Transflective TFT-LCD Displays

Introduction

American Bright LED’s Transflective TFT series is a range of color TFT-LCD displays designed for readable operation in both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. The technically notable feature is its transflective construction, which combines transmissive and reflective display behavior so ambient light can contribute to visibility rather than simply reducing it.

Available in 3.97 in and 5.5 in display sizes, the series pairs transflective viewing with LED backlighting and supports both 3-wire SPI and RGB interfaces.

What it does

These displays present color graphical information using transflective TFT-LCD technology. In daylight, the transflective design uses ambient light to improve display visibility, with the backlight specified to be off in daylight. When ambient illumination is insufficient, LED backlighting provides display illumination.

The series is specified for sunlight readability up to 9000 nits and for operation across a -20°C to +70°C temperature range. The available interface options—3-wire SPI and RGB—allow the display to be connected to systems with either a serial control-oriented display interface or a parallel RGB display interface.

Applications

Typical uses that follow from the series’ display, readability, interface, and temperature characteristics include:

• Outdoor or near-window equipment user interfaces
• Industrial control panels and status displays
• Portable instruments used across changing ambient-light conditions
• Human-machine interfaces requiring color graphical output
• Embedded systems with SPI or RGB display connections
• Equipment intended for operation in temperatures from -20°C to +70°C

Design considerations

System designers can select between 3.97 in and 5.5 in display options according to enclosure space and required viewing area. Interface selection is also important: 3-wire SPI and RGB implementations have different host-side hardware and integration requirements.

The transflective design is intended to use ambient light for improved readability, and the specified daylight behavior—backlight off in daylight—should be considered when planning display power operation and illumination control. Designs should also account for the stated -20°C to +70°C operating-temperature range.

Availability and further information

The source and distributor links on this page provide further information about American Bright LED’s Transflective TFT-LCD display series.