Display modules are popular devices that enrich people with visual information. One of the main motives of display modules is to simplify the sharing of information. There are several displays present but in this article, we are going to focus on two of the most important ones i.e. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode). And at the end of the article, we will give a glimpse of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). So without wasting much words let’s begin this blog.
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The LCD consists of a flat panel like display which takes the help of light modulating characteristics of liquid crystals. Instead of emitting light directly the liquid crystals use a reflector (or a backlight) to generate images in monochrome or color. LCDs are accessible to show a discretionary or a fixed picture with less info content, which can be shown or covered up, for example, digits, 7 segment displays like in digital clocks or preset words. LCDs have found its way in several applications like computer monitors, aircraft cockpit displays, instrument panels, and LCD televisions. Small LCD screens are used in calculators, smartphones, watches, digital cameras, etc. It is also utilized in consumer electronics products like clocks, video game devices, and DVD players.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED is a light-producing semiconductor which discharges light when electric current moves through it. The electrons present in the semiconductor get attached with electron holes and release photons (energy). The shade of the light is dictated by the vitality required for electrons to overcome the bandgap of the semiconductor. White light can be generated by a film of a light-emitting phosphor on the device. LEDs have several advantages over an incandescent light. They are:
- Long Lifetime
- Small Size
- Fast switching
- Improved physical robustness
LEDs have found its use in automotive headlamps, traffic signals, plant growing light, aviation light, etc.
As we have got some ideas regarding LEDs, let's look upon OLED which is one of the popular type of LED present in the market.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
OLED, popularly known as Organic EL diode, is a Light Emitting Diode where the layer of emissive electroluminescent is made up of organic compounds that generates light when an electric current passes through it. OLEDs have found its use in devices like computer monitors, screens used in televisions, portable game console, smartphones, and PDAs. As the OLED display emits visible light there is no use for a backlight. Thus, it is lighter and thinner than the LCD. Even though an LCD uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps but still in a dark room an OLED screen can attain a much higher contrast ratio than an LCD.
Now, OLED can be divided into two categories.
- PMOLED – This stands for Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. In this type of display, each row is controlled successively, individually.
- AMOLED – This stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. It takes the help of a thin film transistor to switch and access each pixel (ON/OFF). Thus, OLED of this category makes large display and high resolution possible.
So this was all about popular Display Modules. Hope you liked this article. Popular brands that makes display modules are 4D Systems, Riverdi and MikroElektronika. Make sure to check them out using the links as provided.