A display controller (also called a panel controller or TFT controller) is an integrated circuit, or a set of chips, that drives the display panel. It receives image data from the host system, synchronizes the input signals with the parameters of the matrix and generates the precise timing and control signals required by the LCD or OLED panel.
Beyond timing, the controller processes graphics data and controls brightness, contrast, resolution and refresh rate. Depending on the display type (LCD-TFT, OLED, e-paper) and the interface (RGB, LVDS, MIPI DSI), it may be embedded within the matrix – as in small displays – or work as a standalone chip in larger, industrial displays.
Dedicated display controllers such as the SSD1963 or the FT8xx family simplify integration with embedded systems. As a key component of any display application, the controller defines the performance of solutions ranging from simple IoT screens to advanced visualization systems.
