FEATURE DISPLAYS & UIS
Micro OLED displays: Accessing new market segments and applications
Chris Parr from Midas Displays, investigates some of the key features and benefits of a new range of passive matrix micro OLED displays and the array of applications they are now infiltrating in to
output level, are now well in excess of 50K hours for white on black mode displays and up to 150K hours for yellow on black mode displays. To put this into perspective, 50K hours equates to nearly six years permanent 'On' time. Any specific lifetime concerns should be addressed at the initial design-in phase and an appropriately designed OLED display application can provide a reliable and prolonged product lifetime. One aspect of OLED technology to be
T
he adoption of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays in
many consumer products such as mobile phones, smart watches, fitness trackers and e-cigarettes has become widespread over the past few years. The proliferation of OLED displays seems set to continue with many electronic engineers and system designers focusing on embedding OLEDs in to new products such as portable healthcare monitors, test and measurement equipment, human- machine-interfaces, micro-handheld products, and wearable applications. OLED technology provides distinct advantages such as enhanced optical performance, low power consumption, compact mechanical dimensions, and light weight. In many instances, OLED displays are beginning to replace established TN, STN and FSTN LCD displays. When compared with TN LCD displays, OLED displays provide a number of benefits: exceptional colour saturation, high contrast ratios - typically 2000:1, and fast response times - typically 10x faster than a STN LCD display. Image ‘ghosting’ effects, often found on TN based LCD displays, are no longer present due to the significantly faster response time of OLED displays. The optical performance of OLED technology is stable over a wide range of
8 JUNE 2018 | ELECTRONICS
environmental conditions. Viewing direction is superior in all viewing directions. LCD displays are traditionally biased in one viewing direction such as 6 o'clock or 12 o'clock. Passive matrix OLED technology enables clear and concise display images with viewing angles of 160° in all directions.
BATTERY POWERED MICRO OLED Many current and future micro OLED designs are, and will be, battery powered. Low operating voltages of between 1.8v to 3.6v with current consumption of typically less than 5mA will enable battery lifetimes to be significantly extended. OLED display current consumption is effectively determined by how many pixels are in an 'On' state. The ability to provide a dimming function is also often required to reduce the display brightness in poor ambient light or night-time environments. This is easily performed by using a software controlled PWM drive voltage or by using a potentiometer to limit the drive current. The modules are also fully compatible with the industry- standard SSD1306BZ graphics controller. The reliability and lifetime issues of
OLED technology has been well documented. Half-brightness lifetime, which is the time taken for display brightness to reach 50% of the original
Figure 1:
Midas Displays Micro and Round OLEDs
aware of however is pixel degradation, often and mistakenly referred to as 'burn-in'. This can occur if a static image has been displayed over a sustained period of time. This effect is highly dependent on operating environment and driving conditions, and can be successfully mitigated by implementing display dimming and software-driven screensavers. In terms of mechanical product
Figure 2:
The MCOT064048A1V- YM
integration, TAB (tape automated bonding) is implemented in the construction of the micro OLED displays. Due to the lightweight and compact nature of these display modules, doubled-sided tape can often be sufficient to mount and secure the display. Further integration and protection can be provided through the use of custom bezels, optically bonded protective cover glass and chemically strengthened glass with AG, AR or AS surface treatments. The integration of a single-touch projected capacitive cell enables the micro OLED display to be used as functional, customisable 'push-button'. Micro OLED displays now offer excellent optical characteristics and extended lifetime characteristics. Unit costs are now relatively low and display modules are available 'off-the-shelf' with no minimum order quantity. These features allow the latest micro OLED displays to provide a cost effective display solution for many emerging market sectors and increasingly diverse applications.
Midas Displays
www.midasdisplays.com T: 01493 602602
/ ELECTRONICS
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