Display solutions

Question 1

AMOLED and TFT are two different types of display technology. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays have self-lighting pixels, offering better contrast, deeper blacks, and lower power consumption. TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is a type of LCD that uses a backlight, typically less vibrant with slightly lower contrast and wider power usage. In short: AMOLED offers better colors and efficiency whilst TFT, generally, offers a more affordable but lower display quality.

Answer

AMOLED and TFT are two different types of display technology. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays have self-lighting pixels, offering better contrast, deeper blacks, and lower power consumption. TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is a type of LCD that uses a backlight, typically less vibrant with slightly lower contrast and wider power usage. In short: AMOLED offers better colors and efficiency whilst TFT, generally, offers a more affordable but lower display quality.

Question 2

An E-ink display (electronic ink) is a type of screen that mimics the appearance of ink on paper. It uses tiny microcapsules that move when an electric charge is applied. E-ink displays are highly readable in sunlight, use very little power, and are commonly found in e-readers or on shelf edge labelling. However, they refresh slowly, making them unsuitable for video or fast-moving content.

Answer

An E-ink display (electronic ink) is a type of screen that mimics the appearance of ink on paper. It uses tiny microcapsules that move when an electric charge is applied. E-ink displays are highly readable in sunlight, use very little power, and are commonly found in e-readers or on shelf edge labelling. However, they refresh slowly, making them unsuitable for video or fast-moving content.

Question 3

An STN (Super Twisted Nematic) display is a type of LCD that uses a special arrangement of liquid crystals to improve contrast and viewing angles compared to older TN (Twisted Nematic) displays. STN displays are commonly used in devices like control panels, metering products and handheld instrumentation . They are cost-effective but have slower response times and lower color quality than modern displays like TFT or AMOLED. They are very cost effective and still a popular choice.

Answer

An STN (Super Twisted Nematic) display is a type of LCD that uses a special arrangement of liquid crystals to improve contrast and viewing angles compared to older TN (Twisted Nematic) displays. STN displays are commonly used in devices like control panels, metering products and handheld instrumentation . They are cost-effective but have slower response times and lower color quality than modern displays like TFT or AMOLED. They are very cost effective and still a popular choice.

Question 4

PMOLED (Passive Matrix OLED) and AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED) are both types of OLED displays, but they differ in how they control pixels.PMOLED uses a simple grid to control pixels. It's cheaper and easier to produce but is generally limited to smaller screens with a lower resolution. AMOLED uses an active matrix with a transistor at each pixel, allowing faster response, better power efficiency, higher resolution, and is ideal for larger, high-quality displays like smartphones, tablets and TVs.

Answer

PMOLED (Passive Matrix OLED) and AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED) are both types of OLED displays, but they differ in how they control pixels.PMOLED uses a simple grid to control pixels. It's cheaper and easier to produce but is generally limited to smaller screens with a lower resolution. AMOLED uses an active matrix with a transistor at each pixel, allowing faster response, better power efficiency, higher resolution, and is ideal for larger, high-quality displays like smartphones, tablets and TVs.

Question 5

A Capacitive Touch Panel (CTP) typically uses one of three common interfaces to communicate with the device’s processor. The most popular is I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), this is the most popular due to the low pin count and it’s good for short-distance communication on the same board. SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is also very popular, as it is faster than I²C, and is mostly used when higher data speed is needed. For ease of use, many people request USB, especially for larger touchscreens or external devices.

Answer

A Capacitive Touch Panel (CTP) typically uses one of three common interfaces to communicate with the device’s processor. The most popular is I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), this is the most popular due to the low pin count and it’s good for short-distance communication on the same board. SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is also very popular, as it is faster than I²C, and is mostly used when higher data speed is needed. For ease of use, many people request USB, especially for larger touchscreens or external devices.

Question 6

The truth is, there is no real answer to this, as each has it’s own place. It depends on your needs, but generally speaking an RTP (Resistive Touch Panel) works with any touch (finger, stylus, gloves), and is a cheaper and simpler technology. The drawbacks are that as a technology is it less sensitive, has lower clarity and does not offer multi-touch. A CTP (Capacitive Touch Panel) is highly sensitive and does support multi-touch. It also offers better clarity and durability. Compared to the RTP though it only works with a conductive touch (bare fingers, some styluses) and is more expensive. As a rule of thumb, a CTPs tend to be preferred for modern devices (smartphones, tablets) because of responsiveness and multi-touch, while RTP technology tends to be used on cost sensitive applications.

Answer

The truth is, there is no real answer to this, as each has it’s own place. It depends on your needs, but generally speaking an RTP (Resistive Touch Panel) works with any touch (finger, stylus, gloves), and is a cheaper and simpler technology. The drawbacks are that as a technology is it less sensitive, has lower clarity and does not offer multi-touch. A CTP (Capacitive Touch Panel) is highly sensitive and does support multi-touch. It also offers better clarity and durability. Compared to the RTP though it only works with a conductive touch (bare fingers, some styluses) and is more expensive. As a rule of thumb, a CTPs tend to be preferred for modern devices (smartphones, tablets) because of responsiveness and multi-touch, while RTP technology tends to be used on cost sensitive applications.

Question 7

Yes, you can absolutely screen print on a cover glass, and it's a very common process in custom display manufacturing. Screen printing the coverglass can add borders (black masks around the active area), Brand logos or labels, touch button symbols, alignment marks or just simply decorative elements. When discussing screen prints, depending on application, we would recommend either ceramic or UV inks. The print is typically done on the back side of the glass in order to protect the print.

Answer

Yes, you can absolutely screen print on a cover glass, and it's a very common process in custom display manufacturing. Screen printing the coverglass can add borders (black masks around the active area), Brand logos or labels, touch button symbols, alignment marks or just simply decorative elements. When discussing screen prints, depending on application, we would recommend either ceramic or UV inks. The print is typically done on the back side of the glass in order to protect the print.

Question 8

Yes, you can make holes in a custom cover glass, and it’s actually common practice in display design, especially when you need to accommodate buttons (e.g., mechanical home buttons or fingerprint sensors), camera or sensor windows, mounting or alignment features or speaker/microphone cutouts. The holes are produced by precision machining (CNC or laser cutting) during the glass fabrication process, and is usually done before chemical strengthening techniques are applied. This process does add cost and complexity, and can weaken the glass if not designed properly, sharp corners should be avoided, and clean edges must be ensured to avoid cracks. If you need holes, it's always best to work with a manufacturer experienced in custom cover glass fabrication.

Answer

Yes, you can make holes in a custom cover glass, and it’s actually common practice in display design, especially when you need to accommodate buttons (e.g., mechanical home buttons or fingerprint sensors), camera or sensor windows, mounting or alignment features or speaker/microphone cutouts. The holes are produced by precision machining (CNC or laser cutting) during the glass fabrication process, and is usually done before chemical strengthening techniques are applied. This process does add cost and complexity, and can weaken the glass if not designed properly, sharp corners should be avoided, and clean edges must be ensured to avoid cracks. If you need holes, it's always best to work with a manufacturer experienced in custom cover glass fabrication.

Question 9

An IK rating (Impact Protection rating) is an international standard (IEC 62262) that measures a device's resistance to mechanical impact, such as being struck or dropped. We can support everything from IK0 (no protection) to IK10 (highest protection). In a nutshell, the higher the IK rating, the better protection offered against physical damage from impact.

Answer

An IK rating (Impact Protection rating) is an international standard (IEC 62262) that measures a device's resistance to mechanical impact, such as being struck or dropped. We can support everything from IK0 (no protection) to IK10 (highest protection). In a nutshell, the higher the IK rating, the better protection offered against physical damage from impact.

Question 10

AG (Anti-Glare) and AR (Anti-Reflective) films both improve screen visibility, but they work quite differently. AG (Anti-Glare) diffuses light to reduce glare from ambient sources, it gives a matte finish and whilst it reduces reflections, it may slightly blur or soften the displayed image. This is generally chosen for bright indoor or office environments. AR (Anti-Reflective) cancels reflections by using optical coatings to minimize light bouncing off the surface, this maintains a clear, crisp display, and makes it more effective against mirror-like reflections. This is generally used for outdoor or high-glare settings where clarity is critical. Some displays actually use both AR & AG in order to combine the benefits.

Answer

AG (Anti-Glare) and AR (Anti-Reflective) films both improve screen visibility, but they work quite differently. AG (Anti-Glare) diffuses light to reduce glare from ambient sources, it gives a matte finish and whilst it reduces reflections, it may slightly blur or soften the displayed image. This is generally chosen for bright indoor or office environments. AR (Anti-Reflective) cancels reflections by using optical coatings to minimize light bouncing off the surface, this maintains a clear, crisp display, and makes it more effective against mirror-like reflections. This is generally used for outdoor or high-glare settings where clarity is critical. Some displays actually use both AR & AG in order to combine the benefits.

Question 11

Yes, there are different types of white LED backlights used in displays, mainly distinguished by how the white light is produced. RGB LEDs can be used and use separate red, green, and blue LEDs combined to create the white light. This method can offer precise color control, but is complex and costly. There are also phosphor-converted (PC) White LEDs, which are basically a blue LED coated with a yellow phosphor layer that converts some blue light to yellow, creating white light. This is the most common and cost-effective solution for backlighting. There are now also quantum dot-enhanced LEDs, which utilise a blue LED with quantum dot films to produce purer and more vibrant white light with better color accuracy. Each type mentioned affects color quality, efficiency, and of course cost of the backlight unit.

Answer

Yes, there are different types of white LED backlights used in displays, mainly distinguished by how the white light is produced. RGB LEDs can be used and use separate red, green, and blue LEDs combined to create the white light. This method can offer precise color control, but is complex and costly. There are also phosphor-converted (PC) White LEDs, which are basically a blue LED coated with a yellow phosphor layer that converts some blue light to yellow, creating white light. This is the most common and cost-effective solution for backlighting. There are now also quantum dot-enhanced LEDs, which utilise a blue LED with quantum dot films to produce purer and more vibrant white light with better color accuracy. Each type mentioned affects color quality, efficiency, and of course cost of the backlight unit.

Question 12

To drive an LED backlight, you need a proper LED driver circuit that supplies the correct voltage and current.

Answer

To drive an LED backlight, you need a proper LED driver circuit that supplies the correct voltage and current.

Question 13

The backlight of a display, for those displays that require one, is often an overlooked, critical part of the display solution. Summit Display Solutions is able to offer guidance and help with regards to different backlighting technologies such as LED, EL (Electroluminescent) and CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp). It’s true to say that most backlights use LEDs these days, and with that we can support with regards to meeting required luminance, color binning and lifetime.

Answer

The backlight of a display, for those displays that require one, is often an overlooked, critical part of the display solution. Summit Display Solutions is able to offer guidance and help with regards to different backlighting technologies such as LED, EL (Electroluminescent) and CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp). It’s true to say that most backlights use LEDs these days, and with that we can support with regards to meeting required luminance, color binning and lifetime.

Question 14

FALD (Full-Array Local Dimming) is a display backlighting technology used in LED-backlit LCDs. It involves placing a grid of LEDs directly behind the screen (full-array), which can dim or brighten specific zones (local dimming) based on the image shown, this in turn offers deeper blacks, higher contrast and better overall picture quality than edge-lit displays.

Answer

FALD (Full-Array Local Dimming) is a display backlighting technology used in LED-backlit LCDs. It involves placing a grid of LEDs directly behind the screen (full-array), which can dim or brighten specific zones (local dimming) based on the image shown, this in turn offers deeper blacks, higher contrast and better overall picture quality than edge-lit displays.

Question 15

Sometimes, but generally not. Some boards are programmable or configurable to support various panels, while many others are custom tuned for a specific display. Always verify compatibility before use.

Answer

Sometimes, but generally not. Some boards are programmable or configurable to support various panels, while many others are custom tuned for a specific display. Always verify compatibility before use.

Question 16

Sadly not, raw LCD panels in their component form don’t understand HDMI or VGA signals, so you will need an interface board to convert them into a format the panel can use.

Answer

Sadly not, raw LCD panels in their component form don’t understand HDMI or VGA signals, so you will need an interface board to convert them into a format the panel can use.

Question 17

Most interface boards provide regulated power and backlight control, but you must match the voltage and current requirements of your specific display. Many boards do support touchscreen input (capacitive or resistive) via I²C, USB, or SPI, but you may also need an additional touch controller depending on the panel.

Answer

Most interface boards provide regulated power and backlight control, but you must match the voltage and current requirements of your specific display. Many boards do support touchscreen input (capacitive or resistive) via I²C, USB, or SPI, but you may also need an additional touch controller depending on the panel.

Question 18

It depends on the board, but common types include TFT LCDs, OLEDs, and E-Ink displays, using interfaces like LVDS, eDP, MIPI DSI, and RGB.

Answer

It depends on the board, but common types include TFT LCDs, OLEDs, and E-Ink displays, using interfaces like LVDS, eDP, MIPI DSI, and RGB.

Question 19

The initial circuit layout is created using CAD software, and appropriate substrates and copper thicknesses are chosen. During fabrication, copper traces are etched onto the flexible substrate. Other components, such as resistors and capacitors can also be added to the FPC, generally using surface mount technology.

Answer

The initial circuit layout is created using CAD software, and appropriate substrates and copper thicknesses are chosen. During fabrication, copper traces are etched onto the flexible substrate. Other components, such as resistors and capacitors can also be added to the FPC, generally using surface mount technology.

Question 20

There is no correct answer for this, as it’s all project dependant, here is a simple table to help make that decision.

Feature	Custom Cable Assemblies	FPCs (Flexible Printed Circuits)

Construction	Bundled discrete insulated wires & connectors	Printed copper traces on a flexible substrate
Flexibility	Moderate; bulky bundle, bends limited	High flexibility; bendable, foldable
Size & Weight	Bulkier and heavier	Very thin and lightweight (up to ~90% lighter)
Wiring Density	Limited by wire gauge and connector count	High-density routing; multi-layer options
Signal vs Power	Supports power and signal in same harness	Mostly signal transmission; not suited for high power
Customization	Custom length, connector types, sleeving, etc	CAD-designed: custom trace layout, layers, shape
Installation Complexity	Manual labor (cutting, crimping, sleeving)	Requires PCB-style manufacturing and assembly
Repairability	Connectors and wires replaceable	Difficult or often impossible to repair
Cost Considerations	Labour-intensive; cost varies with wire types	Higher tooling/design cost, but saves wiring mass

Answer

There is no correct answer for this, as it’s all project dependant, here is a simple table to help make that decision.

Feature	Custom Cable Assemblies	FPCs (Flexible Printed Circuits)

Construction	Bundled discrete insulated wires & connectors	Printed copper traces on a flexible substrate
Flexibility	Moderate; bulky bundle, bends limited	High flexibility; bendable, foldable
Size & Weight	Bulkier and heavier	Very thin and lightweight (up to ~90% lighter)
Wiring Density	Limited by wire gauge and connector count	High-density routing; multi-layer options
Signal vs Power	Supports power and signal in same harness	Mostly signal transmission; not suited for high power
Customization	Custom length, connector types, sleeving, etc	CAD-designed: custom trace layout, layers, shape
Installation Complexity	Manual labor (cutting, crimping, sleeving)	Requires PCB-style manufacturing and assembly
Repairability	Connectors and wires replaceable	Difficult or often impossible to repair
Cost Considerations	Labour-intensive; cost varies with wire types	Higher tooling/design cost, but saves wiring mass

Question 21

There are several benefits to using FPCs, their space efficiency allows for compact designs, ideal for tight spaces. As well as being flexible, which allows bending folding, their lightweight nature is perfect for portable or dynamic applications. FPCs are also very durable, and are resistant to vibrations and thermal stresses.

Answer

There are several benefits to using FPCs, their space efficiency allows for compact designs, ideal for tight spaces. As well as being flexible, which allows bending folding, their lightweight nature is perfect for portable or dynamic applications. FPCs are also very durable, and are resistant to vibrations and thermal stresses.

Question 22

Whilst all custom cable assemblies are different, a typical assembly usually consists of conductors, insulation, connectors and a protective sheath.

Answer

Whilst all custom cable assemblies are different, a typical assembly usually consists of conductors, insulation, connectors and a protective sheath.

Question 23

The type of source material, such as audio tones, voice, or music, determines the resonant frequency that will be most appropriate. For example, voice reproduction may require a different frequency response than music playback, influencing the choice of loudspeaker.

Answer

The type of source material, such as audio tones, voice, or music, determines the resonant frequency that will be most appropriate. For example, voice reproduction may require a different frequency response than music playback, influencing the choice of loudspeaker.

Question 24

Common technologies include aluminum driver cones with polymer surrounds, and cones made from materials like acrylic-treated cloth, polyester, or mylar. Each material offers different acoustic properties and is chosen based on the specific application and design constraints.

Answer

Common technologies include aluminum driver cones with polymer surrounds, and cones made from materials like acrylic-treated cloth, polyester, or mylar. Each material offers different acoustic properties and is chosen based on the specific application and design constraints.

Question 25

Key factors include the dimensions and volume of the loudspeaker enclosure, the type of audio source material (e.g., tones, voice, or music), the available power for the application, and the operating environment, including any water resistance requirements.

Answer

Key factors include the dimensions and volume of the loudspeaker enclosure, the type of audio source material (e.g., tones, voice, or music), the available power for the application, and the operating environment, including any water resistance requirements.

Question 26

Parametric equalization is used to fine-tune the loudspeaker's frequency response, especially in challenging small enclosures where resonant frequencies may need to be adjusted to achieve better bass performance and overall audio quality.

Answer

Parametric equalization is used to fine-tune the loudspeaker's frequency response, especially in challenging small enclosures where resonant frequencies may need to be adjusted to achieve better bass performance and overall audio quality.

Question 27

Yes, an SBC is very much an embedded system, although some distinctions are helpful to understand. Generally speaking, an SBC is a complete computer built on a single PCB, containing the CPU, memory (RAM/Flash), storage (microSD or eMMC for example), I/O Ports and power management circuitry. They are often compact, low cost and energy efficient devices, widely used in home automation, robotics, industrial control and edge computing.

Answer

Yes, an SBC is very much an embedded system, although some distinctions are helpful to understand. Generally speaking, an SBC is a complete computer built on a single PCB, containing the CPU, memory (RAM/Flash), storage (microSD or eMMC for example), I/O Ports and power management circuitry. They are often compact, low cost and energy efficient devices, widely used in home automation, robotics, industrial control and edge computing.

Question 28

Typically, an embedded system requires a Processor (microcontroller or microprocessor), Memory (RAM, ROM Flash), I/O interfaces such as sensors, GPIO and Communication buses (such as UART, SPI, I2C & CAN). Often, a real time operating system (RTOS) or dedicated firmware are also included.

Answer

Typically, an embedded system requires a Processor (microcontroller or microprocessor), Memory (RAM, ROM Flash), I/O interfaces such as sensors, GPIO and Communication buses (such as UART, SPI, I2C & CAN). Often, a real time operating system (RTOS) or dedicated firmware are also included.

Question 29

DMA (Direct Memory Access) enables peripherals to directly read from or write to memory without CPU intervention. This helps to offload routine data transfer tasks from the processor, improving performance and lowering power consumption, which can be critical in resource limited and real time systems.

Answer

DMA (Direct Memory Access) enables peripherals to directly read from or write to memory without CPU intervention. This helps to offload routine data transfer tasks from the processor, improving performance and lowering power consumption, which can be critical in resource limited and real time systems.

Question 30

A SoM (System on Module) contains just the core computing module (CPU, memory & Flash) with no external connectors, where as an SBC (Single Board Computer) is essentially a SoM plus it’s carrier board, in a ready to use package, providing all necessary connectors and circuitry.

Answer

A SoM (System on Module) contains just the core computing module (CPU, memory & Flash) with no external connectors, where as an SBC (Single Board Computer) is essentially a SoM plus it’s carrier board, in a ready to use package, providing all necessary connectors and circuitry.

Question 31

A microprocessor is purely a CPU and it requires external memory and I/O, a microcontroller is an all-in -one solution that includes the CPU, memory and peripherals on a single chip, which makes it ideal for embedded systems.

Answer

A microprocessor is purely a CPU and it requires external memory and I/O, a microcontroller is an all-in -one solution that includes the CPU, memory and peripherals on a single chip, which makes it ideal for embedded systems.

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