Toshiba adds to its roster of industrial TFT LCDs
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

May 9, 2007: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co. has expanded its lineup of industrial-use TFT LCDs with six new modules. They include:

• A 12.1-inch SVGA (800 x 600 pixel) panel with ultra-high brightness of 1,000 candelas/meter sq. (cd/m sq.) and a contrast ratio of 500:1 featuring an approximately 80% reduction in the surface reflection of natural light, compared to existing models. The 4-lamp CCFL backlight has been optimized for efficiency and heat dissipation. Despite these improvements panel thickness is only up 1/8th of an inch to 14mm compared to Toshiba's conventional 12.1-inch high-brightness industrial modules. Viewing angle is 120 degree vertical and 140 degrees horizontal. Samples are US$700. This paanel is meant for vending machines, ticket dispensers, or other equipment installed outdoors.

• 3.5- and 5.7-inch QVGA (320 x 240) modules with enhanced resolution and replaceable LED backlights for use in measuring instruments and handheld computing devices. These panels use a high-brightness LED backlight that eliminates the need for an inverter and therefore reducing electromagnetic noise. The use of LEDs also contributes to a thinner and more compact module with lower power consumption and thus longer battery life. The modules cane be side and clip mounted, and the 5.7-inch version also supports rear mounting. Viewing angles are 120 degree vertical and 140 degrees horizontal, brightness 400 cd/m sq., and the contrast ratio 350:1 for the smaller unit and 500:1 for the larger one. An optional resistive touch panel can be added. Sample price is USS$200.

• High-brightness versions of the increasingly popular 10.4-inch and lightweight 8.4-inch modules to expand TMD's popular SVGA line. The new 8.4-inch module weighs less and is thinner while remaining vibration- and impact-resistant. It was designed for battery-powered handheld devices such as portable test equipment, portable medical diagnostic equipment, and industrial equipment controllers, as well as food and drink ordering terminals. Brightness is 400 cd/m sq. for the 10.4-inch model and 250 cd/m sq. for the smaller 8.4-inch panel. The difference is due to the use of a 2-lamp CCFL design for the large rmodue while the smaaller one uses a single lamp. Contrast ratios are 450:1 and 400:1, respectively. Viewing angles for both are 100 degrees vertically and 120 degrees horizontally. Optional resistive touch panels can be added. Samples prices are US$500.

• A new 7.0-inch module to expand Toshiba's WVGA (800 x 480) wide-screen lineup. This new panel uses a single CCFL backlight for 350 cd/m sq. brightness and has a contraast ratio of 450:1. Vertical viewing angle is 110 degrees, horizontal 120 degrees. Sample pricing is USS$300.

  All new panels have an operating temperature range from -20 to 70 degrees Celsius (-4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit).

  For additional company and product information, please visit TAEC's website at chips.toshiba.com or the Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology site. For technical inquiries, email Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.