How to choose a TFT LCD Display Module

To choose the right TFT LCD module for your application, there are few questions to be asked and several factors to be considered. These are fundamentals from size & brightness to operating environment, technology and interface.

Size is the starting point for majority of projects. There are two sizes to consider, outline dimension and active area. Outline dimension defines the minimum space LCD module will take up within a product. Active area is related to the display window on finished product.

Brightness, viewing angle and contrast are also important issues, governed by the environment in which your product is to be used as well as how it is to be used. There are many variants in these parameters with different technology of the display. TN, STN, Reflecive and IPS governing the basics, but optical enhancements such as circular polarizers, O-film and anti-reflective coating amongst others also play a part.

Brightness - there are options in brightness levels with range and size. Technical options are available, which provide ability for extending product life and reducing power consumption. All Topway's TFT LCD modules integrate LED as back-light.

Viewing Angle is controlled by LCD type but with options available, for example contrast enhancement mechanisms with IPS technology offering 180-degree viewing capability. Below is short video demonstrating Topway's 180-degree viewing angle TFT LCD modules.

Contrast Ratio - most important factor in term of optical performance and where most losses are seen is in high ambient light conditions. There are many mechanisms available to manage this parameter from timing control (TMR)   internally to surface coatings like AR (anti-reflection and for outdoor conditions optical bonding).

Above three characteristics are closely connected, and there are many enhancements available to suit different environments and applications.

Interface - TFT displays come in a wide variety of interfaces, HDMI, RGB, LVDS, MIPI, SPI, RS232 and Parallel MCU. Choosing one of these is determined by the resources you have on your application, as they each put different demands on time and system requirements. Here is an introduction on interfaces and their selections.

Temperature - There are some basic science behind the temperature range of a LCD module. Which needs careful management to achieve best lifetime performance. Most LCD panels produced by Topway offer operation ranges in -20/-30 to +70/+80 degree. Also there are techniques and mechanisms to enhance such performance.

Surface Coating, Touch Screen, Cover Len and Optical Bonding - Displace enhancement has become a major factor in today's market with more products being used outdoor. In the world of Tablets and Smart Phones, intelligent user interfaces and touch functions being a prerequisite for most new designs. The option and availability of these enhancements have therefore become much easier and much more cost-effective. Whatever is required there is now an easy cost-effective option available.

Leave us a message if you have any TFT LCD display related question, we are very happy to discuss any LCD topic with you.