New Memory LCD Delivers Ultra Low-Power Graphic Display Options
Today, at the Society for Information Display’s (SID’s) Display Week 2009 conference in San Antonio, TX, Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas (SMA) introduced a new standard in ultra low-power graphic display technology with its new Memory LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The LCD combines built-in pixel memory, high reflectance and ultra-thin mechanicals, opening up new possibilities for mobile display design. A 1.35-inch Monochrome Square model is on display at SID. The product line will soon include additional sizes, as well as color displays, and custom shapes (including octagonal and round). The panels are well suited for applications including mobile phones, watches, remote controls, and performance tracking electronics.
A unique application of memory in each pixel enables power-saving extended mobile solutions of 15 µW compared to 1mW STN solutions, and reduces refresh rate to 1 Hz. SMA’s proprietary technology enhancements also include the breakthrough Polymer Network Liquid Crystal (PNLC), a reflective display technology that removes polarizers to provide high contrast and wide viewing angles in outdoor high ambient environments. Display thickness is optimized at 1.4mm, achieved by an innovative two-glass design. The panel requires only a single 5V supply, and its 3-wire serial interface also eliminates the need for external chips, saving time and investment. The display color is that of its mirrored reflective plate, which could be manufactured in any shade.
“Our goal is to provide Mobile Application developers with innovative mechanical and power management display options to bring their best design ideas to life,” said Marshall Pinder, Director, Display Products, at Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas. “We hope our product advances and continued support of the extended use mobile market will pair with improvements in mobile power systems and enable continued success for developers in an increasingly-competitive playing field.”
The SMA Extended Use Mobile Display Suite
1.35-inch Square, Monochrome, 96 x 96 resolution (LS013B4DN02)
The new 1.35-inch Monochrome Square LCD is loaded with features that deliver a display capable of smooth-moving graphics, with 50% reflectance and a breakthrough 15 µW power consumption. Sharp’s Memory reflective LCDs are visible in a 0.5 lux environment without requiring a light source, and deliver high visibility in a variety of adverse conditions. The lightweight, thin display removes many design limitations for handheld and wrist-top applications.
LS013B4DN02 Specifications
| Active Area Size | 24.192 H) × 24.192 V) mm | |
| Display Format (Vertical Stripe Arrangement) | 96 (H) × 96 (V) | |
| Dot Pitch | 0.252 H)×0.252 V mm | |
| Pixel Height to Width Ratio | 1:1 (square) | |
| Module Size (Without FPC) | 28.2 (W) × 32.34 (H) × 1.4(D) mm | |
| Numbers of Colors | Monochrome (silver metallic, 1-bit) | |
| Contrast Ratio | 10:1 | |
| Reflection Ratio | 50% | |
| Power Consumption (No display data update) | 15 W | |
| Display Mode (Power Off) | Normally White | |
| Supply Voltage | + 5.0 V |
Availability and Pricing
One-piece sample pricing for the new Sharp LS013B4DN02 is $25.00. Product samples and pricing may be obtained through any Sharp Representative or Distributor throughout the Americas.
About Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas
Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas (SMA) drives innovative LCD, optoelectronics, memory, imager, and RF components to market. The world’s leading manufacturers of consumer and business technologies look to SMA for the products, expertise, and worldwide support they need to make their visions a reality. SMA, in Camas, Washington, is the microelectronics sales and marketing division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sharp Corporation.
