AA (Active Area) – The part of the display that presents graphical content (images, text, interface elements). It does not include bezels, margins or dead zones. The dimensions of the active area are crucial during device design – they must match the opening in the housing or the size of the protective cover glass. In specifications, the AA parameter is usually given in millimeters and defines the exact size of the visible working surface, which is especially important when fitting the display into panel cutouts or glass covers.
AD Board (Adapter Board) – An electronic module responsible for converting and transmitting video signals between the image source (e.g. a computer or media player) and the display panel, typically an LCD-TFT. It enables connecting the display to popular interfaces like HDMI, DVI, VGA or Composite (CVBS), which may not be directly supported by the panel. The built-in controller analyzes the incoming signal and adapts it to the requirements of the specific panel in terms of resolution, refresh rate, control signals and voltage levels. Depending on the model, an AD board may also offer LED backlight control, source selection, conversion to formats such as RGB, LVDS or eDP, and on-screen menus (OSD). Such modules are commonly used in industrial and medical devices, digital signage systems, prototypes and upgrades of older displays.
AF Layer (Anti-Fingerprint) – A thin layer applied to the surface of a protective glass or touch panel that reduces the visibility of fingerprints and makes cleaning easier. It works by lowering the surface tension, which prevents contaminants (like skin oils) from adhering firmly to the surface. AF coating improves the look of the screen, increases touch precision, and makes finger gliding smoother. These coatings are especially important in devices with touchscreens such as smartphones, tablets, industrial monitors or information kiosks. They are often combined with other coatings like Anti-Glare (AG) or Anti-Reflective (AR) to create a multi-layer system that enhances both the screen’s appearance and functionality.
AG Layer (Anti-Glare) – A layer applied to the surface of a glass or display to reduce reflections of ambient light (such as sunlight, ceiling lights or glare). It works by microscopic diffusion of light rays, which eliminates sharp reflections and improves screen readability in bright environments. AG coating is used in industrial, medical, automotive devices and outdoor displays. The level of diffusion (known as haze) affects the balance between reducing reflections and maintaining image sharpness. AG coatings are often combined with other layers like Anti-Fingerprint (AF) or Anti-Reflective (AR), forming a system that improves both visibility and aesthetic quality of the screen.
Air Gap – The air space in a touch panel construction – referring to the gap of air between the touch panel surface and the display, typical of Air Bonding assembly. This gap exists when the touch panel (e.g. glass with its sensor layer) is mounted to the housing or frame without a direct, full optical bond to the screen. This solution is simpler and cheaper to produce than optical bonding and also makes it easier to replace damaged glass or sensors. However, having an air gap can cause increased light reflections, reduced contrast and poorer readability in bright conditions (for example, in sunlight). In air-bonding touch panels, this gap is usually maintained by micro-spacers (spacer dots) that ensure stable separation of the layers and prevent accidental contact.
AM Coating (Anti-Microbial) – A coating applied to protective glass or a touch panel that contains antimicrobial agents, such as silver or copper ions. Its purpose is to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms on the screen surface, thereby enhancing hygiene and safety. AM coatings are durable, active throughout the product’s lifetime, and resistant to frequent cleaning. They do not affect image quality or touch functionality. This technology is used in medical equipment, self-service devices (e.g. kiosks, ATMs), the food industry, and any place where screens are frequently touched and must meet higher hygiene standards.
Anti-Newton Ring – Methods to prevent the so-called Newton’s rings, which are colorful, rainbow-like spots or rings visible on the screen when a thin layer of air is trapped between the glass and the touch foil. This effect degrades the appearance and readability of the image. To eliminate it, solutions such as matte surface finishes, micro-spacer dots, special micro-structures, or a transparent optical adhesive (OCA) that fills the air gap are used. These measures are especially important in air-bonded screens, where the protective glass is not permanently glued to the display.
Anti-UV Layer – A coating that protects protective glass or a touch panel from harmful UV radiation, mainly from sunlight. Its purpose is to reduce material degradation – such as yellowing, cracking, loss of transparency, and deterioration of optical and mechanical properties. It can be applied directly to glass or be part of a protective film. Anti-UV coating is used in outdoor and industrial applications, for example in vehicles, ticket machines, information terminals or monitoring systems. It can also protect the LED backlight and reduce the risk of the LCD panel overheating under UV exposure.
APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) – A touch technology where the touch location is determined by analyzing acoustic waves generated at the moment of contact with the screen surface. When a user touches the screen (with a finger, stylus or other object), mechanical waves propagate across the glass surface and are detected by sensors placed at the panel edges. The controller compares the timing and characteristics of the received signals to a stored reference map, allowing it to pinpoint the touch location. APR technology is resistant to dust, moisture and surface damage, and it works regardless of the conductivity of the touching object. This makes it suitable for industrial environments, public kiosks, multimedia information systems and any application where durability and the ability to use the screen with gloves are important.
AR Layer (Anti-Reflective) – A coating applied to a display or protective glass to reduce reflections of external light that would otherwise degrade screen visibility. It works on the principle of interference: the coating’s thickness and refractive index are chosen so that light waves cancel each other out, reducing the intensity of reflections. An AR coating improves image legibility in bright environments, such as outdoors or in well-lit rooms. Unlike Anti-Glare (AG) layers, AR coating does not scatter light, thus maintaining high image sharpness – which is critical in professional applications such as medical, industrial, military or navigation systems. AR coating can be used alone or as part of a multilayer system, often combined with Anti-Fingerprint (AF), Anti-Glare (AG) or glass-strengthening layers.
AS Layer (Anti-Shatter) – A protective technology involving a coating or film that prevents glass from scattering into sharp shards if it cracks. The AS layer holds broken glass together, reducing the risk of cuts and damage to other parts of the device. It is used on touch panels, protective covers and display housings in public transportation, kiosks, vending machines and medical equipment. AS coating can be combined with other coatings like Anti-Fingerprint (AF), Anti-Glare (AG), or with glass-strengthening layers (e.g. tempered or chemically hardened glass).
Backlight – The set of optoelectronic components responsible for generating light in a liquid crystal display (LCD), which does not emit light by itself. The backlight is placed behind (in transmissive displays) or beside (in some transflective displays) the panel to provide image visibility under various lighting conditions. The most commonly used light sources are LEDs, which have replaced older CCFL tubes. A typical backlight system includes LEDs, light-guiding elements (light pipes, diffusers, prisms), and reflective or directional layers. Advanced designs use local dimming, i.e. zone-based brightness control, to improve contrast and reduce power consumption. Key parameters of the backlight are brightness (cd/m²), uniformity, color temperature, and lifetime. A properly chosen backlight system is especially important in outdoor, industrial, medical and military applications, where screen readability must be maintained regardless of ambient conditions.
Backlight Driver – The electronic circuit responsible for powering and controlling the LED backlight in LCD displays. It supplies the appropriate voltage and current to the LEDs, enabling precise control of their brightness, usually via pulse-width modulation (PWM). Depending on the design, the driver may handle one or multiple LED channels (for example, in local dimming systems), and can be a separate module or integrated with other components like the display controller. Modern drivers often include protective features (against overheating, overload or short-circuit) and communication interfaces (e.g. I²C or SPI) with the main system. Choosing the right backlight driver is crucial for the display’s longevity, the uniformity and brightness of the backlight, and efficient power management, especially in portable, industrial and high-brightness applications.
Bad Pixel – A single pixel in a display panel that does not function correctly. It may be always on (bright white or a solid color), always off (black), or stuck on one subpixel color (for example, always red). These defects result from material flaws, manufacturing errors or mechanical damage. Types include hot pixel (always lit), dead pixel (completely dark), stuck pixel (stuck on one color), and bright/dark dot (a point brighter or darker than the background). The allowable number and type of bad pixels depend on the manufacturer and quality standards (e.g. ISO 13406-2, ISO 9241-307). In industrial or medical panels even a single defect may be unacceptable, whereas consumer displays may tolerate a few. Bad pixels are most noticeable on a uniform background and can reduce user comfort, though they do not necessarily indicate display failure.
Ball Grid Array (BGA) – A type of integrated circuit package where the connections are tiny solder balls arranged in a grid on the underside of the component. Unlike traditional packages with pins on the sides (e.g. DIP, QFP), a BGA allows a dense packing of connections on a small surface, making it ideal for advanced chips like microprocessors, graphics controllers or memory. BGA provides low electrical resistance, good heat dissipation and high reliability. Because the connections are not accessible after assembly, diagnosing and servicing require specialized equipment (e.g. X-ray inspection) and reflow soldering. BGA packages are commonly used in mobile electronics, industrial computers and devices where miniaturization, thermal performance and reliability are important.
Bar Type Display – An elongated (panoramic) display with a non-standard aspect ratio that is much wider than normal (for example, 16:3, 8:1, 32:9). Bar type panels are used in scenarios with limited vertical or horizontal space, such as public transportation, vending machines, wayfinding systems, or retail windows. They are typically LCD-TFT screens offering wide viewing angles, high brightness, and resolutions suited to the unusual format, allowing outdoor usage as well. Often, these displays are created by cutting and sealing standard matrix sizes, which affects their availability and cost. Content for bar displays is designed for extreme landscape or portrait orientation, requiring custom UI layouts to utilize the unique proportions.
Bezel – The bezel is the physical frame or border surrounding the active area of a display. It serves protective and structural functions: it shields the panel edges from mechanical damage and environmental ingress (moisture, dust) and provides a mounting surface for the screen within the device enclosure. Bezels may be made of plastic, metal, or glass and can range from thick, prominent edges to very thin or nearly invisible borders. In industrial screens, wider bezels are often used to reinforce the structure or integrate sealing gaskets, while consumer devices tend to minimize bezel width to maximize the visible area for a given overall footprint. The term “bezel” can also refer to decorative trim elements around the screen, such as printed designs or finished edges.
Bezel-Less Display – A display design in which the frame (bezel) around the active area is minimized or completely eliminated. This allows maximum use of the device’s front surface, increasing the working area while keeping the overall size compact, and provides a more immersive visual experience. Bezel-less displays are widely used in consumer devices like smartphones, laptops, monitors and TVs. To achieve this effect, manufacturers use very thin protective layers (e.g. edge-to-edge glass), advanced mounting techniques and special sealing systems (especially in industrial versions). Such designs can be more susceptible to damage and harder to integrate, so they require properly engineered enclosures and additional protection.
Bonding – The process of attaching a touch panel or protective glass to an LCD/OLED display module to improve optical performance, durability and resistance to environmental factors. Using bonding reduces internal reflections, increases contrast and readability, and protects delicate display components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. There are two main bonding methods:
– Air Bonding: The layers are assembled with a small air gap between them. This method is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, but it causes higher light reflections and can worsen visibility in bright light (e.g. outdoors). It is mainly used in consumer displays or where cost is critical.
– Optical Bonding: The space between the touch panel and the display is completely filled with a special transparent adhesive (OCA – Optically Clear Adhesive). This removes the air gap, significantly improving contrast and visibility even in strong sunlight. It also increases the display’s mechanical strength, improves structural rigidity and reduces the risk of fogging or condensation inside the screen.
Brightness – The luminance of a display, measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m², or “nits”). It quantifies the amount of light the screen emits per unit area. Higher brightness values improve image visibility in bright environments (e.g. outdoors). Typical consumer screens range from about 200–400 cd/m², whereas industrial, medical, or outdoor displays can exceed 1000 cd/m². Very high brightness is critical for “sunlight-readable” devices, though it also increases power consumption and heat output.
Candela (cd/m²) – The unit of luminance used to specify display brightness. One cd/m² (one “nit”) indicates how much light the display emits per square meter. A higher cd/m² value means a brighter image. For reference, standard monitors are often around 200–350 cd/m², while specialized or outdoor screens can reach over 1000 cd/m².
Capacitive Touch Panel (CTP) – A type of touch screen that detects touch by sensing changes in electrostatic capacitance. It consists of transparent layers of electrodes forming a grid of sensors; when a finger or conductive stylus touches the screen, it alters the local electric charge, which the controller detects as a touch point. Capacitive panels can accurately detect multiple simultaneous touches (multi-touch) and support complex gestures. They are widely used in smartphones, tablets, industrial HMIs, and kiosks due to their durability (scratch-resistant) and excellent optical clarity. Industrial capacitive screens can even sense touches through gloves or with moisture present, making them versatile in harsh environments.
Chip-on-Film (COF) – An assembly technology where a microchip (for example, a display controller) is mounted directly on a thin flexible plastic film, usually polyimide. This allows the component size to be reduced, fewer connections to be used, and greater flexibility in the design – which is especially useful in devices with limited space or requiring bendable connections. COF enables fast signal transfer from the controller to the panel and is used in modern LCD-TFT and OLED displays and high-resolution panels where a slim design and integration are important. The film with the chip is attached or bonded to the edge of the glass display, eliminating the need for separate PCB boards and connectors. COF technology works with interfaces like RGB, MIPI DSI or LVDS, offering high signal bandwidth and a low profile. It is found in smartphones, tablets, laptops and medical devices, among others.
Chip-on-Glass (COG) – An assembly technology where a microchip, usually the display driver, is placed directly on the glass surface of the LCD panel. Instead of using a separate PCB, the chip is attached and electrically connected to transparent conductive traces on the glass, which reduces device size and simplifies its construction. COG reduces the number of intermediate components, lowers the module height and minimizes potential failure points. Integrating the controller with the panel shortens signal paths, improving the stability and quality of data transmission. COG is used in thin, small-diagonal LCD-TFT displays, such as those in digital watches, calculators, HMI terminals and portable medical devices.
Color Depth (Bit Depth) – A parameter that indicates the number of bits used for each pixel of a display, directly affecting the number of colors it can produce. The higher the bit depth, the smoother the tonal transitions and the more detailed the image. For example, a 6-bit panel can display up to 262,000 colors, while an 8-bit panel over 16 million. Higher color depth is important in applications requiring precise detail reproduction, such as medical imaging, graphic and photographic equipment or professional monitors. This parameter also affects support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which requires at least 10-bit processing. Color depth is one aspect of image quality, alongside contrast, brightness and color gamut.
Color Gamut – The range of colors that a display can reproduce compared to the full visible spectrum. Different standards, such as sRGB, Adobe RGB or NTSC, define specific color sets used in various industries. sRGB is the most common standard in consumer electronics and on the Internet, Adobe RGB covers a wider color range (often used in graphics and printing), and NTSC (developed for analog TV) is still used as a reference for comparing coverage. A higher percentage of a given gamut (for example, 100% sRGB or 90% Adobe RGB) means more accurate color reproduction. Color gamut is critical in professional applications like photo editing, graphic design or medical imaging, where color accuracy and consistency are essential.
Commercial Display – A display engineered for commercial (non-industrial) environments, such as public spaces or retail settings. Typical uses include passenger information systems, digital advertising (signage), self-service kiosks, ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and fast-food menu boards. Commercial displays usually have high resolution, thin bezels, attractive appearance, and energy-efficient designs. They are built for heavy but predictable use, where image brightness and reliability under standard conditions are priorities. However, compared to industrial displays, they often have lower ruggedness, shorter expected lifespans, and a narrower operating temperature range.
Computer On Module (COM) – A compact circuit board that integrates the core elements of a computer system – processor, memory, and essential interfaces. A COM plugs into a custom carrier board (baseboard) that provides connectors, power, and additional components specific to the application. Using a COM greatly reduces development time and cost, and simplifies future upgrades. COMs are widely used in industrial automation, medical devices, POS systems, kiosks, and HMIs. Common COM standards include COM Express, Qseven, and SMARC, and these modules often support extended temperature ranges and robust environments.
Conformal Coating – A thin, transparent protective layer applied to PCBs and electronic components to shield them from moisture, dust, corrosion, vibration and other contaminants. This allows the circuits to operate reliably even in harsh conditions (e.g. in industrial, automotive, aerospace or military environments). Conformal coatings are usually made of acrylic, silicone, polyurethane or epoxy, and applied by spraying, dipping or selective coating. They increase the durability of electronic devices and protect them from environmental damage.
Contrast Ratio – The ratio between the luminance of a full-white pixel and a full-black pixel on a display. It measures how much the display can differentiate the brightest and darkest parts of an image. For example, a 1000:1 contrast ratio means the white level is 1000 times brighter than the black level. A higher contrast ratio produces deeper blacks and more vivid whites and grays, enhancing image sharpness and readability, especially in challenging lighting. This is a key parameter for high-quality displays used in medical, industrial, and digital signage applications. Note that measured contrast can differ from perceived contrast depending on viewing angle, panel technology, and coatings.
Cover Glass – A protective glass layer placed over the display surface to safeguard the delicate internal components. The cover glass shields the panel from scratches, impacts, dirt, and environmental factors. It can be made from standard glass, hardened/tempered glass, or specialized materials (like Gorilla Glass). In industrial and medical devices, cover glass is often thicker (e.g. 2 mm) or equipped with functional coatings (anti-reflective, anti-bacterial, anti-UV, etc.). It may also serve decorative or input purposes, containing printed logos or embedded touch buttons. The choice of cover glass critically affects the display’s optical performance, appearance, and how it integrates with touch technology.
Customization (Customized Product) – The process of tailoring a display (or its components) to a client’s specific needs. This can involve changing technical parameters (resolution, brightness, temperature range), mechanical design (cover glass thickness, mounting style, bezel size), external appearance (printing, logos, colors), communication interfaces, or adding special features (optical coatings, touch panel types, mounting systems). Customization may apply to one-off prototypes or to large production batches. The goal is to ensure the display integrates seamlessly with the target device, meets industry standards (e.g. medical, automotive), and optimizes ergonomics and aesthetics. Customization is a key aspect of OEM and embedded system design.
DFSTN (Double Film Super-Twisted Nematic) – A type of LCD display technology that is an advancement of standard STN. It uses two compensating films to improve optical performance. The use of a double phase compensator increases contrast, reduces unwanted color tints (e.g. yellow-green or blue-violet) and improves readability, especially in terms of black levels, white areas and character edges. DFSTN is used in portable devices, counters, clocks and HMI interfaces, especially where energy efficiency, small size and long battery life are important. It is an economical alternative to TFT panels in applications that do not require full-color or video.
Digital Input/Output (DIO) – Logic signals used in electronic devices to receive (digital input, DI) or send (digital output, DO) binary information. Digital inputs allow devices to detect signals from buttons, sensors or relays, while outputs control components such as LEDs, relays or alarms. DIO signals operate in two states: high (e.g. 3.3 V or 5 V) and low (0 V). In display systems, DIO can be used to control the backlight, handle sensors, buttons or touch panels. Digital I/O is a standard interface in microcontrollers, industrial PCs, PLCs and embedded or HMI systems, making it a fundamental tool for communication with the outside world in automation and electronics applications.
Digital Signage – A system for displaying visual content, such as advertisements, information or multimedia, on screens like LCDs or LEDs, projectors or interactive panels. It allows centralized and remote management of content, scheduling playback times, and integration with other systems (for example, weather feeds, queue management or sales data). Digital signage is used in retail, transportation, hospitality, hotels, the public sector and commercial spaces. It increases the impact of visual communication through dynamic content and interactive capabilities (e.g. touch, sensors or cameras). Such systems require displays designed for continuous operation (e.g. 24/7) and a properly selected hardware-software infrastructure.
Display Controller – The electronic component (also called a panel controller or TFT controller) that drives the display panel. It receives image data from the system and generates the precise timing and control signals for the LCD or OLED matrix. Dedicated display controllers (e.g. SSD1963, FT8xx chips) simplify integration with embedded systems. The controller is a key part of any display application, from simple IoT screens to advanced visualization systems.
Display Initialization / Boot Sequence – The set of procedures executed after power-on, necessary for the proper operation of the display. It includes configuring the display controller and sending initialization commands that define image parameters such as resolution, orientation, transmission mode (RGB, LVDS, MIPI DSI), signal timing, gamma, brightness and voltages. This process requires the correct sequence of actions, including powering the panel, turning on the backlight, and starting data transmission. The sequence may be implemented in hardware (e.g. by a microcontroller) or in software, depending on the system design. Incorrect initialization leads to no image, interference, color errors or improper touch operation. A correct startup sequence is crucial for system stability and reliability.
Double-Sided Adhesive Tape (DSA) – A thin technical tape with adhesive on both sides, used for mounting electronic components – mainly when integrating displays with touch panels, protective glass (cover glass) or the device housing. It provides a durable, flexible and even bond between layers, allowing quick assembly without screws, clips or liquid glue. DSA comes in various thicknesses and hardnesses, with adhesives of different tack levels and resistance to moisture, temperature and aging. In displays, it is used for mounting frames, bonding layers in bonding assemblies (e.g. Air Bonding) and as a sealing element to protect against dust and moisture. Choosing the right DSA tape affects the device’s mechanical durability, vibration and temperature resistance, and the finished product’s appearance.
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) – A set of information stored in a display’s EEPROM that allows its parameters to be automatically recognized by the source device (e.g. a computer or graphics card). EDID includes details such as the native resolution, maximum refresh rate, preferred modes, connector type (HDMI, VGA, DVI), color depth, manufacturer ID and serial number. This information is read via the DDC (Display Data Channel) bus, enabling automatic adjustment of image settings without user intervention. Proper EDID support prevents issues like incorrect resolution, image distortion or no signal, and in industrial display systems it is crucial for compatibility and reliable operation.
eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) – An integrated DisplayPort interface – a video transmission standard developed by VESA for connecting a graphics controller to an embedded display in devices such as laptops, all-in-one computers, industrial PCs or HMI panels. Compared to standard DisplayPort, eDP is optimized for internal integration – it uses fewer signal lines, supports low-power modes, refresh rate control (Panel Self-Refresh) and dynamic backlight adjustment, resulting in lower power consumption and thinner designs. The eDP standard can carry very high-resolution images and color depth, and it also supports HDR and high refresh rates, making it a common choice in modern TFT LCD and OLED displays where high image quality, energy efficiency and slim profile are important.
EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) – The ability of an electronic device to operate correctly in its electromagnetic environment – without causing excessive interference to other devices and without being affected by external electromagnetic disturbances. EMC covers both the emission of disturbances (EMI) and the immunity to them (EMS – Electromagnetic Susceptibility). For displays and control systems, this means limiting interference generated by LED backlights, clock signals or data links (e.g. LVDS, MIPI), and ensuring resistance to pulses, electrostatic discharges and ambient noise. Standards such as IEC 61000 or EN 61000 define the requirements and test methods that devices must meet for market approval. EMC is critical in industries like industrial, medical, transportation and railway, where reliability and safety are paramount.
eMMC (embedded MultiMedia Card) – An embedded memory card (MMC) – an integrated flash storage solution based on the MMC standard, containing NAND memory and a controller for managing read, write and error-correction operations. Mounted directly on the PCB (typically in a BGA package), eMMC serves as the main storage in many devices – from smartphones and tablets to infotainment systems, industrial computers and HMI panels. With its compact size, low cost and easy integration (via the MMC bus) with the processor, it is a popular alternative to SD cards or external SSDs. The built-in controller offloads memory management from the main processor, simplifying design and improving reliability. While eMMC is being superseded by newer technologies like UFS, it remains a standard in applications where predictability, durability and stable performance are key.
EVE (Embedded Video Engine) – An integrated graphics engine – a family of graphics controller chips from FTDI designed to simplify driving graphical displays, touch panels and audio in embedded devices. EVE integrates in a single chip an image generator, touch interface and sound generator, eliminating the need for an external graphics processor or operating system. Programming is done using a simple graphics command list (for example, drawing buttons, sliders, progress bars or text), which lowers hardware requirements and accelerates development. The FT8xx series (e.g. FT812, FT813) supports various TFT displays (such as 18-bit RGB) and common interfaces like SPI, QSPI and I²C. EVE is used in machine control panels, medical devices, building automation and infotainment systems – wherever quick integration, low power consumption and a modern HMI are desired.
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) – Unwanted electromagnetic disturbances that can disrupt the proper functioning of electronic devices. They typically originate from other sources such as power supplies, motors, transformers, transmission lines or wireless devices, and can propagate through cables or by radiation. In the context of electronic displays (LCD, OLED, TFT) and touch panels, EMI can cause image flickering, graphical distortions, touch instability or even loss of functionality. Therefore, modern device designs incorporate measures to reduce emissions and improve immunity, such as EMI shielding, filters, proper grounding, galvanic isolation or EMC-compliant PCB layout. Minimizing EMI is crucial in industrial, medical and military applications, where strict standards (e.g. IEC 61000 or EN 61000) demand reliable and safe operation.
EMI Shielding (Electromagnetic Shielding) – A technique for protecting electronic devices from electromagnetic interference by using special materials or structures that block radiation. In practice, this means creating a physical barrier – often with metal enclosures, conductive foils, meshes or coatings – that absorbs or reflects unwanted signals, preventing them from entering or leaving the device. In displays and touch panels, shielding protects sensitive components (such as touch controllers or video processing chips) from interference caused by other system elements like power supplies, antennas or data buses. It is also used in cables (e.g. LVDS, HDMI) and around components that emit high levels of interference. EMI shielding is especially important in industrial, medical, automotive and railway devices, where electromagnetic disturbances can cause malfunctions or safety hazards. Proper shielding is a fundamental requirement for meeting EMC standards.
EN 50155– A European standard specifying the technical and environmental requirements for onboard electronic equipment used in rail vehicles like trains, trams and subways. It covers key aspects of reliability and safety in the harsh conditions typical of railway applications. The standard defines allowable operating and storage temperature ranges (e.g. from –40°C to +85°C), resistance to vibration, shock, electromagnetic interference (EMC), humidity, power supply instability (voltage fluctuations, outages), and requirements for component lifecycle and maintainability. The goal of EN 50155 is to unify quality and safety standards for electronic systems in rail transport – such as HMI panels, passenger information systems, controllers, data loggers and onboard computers. Devices that meet this standard must demonstrate mechanical durability, stable performance over time and reliable operation under varying environmental conditions.
EN 61000 – A collective designation for a series of European standards (equivalent to international IEC 61000) that define requirements and test methods for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electronic devices. This covers both limiting interference emissions (EMI) and ensuring immunity to external disturbances (EMS). The series includes standards such as:
EN 61000-4-2: Immunity to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
EN 61000-4-3: Immunity to radiated radio-frequency disturbances.
EN 61000-4-4: Immunity to fast electrical transients (EFT).
EN 61000-6-1 / 6-2: Generic standards for industrial environments.
EN 61000-6-3 / 6-4: Generic standards for residential and commercial environments.
Compliance with these standards is mandatory for manufacturers of electronic equipment sold in the EU and is required for CE marking. In the display industry, this applies not only to the screens themselves but also to single-board computers, HMI panels and embedded systems.
EN 62262 – A standard (equivalent to IEC 62262) defining the resistance of enclosures to mechanical impacts, described by IK classes. These classes indicate the amount of impact energy the enclosure can withstand without losing functionality or structural integrity. The standard is mainly applied to devices used in public spaces, transportation and industry (e.g. ticket machines, information kiosks, advertising totems or HMI panels) where there is a risk of vandalism or accidental impacts. Choosing a device that meets the appropriate IK rating increases its durability, safety and long-term reliability.
EPD (Electronic Paper Display) – A display technology designed to mimic the appearance of traditional paper while allowing digital content updates. E-paper (e.g. E Ink) works using microcapsules containing pigment particles that move under an electric field. The image remains on screen without constant power – energy is used only when the content changes, enabling extremely low power consumption. EPD is also highly readable in direct sunlight. Its limitations include slower refresh rates and a limited color palette (typically black and white, sometimes with an additional color like red or yellow), making it unsuitable for dynamic video. EPD is used in e-book readers, electronic price tags, information boards, transit schedules and other applications where energy efficiency, readability and no backlight are important.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) – The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the telecommunications, radio, satellite and electronic industries. In the context of electronic devices, an FCC label indicates the product meets electromagnetic emission standards under FCC Part 15 rules. FCC certification is mandatory for equipment sold in the USA and covers both active devices (which emit electromagnetic signals) and passive devices (which receive or block interference). For example, displays, single-board computers, HMI panels and touch modules destined for the U.S. market must pass EMC testing and obtain an FCC ID. Although FCC certification is a U.S. requirement, it is often regarded as a mark of quality and compliance in international projects.
FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) – A thin, flexible ribbon cable used for transmitting electrical signals inside electronic devices such as LCDs, touch panels, cameras or motherboards. It consists of parallel copper conductors embedded in a flexible insulating material, allowing it to be routed easily through tight spaces. Standard FFCs have anywhere from a few to dozens of pins, with pitches of 0.5 mm or 1 mm, and their ends are often reinforced with a stiffener for easy insertion into ZIF/FPC connectors. The advantage of FFC is its small thickness, low weight and simple assembly, while its drawback is less mechanical robustness compared to shielded cables. In flat displays, FFCs carry image, touch and power signals between the screen and the controller, adapter or main board.
FSTN (Film Compensated Super-Twisted Nematic) – An enhanced form of STN (Super-Twisted Nematic) used in monochrome LCD displays, mainly in industrial, medical and mobile devices. Unlike basic STN, an FSTN panel includes an additional compensating film that corrects phase shifts of light, improving contrast and readability and producing a clear black-and-white image without the typical greenish or bluish tint. This technology also offers a wider viewing angle and better stability under changing temperatures. Although FSTN is inferior in image quality to TFT, it remains a popular solution in simple graphic and text displays where low power consumption, environmental robustness and reliability are priorities.
FT8xx Controller – A series of graphics display controllers from FTDI (Future Technology Devices International) designed to drive LCD-TFT displays with an RGB interface. They integrate graphics generation, touch reading and audio handling functions to create a complete EVE (Embedded Video Engine) solution. Using an FT8xx controller, a graphical user interface can be created without an external graphics processor – only a microcontroller communicating via SPI, QSPI or I²C is needed. The controller renders graphics based on a simple command list, enabling quick creation of interface elements like buttons, sliders, progress bars or animations. These controllers support resolutions up to 800×480 pixels, and some models (e.g. FT813) also offer capacitive touch support and 24-bit color. FT8xx devices are used in HMI panels, embedded systems, industrial automation, medical equipment and consumer electronics where easy integration, low power consumption and cost-effective graphical interfaces are desired
Gasket – A flexible sealing element used between a display and its enclosure, typically in the form of a foam, rubber, or silicone frame. Its purpose is to prevent dust, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the device, while also providing mechanical cushioning and compensating for small dimensional tolerances between components. Gaskets are widely used in industrial, medical, and outdoor equipment, where they also help reduce vibration transfer to the display module.
Gesture Recognition – A feature available in advanced touch panels, especially those based on projected capacitive technology (PCT/PCAP). It enables interpretation of user gestures on the screen surface—such as swiping, pinching (zooming), rotating, or multi-touch tapping. The system analyzes not only the location of touches but also their direction, sequence, and dynamics, allowing for intuitive interaction without physical buttons. Gesture recognition can be implemented at the hardware level (within the touch controller) or at the software level (via higher-level applications). It is commonly used in HMI interfaces, POS systems, industrial automation, and information terminals. Reliable performance requires properly configured controllers and filtering algorithms, particularly in demanding conditions—such as when the device is operated with gloves or in the presence of moisture.
Ghost Touch – An unwanted phenomenon in which a touch panel registers input even though the user has not touched the screen. The device may randomly trigger clicks, scrolling, button presses, or other unintended actions. Ghost touch occurs most often in capacitive touch panels (CTP) and can be caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI), poor shielding, surface contamination, moisture, faulty touch controllers, calibration errors, or low-quality components. It may also result from poor PCB signal routing during design. In industrial and medical systems, where stable touch performance is critical, preventing ghost touch requires robust shielding, signal filtering, isolation from interference, and the use of proven controllers and displays. False touches lower user comfort, increase operational risks, and may lead to complaints or costly redesigns.
Glare – An optical issue caused by excessive reflection of light from a display surface, which makes screen content difficult or impossible to read. It typically occurs in strong external lighting—such as direct sunlight or bright artificial light—and is especially problematic on glossy surfaces that act like mirrors. Glare reduces contrast, causes eye strain, and negatively affects usability. To minimize this effect, manufacturers use anti-glare (AG) coatings, anti-reflective (AR) layers, or optical bonding techniques that eliminate the air gap between glass and display. In industrial, outdoor, and automotive applications, glare reduction is essential for readability and safety, making proper surface finish and backlight brightness a key part of the design process.
Glass-Film-Glass (GFG) – A type of touch panel construction in which the sensing film layer is placed between two sheets of glass—one on top and one on the bottom. This design combines the strength of glass with the flexibility of conductive film, creating a panel resistant to scratches, shocks, vibrations, and harsh environmental conditions. GFG panels are usually based on resistive (RTP) technology, but when paired with tempered or AR-coated glass, they can also be used in outdoor and industrial applications where standard film-based panels would quickly fail. The GFG structure improves resistance to chemicals, moisture, and dust, while offering better optical clarity and much higher durability than traditional film-film panels. It is valued in HMI panels, military equipment, automation systems, and public transport. The main drawbacks are increased thickness and higher production costs, which are offset by exceptional durability and reliability.
Gorilla Glass – A protective glass produced by Corning, renowned for its resistance to scratches, cracks, and mechanical damage. It is an alkali-aluminosilicate glass chemically strengthened through an ion-exchange process, achieving high surface hardness (7–9H on the Mohs scale) and flexibility, while maintaining excellent optical transparency. Gorilla Glass is used in touchscreens for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and also in industrial and medical displays that demand long-lasting durability. Newer generations, such as Gorilla Glass Victus, provide even greater drop resistance while being thinner, reducing device size and weight. In HMI systems and outdoor devices, Gorilla Glass is often combined with anti-glare, antimicrobial coatings or optical bonding for enhanced readability and environmental resistance.
Grayscale Inversion – A phenomenon in which light image elements appear dark and dark elements appear light, creating a “negative” effect. Inversion occurs most often in older or budget LCDs, especially TN panels, when the screen is viewed at certain angles—typically from below. This significantly reduces readability and user comfort. To mitigate grayscale inversion, manufacturers may use optical films (e.g., O-Film), design panels with a preferred viewing direction (e.g., 12 o’clock), or employ advanced technologies such as IPS, which maintain stable contrast and accurate grayscale regardless of viewing angle.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) – A digital standard for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals. HDMI enables uncompressed video (e.g., Full HD, 4K) and multichannel audio (e.g., surround sound) to be delivered through a single cable, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for multiple connections. It is widely used in TVs, monitors, computers, game consoles, set-top boxes, and also in industrial displays. Newer HDMI versions support features such as HDR, Ethernet, HDCP, and Audio Return Channel (ARC). Thanks to its simplicity, compatibility, and high transmission quality, HDMI has become a global standard for multimedia communication.
HiTNI (High TNI Liquid Crystal) – A designation for LCD panels designed to withstand high temperatures, especially direct sunlight exposure. Standard LCDs can experience “blackening” when the liquid crystals exceed their phase-transition threshold (TNI). HiTNI panels use liquid crystals with an elevated TNI, maintaining proper screen appearance even at temperatures up to 105 °C or higher. They are used in information boards, ticket machines, vehicles, and industrial systems operating outdoors, where strong solar radiation and high ambient temperatures are common.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface) – A device or system that facilitates communication between humans and machines, most commonly in the form of a control panel with a display. It enables users to monitor, control, and configure machines, processes, or automation systems. Modern HMIs employ touchscreens, intuitive graphics, and visualization software to make even complex processes user-friendly. HMIs are used in industry (production lines, PLC systems), transportation, HVAC systems, vending machines, and self-service terminals. They increase efficiency, safety, and usability, and their functions can be tailored to the requirements of specific applications.
Humidity Resistance – The ability of an electronic device, including a display, to operate reliably under high humidity without risk of failure, image degradation, or component corrosion. This feature is essential in outdoor, industrial, transportation, agricultural, and medical applications where equipment may be exposed to condensation, fog, rain, or rapid climate changes. Humidity resistance is achieved through sealing (frames, gaskets, adhesives), protective conformal coatings, and enclosures with high IP ratings. Specifications typically define the safe relative humidity range, such as 10–90% RH (non-condensing).
HVGA (Half Video Graphics Array) – A display resolution equal to half of VGA, most often 320×480 pixels (or 480×320 in landscape). HVGA screens were popular in early smartphones, GPS devices, and handheld terminals before being replaced by higher standards such as WVGA and HD. Today, HVGA is still used in some industrial and specialized devices where compact size, low power consumption, and simple integration are more important than high resolution. In HMIs and compact touchscreens, HVGA can be a sufficient choice for cost-sensitive projects.
I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) – A two-wire communication interface developed by Philips for data exchange between integrated circuits within a device. It uses two lines: SDA (data) and SCL (clock), and operates in a master–slave mode where a central controller (e.g., a microcontroller) manages transmission, while one or more slave devices (sensors, controllers, displays) respond. I²C is valued for its simplicity, low pin count, and ability to support multiple devices on a single bus. Although slower than SPI, it is ideal for applications where compactness, low cost, and reliability are key—such as touch controllers, sensors, IoT systems, or display configuration (e.g., reading EDID data).
IEC 60529 (IP Standard) – An international technical standard that defines protection levels of enclosures against the ingress of solids (e.g., dust) and liquids (e.g., water), expressed by the IP code (Ingress Protection). The IP code consists of two digits: the first defines dust resistance (0–6), and the second water resistance (0–9). For example, IP65 means complete dust-tightness and protection against water jets from any direction. IEC 60529 is used to classify and certify industrial displays, monitors, and touch panels designed for harsh environments. Its European equivalent is EN 60529, required for CE compliance.
IEC 60601 (Medical Standard) – An international standard defining safety, performance, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electrical medical equipment and systems. It applies to medical displays, patient monitors, infusion pumps, hospital beds with electronics, and diagnostic devices. The standard specifies criteria such as surge resistance, galvanic isolation, leakage current limits, and immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. Its European equivalent is EN 60601, required for CE marking. Compliance ensures safety for both patients and medical staff and is mandatory for clinical use.
IEC 61000 – An international standard specifying electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electrical and electronic equipment. It addresses two main issues: immunity to disturbances (electrostatic discharge, surges, conducted or radiated interference) and limitation of emissions into the environment. IEC 61000 includes many test procedures, such as ESD immunity (IEC 61000-4-2), RF immunity (IEC 61000-4-3), and EFT/burst immunity (IEC 61000-4-4). Its European counterpart is EN 61000, often required for CE marking of industrial, medical, and consumer devices.
IEC 62262 (IK Standard) – An international standard that defines the mechanical impact resistance of enclosures, expressed by the IK code (from IK00 = no protection to IK10 = highest protection, withstanding 20 J impact energy). It specifies test methods—including force, direction, and location of impact—ensuring consistent and comparable results. IEC 62262 is critical for industrial displays, outdoor devices, HMI panels, self-service terminals, and transport equipment exposed to vandalism, accidental impacts, or heavy use. The European equivalent is EN 62262, frequently required in high-durability projects.
IK Rating – A classification of a device enclosure’s resistance to mechanical impact, based on IEC/EN 62262. The rating is written as “IK” followed by two digits (e.g., IK07, IK08, IK10), indicating the maximum impact energy the enclosure can withstand without damage. For example, IK07 equals 2 J, while IK10 equals 20 J. Tests are carried out with standardized tools (steel balls or hammers) striking specific points from defined heights. High IK ratings are essential in public, industrial, and outdoor applications – such as displays in transportation, kiosks, HMI panels, and information systems.
In-Cell Touch – A touchscreen technology in which touch sensors are integrated directly into the LCD matrix, eliminating the need for a separate overlay. Unlike traditional designs where the touch layer sits on or above the display, in-cell integrates display and touch detection at the pixel level. This allows for thinner, lighter displays with higher optical clarity, faster responsiveness, and fewer layers. In-cell technology is widely used in smartphones, laptops, and compact industrial devices where slim design and high image quality are essential. Compared to on-cell technology (where the touch layer is placed on the surface), in-cell provides a more integrated and minimalist solution.
In-Plane Switching (IPS) – One of the most common LCD technologies, developed to improve color reproduction and viewing angles compared to traditional TN panels. In IPS, liquid crystals align parallel to the screen surface, enabling more uniform light control and producing richer colors, more accurate reproduction, and wide viewing angles – up to 178° horizontally and vertically. IPS is used wherever high image quality and comfort are critical, including industrial displays, medical devices, graphic monitors, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Industrial Display – a screen built to operate reliably in demanding environments (extreme temperatures, high humidity, dust, vibration or continuous use). Compared to consumer-grade displays, industrial models offer much greater durability and longer lifetimes (e.g. 50,000–70,000 hours), and can work over a much wider temperature range (for example –30°C to +80°C) while running 24/7. They often feature very high brightness and anti-reflective/anti-glare coatings for outdoor readability, reinforced metal frames, higher mechanical protection (e.g. IK08/IK10), and optional protective coatings (corrosion-resistant, anti-bacterial, etc.). Industrial displays are used in applications like factory automation, transportation, energy, medical systems, information kiosks and POS terminals – wherever reliability and environmental resistance are critical.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection) – A standardized system describing the protection level of an electronic device enclosure against solid particles (e.g., dust) and liquids (mainly water). It consists of the prefix “IP” followed by two digits: the first digit (0–6) specifies dust resistance, while the second (0–9) specifies water resistance. For example, IP65 means complete dust-tightness and protection against water jets from any direction. High IP ratings are essential in industrial, medical, and outdoor applications where equipment must operate reliably in demanding conditions. The classification is defined by IEC 60529 (Europe: EN 60529).
IR (Infrared) Touch Panel – Another designation for infrared touchscreen technology, where invisible IR light beams form a detection grid above the display. Breaking one of the beams (with a finger, stylus, or other object) allows the system to determine the exact touch point. Unlike capacitive or resistive technologies, IR panels require no conductive layers, making them durable and compatible with gloves and various tools. While mechanically robust and accurate, they may be susceptible to interference from dirt, dust, or insects. Applications include kiosks, terminals, interactive whiteboards, and large-format displays.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – One of the most widely used display technologies in consumer, industrial, and professional applications – from watches and calculators to laptops, TVs, medical equipment, and vending machines. LCDs operate using a layer of liquid crystals that change orientation under an electric field, controlling light passing through polarizing filters to create an image. Since LCD panels do not emit light themselves, an external backlight (usually LED) is required, resulting in low power consumption. LCD technology comes in various forms (TN, IPS, VA, TFT), each differing in image quality, contrast, response time, and viewing angle. Due to their energy efficiency, readability, and wide availability in different sizes and specifications, LCDs remain a global standard across industries.
LCD-TFT (Liquid Crystal Display – Thin Film Transistor) – An advanced type of LCD where each pixel is controlled by a dedicated thin-film transistor (TFT). This architecture enables higher resolutions, improved contrast, faster response times, and more accurate color reproduction compared to passive-matrix LCDs. TFT technology has become the standard for laptops, monitors, mobile devices, and also for industrial and medical displays. Depending on the matrix type (e.g., TN, IPS, VA), LCD-TFT can be optimized for speed, image quality, or wide viewing angles.
LCM (Liquid Crystal Module) – A complete LCD display module that integrates the panel with necessary components such as backlight (typically LED), display driver ICs, signal controller, and electrical connectors. LCMs are ready-to-use components that can be directly integrated into end devices, simplifying design and reducing time-to-market. They are available in many variants, from simple segment and alphanumeric displays to high-resolution TFT modules, often with additional features like resistive or capacitive touch panels, cover glass, or anti-glare coatings. LCMs are widely used in consumer electronics, industrial automation, HMI systems, and medical equipment.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) – A semiconductor device that emits light when current passes through it. In display technology, LEDs are used primarily as backlight sources for LCD-TFT panels, replacing CCFL lamps due to their higher brightness, longer lifespan, and lower power consumption. LEDs are also used as the direct image source in LED displays, where the screen is built from a matrix of diodes (e.g., videowalls, stadium displays, or microLED panels). Regardless of application, LEDs are valued for efficiency, high brightness, and robustness in varying environmental conditions.
LED Driver – A specialized electronic circuit that powers and controls LEDs in displays and other devices. Its role is to deliver stable current and voltage to ensure safe and efficient LED operation, as well as to adjust brightness, typically using pulse-width modulation (PWM). In LCD-TFT displays, the LED driver manages the backlight system and can support advanced features like local dimming, color temperature correction, and power optimization. Industrial applications also require compliance with EMC standards and operation under wide temperature ranges. LED drivers are available as integrated circuits, PCB modules, or part of larger power systems.
Local Dimming – A backlight control technique in LCD displays with LED illumination, where brightness is dynamically adjusted in different screen zones. This allows dark image areas to be dimmed without affecting bright regions, significantly improving contrast and black levels. Local dimming is implemented through the LED driver and requires a backlight system divided into multiple independently controlled zones (from a few to hundreds). It is widely used in TVs, professional monitors, and industrial displays where high image quality, energy efficiency, and accurate visual reproduction are important.
LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) – A widely used data transmission method between the display controller and LCD panel, particularly in TFT technology. LVDS allows fast, stable, and power-efficient transfer with low electromagnetic interference. Data is transmitted using differential pairs, ensuring signal integrity even over longer distances and at high resolutions. Though increasingly replaced by modern serial interfaces such as eDP or MIPI DSI, LVDS remains a reliable standard in embedded systems and industrial applications requiring robustness and long-term availability.
Mass Production – The stage of manufacturing when a product enters full-scale, repeatable production. It follows the sample and trial phases, once the design has been validated and production lines are optimized. In displays and embedded systems, mass production means stable parameters, approved processes, and consistent quality. This phase ensures cost efficiency due to lower unit prices, predictable lead times, and long-term availability. Mass production often requires compliance with industry standards (e.g., EMC, RoHS) and is particularly important in industrial, medical, and transportation sectors where customer approval of production processes may be mandatory.
MaxRGB – A technology designed to extend the standard RGB color gamut, enabling richer and more saturated colors. This is achieved through specialized phosphors in the LED backlight and optimized pixel structures, allowing coverage beyond 100% sRGB and approaching AdobeRGB or NTSC standards. MaxRGB displays deliver more vivid and lifelike images, which is crucial in professional applications like medical imaging, graphic design, and industrial monitoring, where accurate color reproduction is essential. They are also used in digital signage and HMI systems, where enhanced colors improve readability and visual appeal.
MCU (Microcontroller Unit) – A compact integrated circuit that includes a processor, memory, and input/output interfaces, designed to control specific functions of an electronic device. Unlike general-purpose computers, MCUs are optimized for dedicated tasks such as display control, sensor data processing, or touch panel operation. They are widely used in embedded systems, IoT devices, industrial automation, medical equipment, and automotive electronics. MCUs can be programmed to respond to environmental signals – such as touch, motion, or temperature – and trigger defined actions like updating display content, sending data, or activating alarms. In display systems, MCUs are often responsible for initializing the panel, managing image settings, and handling user interfaces.
MIPI DSI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface – Display Serial Interface) – A high-speed serial interface developed by MIPI Alliance for connecting processors to displays. Initially designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, it is now widely adopted in embedded and industrial systems. MIPI DSI uses low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) to achieve high data rates with low power consumption, supporting resolutions up to Full HD and beyond. Compared to older interfaces (RGB, LVDS), MIPI DSI requires fewer wires, enabling thinner designs and simpler integration. Data is transmitted over 1 to 4 data lanes plus a clock lane, with multiple transmission modes (Burst, Non-Burst) and support for advanced features such as backlight control and reset. It has become the preferred interface for modern high-density displays.
MMC (MultiMedia Card) – A compact flash memory card format introduced in the late 1990s as a universal data storage solution for electronic devices. Initially used in digital cameras, early mobile phones, and portable media players, MMCs were also adopted in some embedded systems and industrial devices. Physically similar to SD cards but thinner and based on a different communication protocol, MMCs support both serial (SPI) and parallel bus modes, making them compatible with certain microcontrollers. Over time, MMC was largely replaced by SD cards, which offer higher capacities, faster transfer rates, and broader compatibility.
Mounting Options – the standard mechanical methods for installing a display or display module in the final product. Common options include mounting holes (pre-drilled screw points), mounting brackets or “ears” (integrated flanges on the enclosure), VESA mounting patterns (standard hole layouts like 75×75 mm or 100×100 mm), front-mounting (often with clamp frames from the front), rear-mounting (securing from inside the enclosure) and open-frame mounts for custom enclosures. The appropriate mounting method depends on the device’s design, available space and specific application requirements.
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) – A statistical measure of device reliability, defined as the average operating time between failures under nominal conditions. Expressed in hours, it represents the expected reliability of large numbers of identical units, not a guaranteed lifetime of a single device. For example, MTBF = 50,000 h indicates that, statistically, failures occur once every 50,000 hours of operation. MTBF is calculated from testing, simulation, or historical data and excludes extreme operating conditions such as high humidity, vibration, or extreme temperatures. Widely used in industrial, medical, and military sectors, MTBF – together with MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) and MTTR (Mean Time To Repair)—helps plan product lifecycle and service schedules.
Nits (cd/m²) – the unit of luminance used to quantify display brightness (equivalent to candela per square meter). A nit measures how much light the screen emits per unit area; higher nit values correspond to a brighter image and better visibility, especially in bright ambient lighting. Typical consumer displays have around 200–350 nits of brightness, while industrial, medical or outdoor screens often exceed 1000 nits (some reaching 2000–3000 nits). High-brightness displays (high nits) are essential for “sunlight-readable” devices, though they require more power and generate more heat. Comparing nit ratings is useful for assessing how well different displays will perform under various lighting conditions.
NTSC (National Television System Committee) – Originally an organization that defined one of the first analog color television standards. Today, NTSC is mainly used as a reference point for display color spaces. The NTSC gamut covers a wider range than sRGB, especially in red and green tones. As a result, display specifications often list NTSC coverage (e.g., “72% NTSC”) as a measure of color reproduction capability. Higher coverage means a broader color palette and more accurate image rendering, which is critical in graphics, video production, printing, and other professional applications.
OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) – A transparent adhesive used in optical bonding technology to laminate display layers, typically the cover glass, touch panel, and LCD or OLED matrix. Its role is to permanently bond these elements while maintaining high optical clarity and minimizing visual loss. By eliminating the air gap between the cover glass and the matrix, OCA significantly reduces reflections, improves contrast, and enhances readability in bright environments or direct sunlight. The material does not yellow over time and offers high resistance to UV radiation and elevated temperatures, making it suitable for industrial, medical, and outdoor applications. OCA comes as a thin, transparent film or gel and must be precisely matched to the display’s size and geometry. Its quality directly affects the durability and optical performance of the entire assembly.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) – A display technology in which each pixel emits its own light, eliminating the need for external backlighting. This enables perfect blacks (pixels turned off), very high contrast, wide viewing angles, and extremely fast response times. Thanks to the use of organic luminescent materials, OLED displays can be ultra-thin, flexible, or curved, offering new possibilities in consumer electronics and industrial design. They are widely used in smartphones, smartwatches, professional monitors, HMI systems, and embedded devices where image quality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics are critical. Limitations include potential image retention (burn-in) and shorter lifetime when displaying bright content continuously. Despite this, OLED is gaining increasing popularity in industrial applications.
On-Cell Touch – A touch technology in which electrodes for touch detection are integrated directly into the display surface, typically on one of the internal layers of the LCD or OLED. Unlike traditional solutions where the touch panel is a separate layer on top of the display, On-Cell integrates touch functionality into the display module itself. This results in a thinner, lighter construction with higher light transmittance, translating into brighter images, better contrast, and lower energy consumption. On-Cell Touch is widely used in mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) and is increasingly applied in industrial designs, where compact dimensions and mechanical robustness are important. It should be distinguished from In-Cell Touch, where the touch layer is embedded even deeper into the matrix structure.
Open Frame – A display or industrial monitor without an external enclosure. Instead, the screen is mounted in an open frame, usually with a metal chassis, making it easier to integrate into the final housing of a kiosk, ATM, POS terminal, ticket machine, or industrial equipment. Open frame construction supports different mounting types (front, rear, or internal), ensuring flexibility in system integration. These displays are often equipped with mounting holes, brackets, or frames for stable installation. Open frame solutions are chosen mainly by OEMs and system integrators who require a ready-to-install component but want control over the appearance, sealing, and functionality of the final device.
Operating Temperature – the specified range of ambient temperatures within which a device (e.g. a display) can operate stably and safely according to manufacturer specifications. This range ensures the screen functions properly – without image distortion, touch lag or permanent damage – across those temperatures. For example, typical consumer displays might specify 0°C to +50°C, while industrial/outdoor models might cover –20°C to +70°C. Selecting a display with an appropriate operating temperature range is critical for applications in automation, transportation, military or energy, where conditions can be extreme. (The operating range is distinct from the storage temperature range, which applies when the device is unpowered).
Outline Dimensions – the overall physical size parameters of a display module (width, height and thickness). These dimensions refer to the full enclosure of the unit (including bezel, mounting frame, electronics, backlight, any protective glass or touch sensor), not just the active display area. Knowing the outline dimensions is essential for designing the device’s enclosure, arranging components and planning how to mount the display (e.g. using VESA brackets or rails). Outline dimensions are usually specified in millimeters on a technical drawing (outline drawing), which serves as the primary reference for mechanical design in electronic and industrial products.
Palm Rejection – A feature of advanced touch panels, mainly projected capacitive (PCAP), designed to ignore unintended touches from the palm or wrist during use. The technology distinguishes precise inputs (such as from a stylus tip) from broad-area contact, preventing accidental interactions like shifts or clicks. Palm rejection improves accuracy, comfort, and fluidity, which is especially important in handwriting applications, graphic tablets, HMI systems, and industrial panels. Depending on device design, the function may work automatically or activate when a stylus is detected.
Panel Controller (Display Controller / TFT Controller) – An integrated circuit or a set of chips responsible for managing display operation, synchronizing input signals with matrix parameters, and ensuring proper image rendering. It generates timing signals, processes graphics data, and controls brightness, contrast, resolution, and refresh rate. Depending on the display type (LCD-TFT, OLED, e-paper) and interface (RGB, LVDS, MIPI DSI), it may be embedded within the matrix (in small displays) or function as a standalone chip (in larger, industrial displays). Dedicated controllers such as SSD1963 or FT8xx are also popular in embedded systems. As a critical component, the panel controller defines the performance of display applications ranging from IoT devices to advanced visualization systems.
Pixel – The smallest individual element of an image displayed on a screen. Each pixel corresponds to a single point in the image and can vary in brightness and color. In color displays, a pixel typically consists of three subpixels: red (R), green (G), and blue (B), whose combination allows the rendering of the full color palette. The number of pixels across horizontal and vertical axes defines screen resolution (e.g., 1920×1080 means 1920 horizontal × 1080 vertical pixels, over 2 million in total). The higher the number of pixels per inch (PPI), the greater the image sharpness and detail. Pixels are the basis of all display technologies – LCD, OLED, e-paper – and precise pixel control determines image quality, color accuracy, and user comfort.
PoP (Package on Package) – A semiconductor packaging technology in which two or more chips – most commonly a processor and memory – are stacked vertically to form a compact integrated unit. The lower package usually contains the processor (application or graphics), while the upper contains RAM or Flash memory, with interconnections provided through precisely aligned contact pads. This layered configuration saves PCB space, shortens signal paths, reduces transmission delays, and improves communication performance – critical in mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and embedded computers. While PoP simplifies integration and increases packing density, it requires highly precise assembly and component compatibility. It is widely used in modern electronics, especially in System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions.
Polarizer – A key component in LCD construction, responsible for controlling the direction of transmitted light, enabling liquid crystal modulation. A typical LCD includes two polarizers—one at the light entry point and one at the exit – with liquid crystals in between rotating the polarization plane under voltage to regulate brightness and contrast. Polarizers also influence viewing angles and readability under various lighting conditions. They exist in transmissive, reflective, and transflective variants, selected depending on the display mode (e.g., outdoor visibility or low-power operation). A damaged polarizer can cause degraded image quality or uneven backlighting, making correct selection critical in device design.
Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT) – A touch-screen sensing method that uses a grid of conductive electrodes (usually in an X-Y matrix) layered on a glass panel. The resulting capacitive mesh can detect multiple touch points by measuring changes in capacitance at each intersection. PCT supports precise multi-touch interaction and works with fingers, gloves, or a stylus. This technology is highly durable and provides excellent clarity, making it common in smartphones, tablets, and industrial touch displays.
Reflection – The phenomenon where incoming light is partially or fully reflected off a display surface rather than transmitted through it, reducing readability in bright environments. Glossy consumer displays reflect more light, causing glare and lowering contrast. Industrial, outdoor, and medical solutions counteract reflections with anti-reflective (AR) or anti-glare (AG) coatings, or by using optical bonding to eliminate air gaps. Effective reflection control is essential for readability, user comfort, and operational safety in bright or outdoor conditions.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) – An EU regulation (EC 1907/2006) aimed at protecting human health and the environment from risks posed by chemical substances. In electronics, including displays, REACH governs the use of materials containing certain chemicals. Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must declare substances of very high concern (SVHC) if their concentration exceeds 0.1% of component mass. REACH compliance is mandatory for placing products on the EU market, both legally and environmentally, and is often documented in datasheets and manufacturer declarations.
Rear Sided Adhesive Tape (RSA) – A technical double-sided adhesive tape used for mounting display layers, touch panels, or electronic modules. Known in industrial terminology also as mounting or technical adhesive tape, it enables quick, durable assembly without screws or clips, compensates for minor surface irregularities, dampens vibrations, and can be applied in air bonding processes where a small air gap is left between layers. In electronics, it is commonly used for attaching cover glass, securing displays to housings, or fixing touch modules to bezels.
Response Time – A display parameter that defines how quickly a pixel changes its state, typically measured in milliseconds (ms) as the time required to shift from one shade of gray to another (e.g., 0% to 100% and back). Shorter response times result in smoother image transitions and reduced ghosting or motion blur, which is crucial in dynamic applications such as gaming, vision systems, multimedia, or cockpit displays. Displays with slower response times may show delays in refresh or blurred edges of moving objects.
Resistive Touch Panel (RTP) – A touch technology based on measuring electrical resistance changes using two conductive layers (typically PET and glass) separated by a micro-gap. When pressed, the layers make contact, and the controller identifies the touch point. RTP works with any tool – finger, stylus, or gloves – and is resistant to accidental touches, making it highly suitable for industrial, medical, and military use. Compared to capacitive panels, resistive touchscreens are less sensitive and do not support multitouch, but they are cost-effective, simple to integrate, and highly reliable in harsh environments.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2011/65/EU) – An EU directive restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It requires manufacturers to eliminate or significantly reduce substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE, which pose risks to health and the environment, especially during disposal. RoHS compliance is mandatory for placing products on the EU market and is indicated by proper labeling. In the electronics industry – including displays, PCBs, controllers, cables, and connectors – RoHS is one of the fundamental ecological and quality standards.
RSA (Rear Sided Adhesive Tape) – A double-sided industrial adhesive tape applied from the rear side of components for securely attaching display modules, touch panels, gaskets, or protective covers. It ensures even adhesion, dampens minor vibrations, and compensates for surface irregularities. In display assemblies, RSA also helps protect against dust and moisture. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with DSA (Double-Sided Adhesive), although some manufacturers distinguish them by application. RSA tapes are thin, UV-resistant, and designed to withstand temperature variations and adhesive aging, making them suitable for industrial, medical, and outdoor use.
RS232 (Recommended Standard 232) – One of the oldest and most widely adopted serial communication standards, developed by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). It enables point-to-point data transmission between two devices, such as computers, displays, modems, or industrial controllers. RS232 uses serial transmission (bit by bit) over connectors such as DB9 or DB25, with voltage levels different from modern interfaces, often requiring converters. Simple, stable, and OS-independent, RS232 remains in use in industrial automation, embedded systems, and medical devices, despite being largely replaced in consumer electronics by faster modern interfaces.
Sample Phase – The initial production stage of electronic devices, such as displays or HMI components, where a short test series is manufactured based on the approved design. Its purpose is to verify construction accuracy, manufacturing quality, and compliance with specifications while identifying potential technical issues before scaling up production. Samples are often sent to the end customer or engineering team for prototype validation, allowing for mechanical, electrical, or software adjustments. Optimizing during this phase prevents costly errors later. After the sample phase, the project typically progresses to the trial phase and then mass production.
Sandwich (Stack Structure) – A layered construction of an electronic module in which components such as an LCD, touch panel, cover glass, backlight, controller, and sometimes additional PCBs are stacked together as one compact unit. The “sandwich” structure allows multiple functions to be integrated into a single module, simplifies device assembly, reduces occupied space, organizes cabling, and lowers the risk of integration errors. Such constructions are used in both consumer electronics (tablets, monitors) and industrial devices, and can be customized as complete ready-to-install modules tailored to customer requirements.
SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave Touch Panel) – A touch technology using ultrasonic waves propagating across the screen surface. Transmitters and receivers mounted on the panel edges generate and detect these waves. A touch partially absorbs the waves, and the controller pinpoints the touch location. SAW panels offer excellent optical clarity, accurate color reproduction, and no additional conductive layers that could impair image quality. They support input with fingers, gloves, or soft styluses, but are sensitive to contamination and water, which can disrupt wave propagation. SAW is mainly used in kiosks, POS terminals, and interactive systems, where high image quality and precise touch detection are required.
SBC (Single Board Computer) – A compact computer built on a single PCB that integrates the processor (CPU), RAM, storage, input/output interfaces, and often communication modules. SBCs are designed to be space-efficient, energy-saving, and easy to integrate, serving both prototyping and industrial production. They are used in IoT devices, industrial automation, HMI systems, digital signage, interactive kiosks, and educational hardware. With built-in interfaces and operating system support (Linux, Android, etc.), SBCs enable rapid development of devices without designing custom electronics from scratch.
Scaler – A specialized electronic circuit that adjusts the resolution of an incoming video signal to match the native resolution of a display. Scaling can be performed up or down by adding or reducing pixels while preserving image quality. Scalers are essential when the input signal (from a PC, camera, or media player) does not match the panel’s resolution. Advanced scalers can also perform aspect ratio adjustments, noise reduction, color correction, and analog-to-digital conversion. They are widely used in monitors, TVs, operator panels, and digital signage systems.
SD (Secure Digital Card) – A popular flash memory card format used in devices such as cameras, laptops, multimedia players, and embedded systems. SD cards are compact, easy to use, and available in high capacities, making them a convenient data storage medium. Versions include SDHC (High Capacity) and SDXC (Extended Capacity), which differ in maximum storage and file systems. Depending on speed class, they support high-resolution video recording, fast data writes, or system boot functionality. In professional and industrial applications such as HMI panels, IoT devices, and automation systems, SD cards provide easily swappable, durable storage.
Seal – A protective barrier used in display assembly to completely close the gap between the screen and its enclosure. It can take the form of continuous rubber or silicone gaskets, adhesive tapes, sealing compounds, or resins. A seal ensures a high level of protection against water, dust, and contaminants, often meeting IP (Ingress Protection) standards. It is essential in devices intended for harsh environments, such as industrial automation, outdoor systems, military hardware, and medical equipment.
Segment LCD – A liquid crystal display in which each graphical element (segment) has a predefined shape and can only be turned on or off. Segments may represent digits (e.g., 7-segment), letters, icons, or symbols. Unlike pixel-based displays, segment LCDs cannot render arbitrary images, only predesigned fields. Their simple construction, low power consumption, and high durability make them suitable for clocks, thermometers, meters, medical devices, and home appliance control panels. Segment LCDs typically use TN or STN technology to keep costs low, and can be customized for specific applications.
Shield – A development board add-on designed to extend the functionality of popular prototyping platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other single-board computers (SBCs). Shields make it possible to quickly add modules such as displays, sensors, communication interfaces, or motor drivers without designing a custom PCB. Thanks to standardized connector layouts, they simplify prototyping and testing, especially in engineering, educational, and hobbyist environments. In industrial applications, shields are usually replaced by dedicated modules, but in development contexts, the term “shield” remains a standard.
Spacer Dots – Microscopic spacers placed between layers of a touch panel, most commonly in air bonding technology, to maintain a consistent and even gap between the top cover (e.g., glass) and the lower sensor layer. Without spacer dots, panels may suffer from short circuits, false touches (ghost touches), or deformation under pressure. These nearly invisible structures, typically a few dozen micrometers in diameter, are made of transparent polymers or resins. Despite their tiny size, they are essential for ensuring touch panel stability, accuracy, and durability when layers are separated by an air gap.
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) – A simple, fast, and widely used communication protocol for transferring data between electronic devices, such as microcontrollers and displays, sensors, or memory modules. SPI uses four lines: two for data transfer (in each direction), one for clock synchronization, and one for device selection. As a synchronous protocol, SPI enables high-speed and reliable communication. In displays – particularly small OLED or TFT LCDs in portable devices – it is popular due to ease of implementation and broad compatibility with microcontrollers. For larger displays requiring higher bandwidth, faster interfaces like RGB, LVDS, or MIPI DSI are more common.
SSD1963 Controller – A dedicated display controller IC designed to drive TFT LCDs with resolutions up to 864×480 pixels (WVGA). It integrates memory, timing signal generators, and image adjustment functions. It communicates with microcontrollers via a parallel interface, enabling use with many embedded systems that lack advanced graphics capability. The SSD1963 handles refresh timing, backlight, and brightness control, offloading these tasks from the main processor. Its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and ease of integration make it widely used in embedded and industrial applications.
STN (Super-Twisted Nematic) – An LCD technology that improves on TN (Twisted Nematic) by twisting liquid crystals at larger angles (up to 270°). This results in higher contrast and wider viewing angles, particularly in simple monochrome displays. STN displays are inexpensive and energy-efficient, making them suitable for portable devices, measuring instruments, calculators, and industrial or medical systems. Their drawbacks are slower response times and poorer readability for fast-moving content, limiting use in video or animation. Variants such as FSTN and DFSTN include additional optical layers to improve contrast and color reproduction.
Storage Temperature – The temperature range within which a display or other electronic device can be safely stored without operation. This parameter is relevant for transport, warehousing, and long-term storage. The storage temperature range is typically wider than the operating temperature range, e.g., –20°C to +70°C, depending on materials such as liquid crystals, adhesives, polarizers, and housing. Exceeding the specified range can cause irreversible damage, including liquid crystal degradation, polarizer failure, adhesive cracking, or moisture condensation. Storage temperature is a key factor for logistics planning and for devices intended for harsh environments.
Sunlight Readable Display – A display engineered for readability in direct sunlight, where standard LCDs often appear washed out due to glare and low contrast. These displays achieve visibility through very high brightness backlights (typically 800 cd/m² and above, often exceeding 1000–1500 cd/m²), low-reflectivity surfaces, anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings, and sometimes optical bonding to remove air gaps. In some cases, transflective technology is also used to reflect ambient light for contrast enhancement. Sunlight-readable displays are essential in outdoor terminals, passenger information systems, HMI panels, military and transportation devices, and other environments where high visibility is crucial for functionality and safety.
System-on-Module (SOM) – A compact electronic board that integrates all essential components of a computer system, including CPU, RAM, storage, communication chips, and interfaces. Mounted onto a carrier board, the SOM provides a complete, ready-to-use hardware platform, allowing product developers to focus on application-specific design without building electronics from scratch. SOMs speed up development, reduce costs, and enable easy platform updates. They are widely used in industrial automation, HMI systems, medical and defense applications, IoT, robotics, and consumer electronics. Compared to single-board computers (SBCs), SOMs require a carrier board, giving designers more freedom to tailor the device to application requirements.
TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) – A semiconductor packaging technology where ICs are mounted on thin polymer tape with copper traces, permanently bonded to the substrate. TAB allows fine-pitch, high-density connections and is widely used in display manufacturing to connect driver ICs directly to the glass edges of LCD or OLED panels. This minimizes required space for interconnects and enables slim bezels. TAB connections are reliable, mechanically strong, and capable of handling many signal lines, but require precise manufacturing processes and specialized equipment.
Temperature Compensation – A method used in electronic devices, including displays and touch panels, to maintain stable operating parameters despite ambient temperature changes. In LCDs, this may involve adjusting driving voltages to maintain optimal contrast, response time, and readability. In touch panels, temperature compensation corrects sensitivity deviations caused by material expansion or changes in conductive properties. This function is especially important in devices operating over wide temperature ranges – such as industrial, railway, military, or outdoor systems – where lack of compensation could result in distorted images, delayed responses, or input errors.
TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) – An LCD technology where each pixel is controlled by its own transistor. TFT is an “active-matrix” design, allowing individual addressing of pixels. This yields higher resolution, faster response, and better image quality than older passive matrices. TFT displays support full-color images and wide viewing angles, making them the standard for modern monitors and screens.
Timing Controller (T-CON) – An integrated circuit that converts video input signals from the mainboard or graphics controller into precise timing signals required by an LCD or OLED matrix. The T-CON synchronizes pixel operation by generating clock pulses, gate driver signals, and source driver signals, ensuring correct sequencing of image data. In modern displays, it may also handle additional functions such as color correction, backlight uniformity compensation, or noise reduction. The T-CON can be integrated into the panel or exist as a separate board, acting as a critical component for image quality, refresh stability, and artifact-free display performance.
TN (Twisted Nematic) – One of the earliest and simplest LCD technologies. In TN matrices, liquid crystal molecules are twisted by 90° in their resting state, allowing control of light transmission between polarizers by applying voltage. TN displays are inexpensive, have fast response times, and consume little power, but they suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited color reproduction compared to IPS or VA technologies. TN panels are still used in simple industrial displays, measuring instruments, calculators, watches, and some computer monitors where low cost and fast performance are prioritized.
Touch Controller – An integrated circuit responsible for interpreting signals from a touch panel and converting them into data for the host system (e.g., a microcontroller or processor). It processes sensor input from resistive, capacitive, SAW, infrared, or other touch technologies, filters out noise, and calculates the coordinates of touch points. Advanced controllers support multitouch, gesture recognition, palm rejection, and water rejection, ensuring reliable operation under varied conditions. Touch controllers may be embedded in the display module (e.g., in In-Cell or On-Cell designs) or implemented as separate ICs on dedicated PCBs. They are crucial for consumer devices like smartphones and tablets, as well as for industrial, medical, and military equipment requiring high precision and robustness.
Touch Interface (I²C / USB / RS232) – The communication interface through which a touch panel or its controller transmits data to the host system. Common options include I²C (a low-bandwidth serial bus for compact, low-power embedded systems), USB (a universal plug-and-play standard with wide OS compatibility, often used in monitors and HMI panels), and RS232 (a legacy but reliable serial protocol still used in industrial environments for its robustness against interference). The choice of interface depends on application requirements, available ports, data transfer speed, cable length, and compatibility with existing hardware.
Transflective LCD – A type of liquid crystal display that combines transmissive and reflective properties, ensuring good readability both in dark environments and under bright sunlight. It uses a transflective layer behind the matrix that partially reflects ambient light (like a reflective LCD) and partially transmits backlight (like a transmissive LCD). This hybrid design allows the screen to use ambient light to improve contrast outdoors while relying on backlighting indoors or in low-light conditions. Transflective displays are energy-efficient and ideal for mobile, outdoor, military, navigation, and industrial HMI applications where all-light-condition visibility is critical.
Transmission Modes – A classification of LCD operation based on how light is used to render the image. The three main modes are: transmissive (using only backlight, ideal for indoor/low-light environments), reflective (using only ambient light reflected from a mirror-like rear surface, ideal for bright sunlight but unusable in the dark), and transflective (a hybrid mode combining reflection and transmission for visibility in both bright and dark conditions). The choice of transmission mode is essential for designing devices tailored to specific operating environments, from indoor consumer products to outdoor industrial or military equipment.
Transmissive LCD – A liquid crystal display that relies solely on backlight passing through the matrix to render the image. The LCD itself is transparent to the backlight, with liquid crystals and color filters modulating the light to produce the display content. Transmissive displays offer high brightness, vivid colors, and good readability in controlled or low-light environments. However, they perform poorly in direct sunlight, where glare and reduced contrast can make images difficult to see. They are the most common type of LCD, used in TVs, computer monitors, indoor HMI panels, and consumer portable devices.
Trial Phase – A production stage following the sample phase, during which a limited batch of products is manufactured under near mass-production conditions. The trial phase validates process stability, product consistency, compliance with specifications, and identifies potential assembly or supply chain issues before full-scale manufacturing begins. Products from the trial phase are often sent to customers or pilot users for additional feedback. This stage is crucial for final validation, enabling design refinements, process optimization, and reducing risks of defects in mass production.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) – A global standard for data and power transfer between electronic devices. USB supports hot-swapping (plug-and-play) and multiple generations of speed: USB 1.1 (12 Mb/s), USB 2.0 (480 Mb/s), USB 3.x (up to 20 Gb/s), and USB4 (up to 40 Gb/s with Thunderbolt integration). Connector types include USB-A, USB-B, microUSB, miniUSB, and the now-dominant USB-C, which supports high-speed data, video, and high-power charging (USB Power Delivery). In display applications, USB is used for touch interfaces, DisplayLink-based video transfer, and powering small displays. Its universality, backward compatibility, and broad support make it indispensable in consumer, industrial, and embedded electronics.
UxTouch – An advanced type of touch panel designed for seamless integration in modern industrial, medical, and commercial displays. UxTouch panels feature a flush, flat-surface design where the touch panel is bonded directly with the cover glass, forming a smooth and continuous surface. This eliminates gaps and edges, making cleaning easier and improving resistance to dust and moisture ingress. Typically based on projected capacitive (PCAP) technology, UxTouch supports multitouch, gesture recognition, and precise control. Versions may include reinforced glass, anti-glare or anti-bacterial coatings. UxTouch solutions are valued in environments where hygiene, durability, and aesthetics are critical, such as healthcare, food service, vending machines, HMIs, and kiosks.
VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) – An international standards organization that develops specifications for video devices and displays. Its standards include resolution formats, video interfaces (such as DisplayPort), and mounting systems. In the context of displays, VESA most often refers to the Mounting Interface Standard (MIS), which defines the arrangement of mounting holes on the back of displays and monitors. Dimensions are given in millimeters (e.g., VESA 100×100, VESA 200×200), with the appropriate standard selected based on screen size and weight. VESA compliance ensures compatibility with wall mounts, arms, stands, and industrial enclosures, simplifying installation and integration.
Viewing Angle – The maximum angle (off-normal) at which a display can be viewed with acceptable image quality. Beyond this angle, the image may appear dimmed, washed out, or color-shifted. Viewing angle is usually given as horizontal and vertical spans (e.g., “160°/160°”) within which the contrast and color remain within specified tolerances. A wider viewing angle means the display can be seen clearly from more extreme off-center positions.
Viewing Direction – A parameter mainly used in TN (Twisted Nematic) LCDs, defining the direction from which the display offers optimal readability, accurate colors, and proper contrast. Choosing the right viewing direction helps prevent TN-specific issues such as grayscale inversion, contrast loss, or dimming. It is especially important in devices where the user’s position relative to the screen is fixed, such as machine control panels, counters, or medical instruments.
– 6 o’clock: The best view is from below the screen, suitable for devices mounted above the user’s eye level.
– 12 o’clock: The best view is from above the screen, suitable for devices mounted below the user’s eye level.
Vibration Resistance – A parameter defining a display’s or electronic device’s ability to operate reliably under mechanical vibration. Vibrations are common in vehicles, industrial machinery, military equipment, and railway systems, where continuous motion can loosen connections, cause solder cracks, damage components, or affect image stability. Vibration resistance is verified according to standards such as IEC 60068-2-6, which specify frequency ranges, test durations, and mounting methods. High vibration resistance is essential for mobile, transport, and industrial applications where continuous and stable operation must be ensured despite mechanical stress.
Vx1 (V-by-One HS) – A high-speed serial interface developed by THine Electronics for transmitting high-resolution video signals between a mainboard and an LCD or OLED panel. Vx1 delivers high bandwidth using fewer signal lines than older interfaces like LVDS, simplifying cabling and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI). It supports several gigabits per second per lane, making it scalable for Full HD, 4K, and even 8K displays with high refresh rates. Vx1 is widely used in modern TVs, monitors, industrial displays, and medical equipment where fast, stable image transfer is critical.
Water Rejection – A feature of projected capacitive (PCAP) touch panels that prevents false inputs caused by water, moisture, or liquid droplets on the screen surface. Since water is conductive, it can interfere with the electrostatic field, leading to ghost touches. Water rejection technology uses signal processing algorithms and sensitivity calibration to distinguish real touches (from a finger or stylus) from liquid interference. This capability is crucial in outdoor, industrial, medical, marine, and food-related applications where touchscreens must function reliably in wet or humid environments.
ZIF Connector (Zero Insertion Force) – A connector type designed for easy, tool-free connection and disconnection of FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) cables without applying significant force. ZIF connectors use a latch or lever mechanism: the cable slides in freely when the latch is open and is secured firmly when the latch is closed, ensuring reliable electrical contact. This design prevents damage and wear on delicate contacts, making ZIF connectors ideal for components that require frequent assembly or servicing. They are widely used in LCD modules, touch panels, membrane keyboards, and camera modules, where compactness and connection durability are essential.
