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Understanding TFT Basics

TFT basics

Break it down like Barney: Understanding the TFT basics.

The LCD Display you choose for your new design will set the perceived value of your product. If the display looks good, your product looks good. Understanding TFT basics makes the process of choosing that much easier.

Thin film transistor / TFT displays are the most popular type of color display. They technically are not a LCD (liquid crystal display) since they do not contain any liquid, but are operated with LEDs (light emitting diodes).

TFT’s are the most common color LCD technology available. Reasons include:

  • Bright, High contrast
  • Low Cost
  • Long Life-Time
  • Built in Touch screens
  • In stock for same day delivery of samples.

There are also value added services available, such as the following:

  • Touch panel can be added
    • Resistive touch panels are the lower cost option and standard for many displays that are 5” or less in size.
    • Capacitive touch panels are more expensive and allow for multi touch and zoom. It is possible to add a capacitive touch panel to any thin film transistor, but a one-time tooling fee is required.
  • Brightness (nits) can be increased
    • Increasing the brightness of the thin film transistor is possible by modifying the design. There is a one-time NRE required for this customization
  • Customizable FPC cables, LED backlights, bezels and touch panels
  • Sunlight readable options available

Here’s an example of a basic TFT from one of our partnered distributors:

https://us.rs-online.com/product/focus-display-solutions/e35kg13224lw2m250-4r-tft/70455975/

What is a TFT Display?

TFT’s (Thin Film Transistor) can display in either 64,000 or 64,000,000 unique colors. They utilize dots to create everything from graphic, letters, numbers, icons and videos

If you have questions about TFT basics, contact us today!