device offers the best user experience and customer requirements for LCDs. We are a supplier of LCD modules with custom LCD, OLED, and capacitive touchscreen products.

Top 4 Automotive Display Trends in 2022

Microtips Technology / / OLED, Industry News, News

The global automotive industry is set to witness the immense change in the manufacturing, sales, and overall business model, owing to the prompt advances in the latest technologies like autonomous driving, augmented reality, and big data.

In today’s cars, there are a growing number of displays. This article explains the most important trends in automotive displays that you must know in 2022.

  1. A Head-Up Display, An Electronic Mirror, And More

Nowadays, electromechanical switches and controls are being increasingly replaced by electronic controls, which include touchscreen displays. Even smaller controls, such as those to control the air conditioning, the position of a car’s exterior mirrors, or the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, are involved.

In addition to the electronic mirror, there is another new development with cameras and display systems replacing rear-view or exterior mirrors to enhance safety by providing a better viewing angle. Since the protruding mirrors can be eliminated, even fuel savings are possible. The savings may be small for passenger cars, but for trucks and buses, they can be substantial.

  1. OLED Technology Adoption On The Rise

In-vehicle interactions are primarily determined by visualization technologies, with overall automotive navigation and connectivity defining the cars of this generation. As a result, prominent automakers have incorporated interactive displays (those capable of responding to touch and visual stimulation) into their manufacturing processes.

As the most preferred display technology, OLED displays are increasingly chosen by automotive companies such as General Motors, Audi, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. Some examples include:

One of the unique selling propositions of OLED displays is their improved picture quality, sharpness, and visibility. The global auto sector is highly competitive, so the automotive display market is experiencing sustained growth.

  1. A New Generation Of Chip Solutions

Apart from getting a wide range of innovative chip solutions for processing the video stream and driving the display panels, you can also get accurate solutions for backlighting. Furthermore, you can be ensured that each application connects to high-speed networks while also providing the necessary power, especially for applications that must adhere to very high and constantly expanding safety standards in the automotive industry.

You can get the right system designers with an appropriate software suite to simplify display programming and configuration, especially on safety requirements. In addition, extensive documentation and application notes with design examples and the necessary safety manuals are available.

  1. Changes In Architecture

In the past, most display systems had a System on Chip (SoC) with an integrated GPU next to the display panel. Project and system responsibilities and technical feasibility, security aspects, and commercial aspects played a decisive role.

A fundamental change is occurring in this so-called “distributed architecture.” The trend towards stand-alone displays supports the new domain architecture. Currently, LCDs display graphics and video streams generated by a computing unit, a domain controller, far away in the car, typically under a back seat, rather than by an SoC or GPU within the display system.

Wrapping It Up!

C.A.S.E. (Connectivity, Autonomous, Sharing/Subscription, and Electrification) continues to dominate as digital technologies continue to transform the landscape of mobility and the development processes used in the automotive industry. You should understand and look at how these automotive trends will shape the auto industry in 2022!

Microtips Technology, a significant manufacturer of LCDs in the United States, has developed an LCD with less than an inch of diagonal. This device offers the best user experience and customer requirements for LCDs. We are a supplier of LCD modules with custom LCD, OLED, and capacitive touchscreen products.

DISPLAY

Microtips Technology / / Others

Identifying an energy-efficient display can be critical in industrial use cases and general use cases like households. 

Today, the market is dominated by several dominant technologies; thus, knowing which one is the best depends significantly on energy consumption. 

With the increasing usage of digital screens, energy consumption has become a pressing issue for electronic display users worldwide. Thus, the energy efficiency of display screens becomes a crucial subject of making the lower power consumption energy-saving display design.

Let us now discuss some of the most popular display types that have been in high demand because of their energy-efficient architecture.

  • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The term liquid crystal describes a substance that lies in a state between liquid and solid but exhibits the properties of both. Since their first observation in the 19th century, LCD technology has been enjoying various advancements, and currently, it accounts for an enormous share in the entire display market area. 

LCD belongs to a non-emissive display category, and further, you can classify them as Passive matrix (PMLCD) and active matrix (AMLCD). The fundamental difference that exists between these two categories is in the way of addressing pixels for producing different luminance components of an image. 

The power consumption of LCD is directly proportional to the drive frequency (as the frame rate lowers, the power consumption reduces) and the displayed image. 

  • Electronic Paper (E-Paper)

Electronic paper is a vigorous display technology that can rip off the traditional paper. Just as in the case of LCD, e-paper also belongs to the non-emissive display category, and here we do not need any backlight. It is because the ambient light from nature is enough. 

The display comprises millions of microcapsules containing positively charged white and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear liquid, producing the resolution only found in prints. 

Significant characteristics of e-paper include flexibility, reliability, multi-functionality, and ultra-low power consumption. They even lead to zero consumption in the non-updating period. You can find several technologies in small sizes, although there are approaches with A5 size. 

  • Organic Light-Emitting Display (OLED)

OLED or organic light-emitting diode is a light-emitting technology that is made when you place several thin organic films made from carbon and hydrogen between two conductors. They will emit a bright light when the electric current is applied. 

Several OLEDs share specific characteristics like high brightness and contrast, captivating color definition, and quick response time. Because of the self-luminous effect, they offer an enormous view angle of 160 degrees. However, a significant benefit is their low power consumption (proportional to the number of pixels that are turned on, the black dots will not require power), which depends on the present content only because they don’t need a backlight. 

It makes them thinner and efficient. As they are manufactured on a small scale, they are available at a high price. Several studies conclude that while using this technology, the consumption of displays rises strongly as per the size.  

  • Electroluminescent Display (ELD)

Electroluminescent display technology is well-known for taking advantage of the light-emission phenomenon because of the strong electric field. You can find a solid-state thin phosphor film and insulator stack deposited on a glass substrate in the ELD driven by high voltage electronics generating a positive and negative pulse. Plus, they are known for being a cost-efficient light source method leading to low power consumption. 

Electroluminescent technology is well-known for having lower consumption and contrast ratios. It is best to pay attention to the viewing angle values of 180 degrees. 

The prototype values are given when discussing TDEL and AMEL as they are not yet commercialized.

In A Nutshell

When looking at several options within the reflective display, you can find two significant candidates: E-ink display and  LCD. As they all carry different characteristics, you should look at the specific application to understand the power-efficient one. 

Microtips Technology, a US-based electronic display manufacturer, is pioneering the development of capacitive touch panels featured with specialized coatings. They manufacture PCAPs for extensive use cases in different industry domains such as healthcare, education, corporates, banking, and research.

VIEWING MODES IN LCD PANELS

Microtips Technology / / LCD, TFT

The terms reflective, transmissive, and transflective describe how LCD modules illuminate. Compared to emissive display technologies such as OLED displays (organic light-emitting diode) and VFDs (vacuum fluorescent displays), LCDs need an ambient light source like the sun, artificial light, or a merged backlight.

The display type of image will create issues that the engineering and marketing department may need to rectify.

There are three types of modes in LCD, which we shall discuss in this blog post.

1. Reflective LCD

Some displays use ambient lighting instead of backlights. This mode of operation is termed reflective. A mirror is installed behind the liquid crystal layer in this mode, which is either on the LCD cell or the rear polarizer. The ambient light passes through the LCD cell from the front side and gets a reflection by the mirror back to the person who is viewing.

Reflective LCD has the advantage of having lower power consumption and exceptional visibility in direct sunlight. It makes these displays a splendid solution for outdoor daytime applications. For being visible at night or in dark settings, the reflective LCDs need extra lighting. 

2. Transmissive LCD

When the backlight passes via LCD glass, this mode of operation is known as transmissive. LCD glass or the LCD panel might function like an optical switch, where the light can pass through the LCD cell. It depends upon the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. 

You can switch the orientation on and off by an electrical field. Backlights can produce a good amount of light, which makes the display content too bright. The negative side of using the backlights is that they need a specific amount of energy within an LCD module, majorly because the backlight is required to be every time, even if there is no content on display. 

When there is direct sunlight, the transmissive LCD screens might become washed out if the sunlight may overpower the brightness of the backlight. The backlights that are strong enough for maintaining sufficient contrast in the direct sunlight, like aviation displays, might not be compatible with the needs of portable gadgets. 

3. Transflective LCD

The displays having characteristics of both transmissive and reflective displays are called transflective LCDs. They include an integrated backlight unit and a semi-transparent reflector. The light from the backlight can eventually pass the semi-transparent reflector and then operate in the transmissive mode. 

The ambient light reflects, the display becomes visible in direct sunlight also. In the transmissive mode of operation, the light can pass through the liquid crystal layer one, while in the reflective mode, it passes twice. It is pretty flexible and allows solutions for lower power consumption in bright environments and readability in any circumstance.

Conclusion

When it comes to outdoor applications, a reflective or transflective LCD is best as they are energy efficient. On the other hand, a transmissive or reflective LCD is best for indoor applications as you can view it with them in the dark. 

Microtips, a leading LCD manufacturer company in the United States, has developed its LCD with less than an inch diagonal. They ensure the best user experience and customer requirements in LCD formation. We are an LCD module supplier with custom LCD, OLED, and capacitive touchscreen products.

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