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Not only in the world of consumer electronics, but also in professional and industrial applications, displays are today the most important part of the interface between humans and technology. Where reliability and precise performance are important, Unisystem offers custom-configured modules with displays from leading manufacturers.
Efficient monitoring and operation of processes and the ability to effectively view or present key data are of particular importance in manufacturing, transportation, medicine, advertising and many other industries that use modern technology. Each of these applications has different characteristics, and there are different expectations regarding not only the qualitative, but also the robustness of a given information visualization solution. Selecting and optimizing a device strictly according to the specifications of the target user or supporting the development of a customized module is the mission of Unisystem – a leader in providing complete optoelectronic solutions, designed based on technologies that meet the real needs of the customer.
LCD-TFT – precision in every pixel
Using LCD ( liquid crystal display) technology, the image on the display is formed through the process of rearranging the liquid crystals under the influence of an electric field, resulting in the display of a pixel. In LCD-TFT solutions, each sub-pixel of the display is controlled by a separate thin film transistor ( thin film transistor), resulting in color image quality suitable for precision applications in industry, medicine, transportation and any industry using electronic information and marketing media ( digital signage).
Key parameters of LCD-TFT displays include:
- Resolution – the number of pixels horizontally and vertically. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image.
- Brightness – the intensity of light emitted by the screen, measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m²). High brightness is essential in intensely lit areas.
- Contrast – the ratio of light intensity between the brightest and darkest points on the screen. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the image quality.
- Viewing direction – Wide viewing angles are key in many industrial applications. IPS matrices are popular, offering full viewing angles.
- Operating temperature – important in outdoor applications. The displays must withstand temperature extremes of -30°C to 80°C.
When choosing a supplier of LCD-TFT technology, it is important to pay attention to the ability to customize the parameters of the display for specific applications or specifications of the device being designed. Unisystem, thanks to its cooperation with leading manufacturers such as Winstar, Litemax, Innolux, AUO, BOE or the Polish company Riverdi, offers not only a wide range of ready-made solutions, but also rich possibilities for personalization of display parameters – from resolution to brightness and contrast to observation direction or operating temperature.
OLED – and all is clear
OLEDs ( organic light emitting diodes) are diodes made of organic compounds that emit light when exposed to an electric current. In consumer applications, displays made from them are synonymous with the highest-quality images and enable the construction of very thin devices, because unlike liquid crystals, OLEDs do not need a separate backlight panel.
In industry, including medical devices, OLED technology is used for its energy efficiency, reliability and durability. Industrial, mostly monochrome OLED displays, like their color consumer counterparts, offer high brightness and contrast, as well as wide viewing angles, so that the information presented is legible in all conditions. They also feature fast response times, can operate over an extensive temperature range, and are light and thin, making them ideal for mobile equipment, including measuring devices operated in harsh environments.
OLED displays are divided into graphic and alphanumeric displays. The former allow the representation of complex images and are increasingly appearing in smartphones, tablets and laptops, for example. Alphanumeric displays are mainly used to present text and simple icons, which is why they are encountered in professional control panels, including touch interface panels. The main supplier of OLED displays for Unisystem is Winstar.
Additional parameters include:
- Colors – monochromatic OLED displays dominate in industrial applications, but variants combining different colors are also available.
- Module types – COG(Chip-on-Glass), COB(Chip-on-Board), COF(Chip-on-Film), differing in the location of the controller.
- Interfaces – popular interfaces include 6800, 8080, CAN, I2C, SPI.
- Supply voltage – usually 3 V, 3.3 V, 5 V.
- Operating temperature ranges – from -40°C to 80°C.
Monochrome LCM (mono LCM LCD) – straight to the point
Winstar is Unisystem’s main partner also for LCM LCD solutions, i.e. liquid crystal modules (LCMs) consisting of an LCD display and additional components such as a backlight, driver array or controller. These devices are suitable for visualizing short messages. Like OLED displays, they are divided into graphic and alphanumeric, but unlike OLED displays, they offer limited viewing angles. The latter parameter therefore needs to be selected keeping in mind how the target device is used.
When choosing an LCM display, pay attention to:
- Content and background color – light content on a dark background (or vice versa) provides excellent readability.
- Observation direction – limited observation angles at 12:00 or 6:00.
- Module type – COB (controller on PCB) or COG (controller on display glass).
- Matrix types – STN, FSTN, FFSTN, which differ in image quality.
- Polarizer type – reflective, transmissive, transflective.
- Operating temperature – usually from -20°C to 70°C.
- Temperature compensation circuit – important in applications subject to temperature spikes.
- Built-in negative voltage generator – improves contrast control.
The main advantage of LCM LCD solutions is simplicity, and thus relatively low acquisition and operating costs. The uncomplicated design also ensures reliability in harsh conditions. In turn, the LCM LCD modules’ low power requirements make them optimal for portable applications such as battery-powered industrial or medical measuring devices.
E-papier (EPD) – jak czarno na białym
Although EPD ( electronic paper display) is a technology primarily associated with e-book readers, it is now finding increasing professional use in numerous industries, especially in transportation (timetables), commerce (price tags) and marketing (advertising media). Displays based on this technology are also found in medical devices. The principle of e-paper is the phenomenon of electrophoresis. Composed of a mixture of oil and water, the display cells contain pigmented particles that are reversibly manipulated under the influence of electricity to form the desired image. It persists without power (only the image change generates a power requirement), making the e-paper extremely energy-efficient and great for battery-powered devices. EPD displays also offer excellent readability and high contrast, provided that they are used in good lighting. E Ink and DKE are trusted providers of EPD solutions for Unisystem, which offers not only monochrome but also color variants of e-paper displays.
When choosing an EPD display, consider:
- DPI – the number of pixels per inch of the screen, affecting the resolution of the image.
- Interfaces – SPI, USB are the most popular interfaces in e-paper displays.
- Operating temperature ranges – typically from 0°C to 50°C.
Industrial monitors – a wide framework of possibilities
An LCD-TFT display in a professional application needs an enclosure that is adapted to the conditions of its use and the way it is installed at the target site. It must also not only provide the expected performance in terms of resolution, brightness and contrast, but also meet exacting durability standards. Reliability in operation, an intuitive and reliable interface, full viewing angles, high brightness and contrast, and resistance to dust, water, shock or extreme temperatures are key features of a good industrial monitor in a manufacturing plant, military training ground, hospital or ambulance, as well as in digital signage information and advertising applications. The leader in the area of solutions with such characteristics is Litemax, a major supplier of industrial monitors to Unisystem.
When choosing an industrial monitor, pay attention to:
- Brightness – optimal for lighting conditions, from 600 to 4,500 cd/m².
- Contrast – the ratio of the brightness of a white point to a black point, from 400:1 to 10000:1.
- Observation direction – full observation angles are standard (89°/89°/89°/89°).
- Operating temperature range – from -20°C to 70°C.
- Interfaces – LVDS, VGA, DP, DVI, HDMI, USB, Vx1.
Industrial computers – vision under control
Behind the data visualization system is usually the brain of the entire operation, an industrial computer that controls processes 24/7. When choosing a supplier for this type of equipment, it is a good idea to pay attention to whether it has equipment with parameters suitable for the intended use. Unisystem offers compact and cost-effective single board computers (SBCs) for simple industrial applications, modular computers (COMs) that can be easily serviced, expanded and upgraded, industrial computers in enclosures that can withstand operation in all conditions, rugged carrier boards equipped with rich sets of connectors and interfaces, and powerful and energy-efficient panel computers with integrated display and touch panel (HMI, or human-machine interface) that enable convenient and precise control of industrial processes.
Touch panels – all in your hands
Touch panel display is another solution well known from the consumer electronics market. It is also popular in professional applications, where it offers a convenient interface for desktop and mobile devices used in manufacturing, transportation, medicine and many other industries. It is important to choose a panel with the right functionality, preferably with the option to personalize such parameters as glass thickness and coating (for example, a coating to prevent light reflections, adhesion of oily dirt or microbial proliferation). Unisystem’s offer includes touch panels from manufacturer ATM in capacitive (CTP) and resistive (RTP) variants.
Additional options:
- Water rejection mode – correct operation of the panel when water is present on the surface.
- Palm rejection mode – correct operation of the panel when touching larger objects.
- Noise detection or frequency hopping functions – adapting the module’s operation to environmental conditions.
When selecting a touch panel supplier, it is worth reviewing its range of accessories that will ensure the effective use and maintenance of the planned display systems, and especially check the availability of ZIF connectors, EPC tapes, controllers and other components necessary for integrating touch panels with the rest of the components of the designed solution.
Unisystem – a proven optoelectronics expert While one user needs a system that offers extensive real-time graphical data presentation capabilities, another is looking for a simple, mobile solution with robustness against adverse weather conditions or extreme temperatures. With nearly three decades of experience in building business relationships with leading optoelectronic component manufacturers and a passion for developing and implementing the latest technological advances, Unisystem offers its partners a one-stop shop for custom-designed modules for reliable information visualization.
