A typical TFT LCD module is a stack of eight main parts. After the LCD cell itself, the films, light guide and backlight are the materials that most shape the image you see. Here is what each part does, and how DCLTEK modifies them for demanding applications.
The 8 parts of a TFT LCD module
- Rear chassis. The back frame of the module, typically metal, sometimes plastic.
- Interior film stack. Diffuser films that improve light uniformity across the LCD, reflector films, and brightness enhancement films.
- Light guide. A plastic plate embossed with a pattern that directs light from the backlight out through the front of the LCD.
- Sub-chassis. Usually a plastic sub-frame that supports the films, the LCD cell and often the backlight rail. The front and rear chassis frames typically clip to and around it.
- Backlight rail. LEDs mounted on a PCB or flexible substrate, in the quantity and combination needed to reach the required brightness through the LCD cell.
- LCD cell. The TFT cell: two thin glass substrates with a thin-film transistor structure for each pixel, a color filter, two polarizer films, liquid crystal fluid, and a chip-on-glass timing controller and driver IC.
- Interconnect flex cable. Carries data signals and power to the LCD cell and backlight. It can also be integrated behind the LCD with a connector.
- Front chassis. A metal frame that surrounds the LCD cell and interior parts and typically connects to the rear chassis.
Exploded view
How DCLTEK customizes the stack
DCLTEK modifies the films, light guide and backlight to improve a display’s optical performance, for example for products used outdoors in sunlight. We also build custom LCD modules from LCD cells. Building from the cell is one of the best ways to get a display that meets your exact requirements, and it reduces supply chain risk because we qualify multiple LCD cells for each module design.
Related: LCD module vs. LCD cell · Sunlight-readable embedded displays · Embedded displays
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an LCD cell and an LCD module?
The LCD cell is the glass assembly that creates the image: two glass substrates with transistors, color filter, polarizers, liquid crystal and driver IC. The module adds the backlight, light guide, films, chassis and flex cable around it.
Which parts of an LCD most affect brightness and readability?
After the cell itself, the interior films, the light guide and the backlight rail. Changing these is how a display is made brighter or more readable in sunlight.
Why build a custom LCD module from an LCD cell?
It lets the module be built to your exact requirements, and qualifying more than one LCD cell for the same module design reduces supply chain risk.
Need a display built to your requirements? Talk to a DCLTEK engineer.
