Human Machine Interface
exceptional optical performance from a display. The latest evolution of IPS-Pro provides display modules that offer a highly stable colour image with excellent colour saturation and high contrast ratios from any viewing angle. The deeper black levels combined with improved transmittance provide contrast ratios of up to 1200:1. These characteristics also mean that high brightness can be achieved without increasing the power consumption of the backlight unit. Ongoing and continuous
improvements to IPS LCD technology is now enabling designers to deliver a much higher and more stable image performance over all viewing angles than any other TFT technology.
So, why use IPS? IPS LCDs are being extensively used by more and more blue chip multi-nationals in the manufacture of high performance, high volume consumer products such as smartphones, tablet computers, monitors and televisions. Other smaller, more niche industrial markets are now also able to benefit from in-plane-switching technology as standard, off the shelf IPS displays become more widely available.
no colour shift and deeper black levels. The diagram below illustrates the
improved viewing angles of IPS-Pro compared to alternative wide viewing angle technologies. In particular it is important to note the viewing angles achievable at 50% contrast level. This is known as the Half Contrast Angle (HCA) which is a more realistic measurement of wide angle performance. The maximum contrast ratio is experienced when looking perpendicular to the screen.
The future of IPS
TFT display technology in its various guises has been with us for more than 30 years. It continues to be a highly efficient and cost effective display technology. LCD development still continues apace with further enhancements to improve all aspects of its performance.
OLED has long been marketed and
promoted as being able to provide the next sustainable and long term alternative to LCD technology. It is still seen as an immature technology with on-going technical issues to be overcome, such as consistent and long term product life. OLED usage to date
Demand for wide viewing angle and wide field of vision displays has increased. Many applications now require highly consistent optical performance and accurate image reproduction. Contrast and colour characteristics must be maintained over a wide range of viewing angles and positions. When viewed from an acute angle, a conventional TFT display will exhibit a loss of brightness and display image colours will become inverted. In certain applications this performance limitation is not critical; a laptop pc where the user is generally situated perpendicular to the TFT display. In medical diagnostic imaging and broadcast systems however the image viewed by one individual could be perceived to be different to the image representation seen by a second viewing individual in an alternative viewing position.
IPS TFT technology overcomes the limitations of conventional TN mode TFT display technology and provides the following benefits: wide viewing angles, accurate colour reproduction with almost
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has been limited to high volume consumer applications such as digital cameras and smartphones. IPS TFT technology has notable benefits over traditional TN TFT technology and other competing TFT technologies and is now becoming common place in wide range of applications requiring consistent and accurate display reproduction such as medical equipment, marine navigation, digital signage and industrial process control.
It is very likely that IPS TFT displays will continue to provide a highly viable display technology providing market leading optical performance and ensuring the graphical user interface delivers the best possible user experience.
Hitachi Display Products Group |
www.hitachi-displays-eu.com
Mark Stephenson is Product Marketing Manager at Hitachi Display Products Group
Components in Electronics November 2011 21
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