Lineup suits alphanumeric & graphic displays

The selection from Hong Kong includes digital and analog modules for alphanumeric and graphic displays. In addition to standard types, buyers can choose from a range of customizable TN, HTN, STN, FSTN, CSTN, ETN, ASTN and DFSTN configurations. These are suitable for industrial, automotive, advertising and medical applications, and audio equipment and consumer electronics such as MP3 players, mobile phones, digital cameras, PDAs and gaming devices.

Looking to take advantage of growth opportunities in the TFT segment, several suppliers have invested in technical upgrades to include such versions in their lineups. A few already provide small and medium graphic variants for portable DVD players, video door phones, GPS and digital photo frames. Units 8in and larger incorporate CCFL backlight, while smaller ones use LED.

Other suppliers, including RCL Display Ltd, are pursuing flexible variants. Some have also developed or are in the process of designing zero bistable models that retain images even without power. These include surface-stabilized, cholesteric-texture and bistable twisted nematic types.

Makers offer buyers a choice of IC driver attachment methods, including tape automated bundling, COB, COG, COF and tape carrier package. LED, EL and CCFL backlighting are optional as well. Feature customization covers power consumption and profile weight and thickness. Others also adjust the pitch, resolution and contrast, response time, operating life, viewing angle and temperature range. A few add value through a touch panel interface.

Hong Kong has about 20 suppliers of LCD modules, many of which have been in the line longer than 20 years. Besides obtaining technology patents, some have maintained close ties with academic institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. About half of the maker pool serves as one-stop sourcing houses for mainland China factories.