Display Technology


Display technologies and design in the real world


By Chris Bartram, managing director, Crystal Display Systems (CDS) W


here engineering teams are focused exclusively on professional and industrial display solutions, whether for


release or design, every project should start from a system-engineering perspective rather than a simple “panel reseller” mentality, as the implications of the wrong display in the wrong application can be huge and catastrophic.


Core TFT-LCD technologies At the heart of most projects are TFT-LCD modules ranging from sub-1" to >80", available in TN, VA, and IPS technologies. Selection is driven by viewing angle symmetry, contrast stability, response time, and temperature performance. For industrial and HMI applications, we typically prioritise IPS and advanced VA modes to ensure wide viewing angles (typically 80/80/80/80°) and colour consistency across temperature ranges. Interfaces include legacy RGB and parallel TTL, LVDS for mid-resolution panels, and eDP or MIPI DSI for modern high-resolution modules. We routinely manage interface conversion, for example, bridging an eDP or MIPI panel to an embedded platform that only offers LVDS, HDMI, or DisplayPort via custom interface boards. Backlight systems are LED-based with typical lifetimes of 30,000–70,000 hours to 50 per cent brightness, and where necessary, we derate drive current and implement closed-loop dimming to extend lifetime and mitigate thermal stress.


High-brightness and sunlight- readable solutions


For outdoor and high-ambient environments, suppliers offer high-brightness TFTs (typically 1,000–3,000 cd/m²) combined with optical bonding, anti-reflective (AR) or anti-glare (AG) treatments, and mechanically robust assemblies. Sunlight readability is not just about luminance; we evaluate the full optical stack – front glass, air gaps,


16 February 2026


polarisers, and any overlays – to minimise reflectance and maximise contrast ratio under high ambient lux.


Where applications involve elevated panel temperatures (e.g. sealed outdoor enclosures), we specify high-TNI liquid crystal formulations and enhanced polarisers to avoid image sticking and blackening. Engineering teams can perform thermal analysis at both module and system level, considering backlight power dissipation, enclosure design, and environmental conditions, and we can provide guidance on heatsinking, airflow, and derating strategies.


Touch technologies and cover glass engineering


Companies will deliver several touchscreen technologies, either as standalone sensors or fully integrated cover-glass assemblies. For PCAP, we focus heavily on stack-up design: sensor glass, optically clear adhesive (OCA or gel), display, and outer cover-glass. We tune the controller firmware for specific conditions – including use with gloves, saline


Components in Electronics


or water on the surface, or proximity to noisy power electronics – and perform on-site or lab-based tuning where required. Cover glass can be chemically or thermally toughened, with thickness options typically from 1.1 mm to 6 mm and above, and can incorporate printed borders, logos, icons, and functional features such as mask-printed privacy zones. Surface treatments include anti-fingerprint (AF), AG, and AR coatings. Mechanical design work includes defining gasket compression, mechanical fixing points, and deflection analysis to ensure the assembly meets IP (e.g. IP65 front) and IK impact requirements without inducing MURA or stress on the display.


Optical bonding and enhanced optics


Optical bonding is a core CDS capability. By replacing the air gap between the display and cover glass with a solid or gel-based optically clear adhesive, we reduce internal reflections, increase perceived contrast, and improve mechanical robustness and thermal


conduction. We work with both silicone-gel and solid lamination processes depending on application, reworkability requirements, and environmental profile (temperature cycling, humidity, UV).


Engineers should model the impact of bonding on optical performance, including reflectance, haze, and potential colour shift. They can recommend bond line thickness and refractive index to balance optical and mechanical requirements. For applications in transport, marine, or rugged industrial environments, bonding significantly improves shock and vibration resistance by turning multiple fragile layers into a single composite.


Specialist and rugged display platforms


Beyond generic modules, companies now offer a wide range of specialist form factors: stretched / bar-type TFTs, letterbox displays, ultra-wide aspect ratio panels for signage and dashboard applications, as well as small-format TFTs and OLEDs for handheld


www.cieonline.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44