TFT LCD Display Modules by Jwslcd

Long gone are the days when the whole variety of monitors was limited to cathode ray tubes. Users can choose monitors that render images using a wide variety of technologies. They make it possible to create both universal and highly specialized models. This article will focus on the technology, without which it is impossible to display an image in any of the monitors produced today. This is a TFT display.

Working principle of TFT LCD display

Before diving into the intricacies of a TFT screen, we note that displays are composed of two main technologies. The first is the LCD, and the second is the matrix itself. The two elements are connected together, performing a common function - displaying an image. The two values ​​should not be related to one another. So, a TFT matrix can have any kind of backlight - LCD, LED and their variations. Likewise, one kind of backlight can be combined with different matrices. Both the backlight and the matrix have their own list of technical characteristics for which they are responsible. However, the main parameter in determining the purpose of the monitor is precisely the matrix.

In order not to confuse LCD with TFT, let's decipher what each abbreviation means. In addition, it will be useful to understand how these technologies work.

What is LCD

LCD is a technology for manufacturing monitors, familiar to us by the abbreviation LCD (liquid crystal). Liquid crystals are a special substance that can change their properties when exposed to electricity. More precisely, the changes in them are caused by electromagnetic waves. The type of this surface affects the quality of the backlight and other functions. Screens are called liquid crystal screens, because in the switched on state the substance exhibits the properties of crystals (in terms of affecting the image).

What is TFT display

The second part of the monitor is a matrix. In our case, we are talking about TFT. The name stands for Thin Film Transistor. The matrix consists of thin film transistors. Its applicability is wide - calculators, arduino displays, old and not so phones, as well as monitors for laptops and PCs.

At the time when LCD monitors were just starting to go on sale, they were equipped with so-called passive matrices. These elements were quite sluggish, since the voltage had to change on it to change the pixel value. Due to the physical characteristics of the pixels, this was slow. Consequently, those monitors had low refresh rates and were often annoying with a flickering screen.

All monitors now produced are equipped with active matrices. A special transistor is responsible for the value of the cells, which stores the value in binary code (0/1). This allows the pixel values ​​to be retained until the signal changes. This approach increased the screen refresh rate and eliminated flickering. The new active matrices are called TFT.

Types of TFT matrices

If you look at it, it turns out that the type of TFT matrix is ​​found in absolutely all liquid crystal monitors. As explained earlier, the technology is based on thin film transistors. This technology is considered the most advanced, and no affordable alternative has been found. The scheme of operation of such a mechanism is as follows.

In modern monitors, color is built according to the RGB scheme. This means that every single pixel can display red, green, or blue. And already from these basic colors all the rest are made up. It turns out that there are color cells in each pixel. There are three of them, and each has its own transistor connected, which tells which colors should be displayed at the moment. Such a scheme is understandable, but difficult to manufacture, especially considering how delicate these schemes are. Therefore, high-quality matrices cost a lot of money.

When the variety of technologies was not so great, monitors were called TFT. However, the type of TFT screen does not reveal all the technical characteristics embedded in it. Therefore, over time, such a signature was abandoned. Now there are three main subtypes of the matrix, each of which has its own distinctive features. They will be discussed in the following subsections.

The first in the list will be considered a TFT matrix called TN. It has retained the basic features of the first thin-film designs. Most often, such matrices are inexpensive to create, and therefore are on many budget monitors. Their native element is offices, home PCs, etc., as well as game models. Why this is so will become clear when we understand the main distinguishing features of TN.

The main advantage of TN technology is the low response time of the monitor. This is an indicator that characterizes the ability of a pixel to quickly change its glow. At TN, this figure is at a height due to the design features. Low response is very good for gamers. This allows them to instantly react to the slightest changes in the gameplay, as well as to increase the smoothness of the picture (this will reduce fatigue).

However, TN also has a "proprietary" minus - viewing angles. This flaw is most noticeable on laptops. The slightest change in the angle of view is enough for the colors to change their brightness beyond recognition. Of course, such a screen is not suitable for designers, artists and other professionals. However, the TN + Film type deserves the attention of professional gamers and moviegoers, since in it this parameter is brought to a more or less decent state.

The second type that we will consider is the IPS matrix. It can be considered the opposite of TN. Distinctive features are the saturation and accuracy of color reproduction, which do not change at all with a change in the angle of view. At the same time, this was achieved at the cost of reducing the response time. However, this parameter can be compensated for by the increased screen refresh rate. In addition, this parameter can be improved in some game models. However, the cost of IPS matrices is quite high, and this can also be considered one of the disadvantages.

The IPS matrix is ​​best suited for professionals working with color, images and 3D models. It is for such users that color rendition is most important. In combination with Super LCD backlight, such a tool can become a serious help in work. However, gamers will also be interested in devices in which the monitor's response has been accelerated.

Which is better Super LCD or TFT

When trying to choose a TFT display, you can resort to the comparison method. It is good when you need to choose one model from several similar ones, or understand which technology is suitable for a specific situation. Comparative tendencies, however, can be a trap. It's like comparing Windows to Linux. They have different areas of success, and what is good for one user will be superfluous for another. Therefore, before resorting to the comparison tool, you need to make sure that it will be appropriate. Otherwise, the comparison will be a waste of time.

An attempt to find out which is better - LCD or TFT just from this area. Those who carefully read the previous sections realized that LCD backlight and TFT display are not competitors, but two components that are inseparably symbiotic. One technology without the other would be useless, turning the monitor into a piece of plastic.

As for Super LCD, this is the unofficial name for a screen equipped with a high-quality LCD backlight and an IPS matrix. This name stuck due to the fact that the selected combination of technologies provides a bright image with correct color reproduction. If you choose between IPS (Super LCD) and TFT (its classic variation, TN), then the first option will be more technologically advanced.

Which type of matrix is ​​right for you

To choose a suitable TFT display, you first need to decide on the tasks that the PC user will have to solve. Using knowledge about the characteristic advantages of a particular technology, you can choose the type of TFT matrix that will be optimal in terms of price-quality ratio and technical characteristics.

For gamers, the following types are preferable: budget - TN TFT display, or IPS gaming modifications. Photographers, designers and architects need a flagship IPS. And for moviegoers and home PC owners, IPS or PLS are not required, although they remain the leaders in terms of color. In this case, you can choose VA or MVA matrices.

So, the TFT display is the basis for all monitors produced. The versatility of the technology allows it to be used in devices of various classes. Until science has made a new breakthrough, the TFT display will remain the uncontested production option.