Applications
The miniLED is an evolutionary technology for LCD TVs
Measuring around 0.1 millimeter, mini-LEDS are less intricate than micro-LEDs (0.01 millimeter) but are much more affordable and easier to manufacture in bulk. As a transitional technology for manufacturers of LCD TVs, mini-LEDs have already seen traction in the market.
FALD and Challenges
Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) is a process of locally controlling LED light levels in a segmented backlight unit to enhance contrast in images, while decreasing the ‘halo’ effect around bright areas on black backgrounds. FALD delivers perfect contrast ratio making the image appear sharper for the same pixel resolution. It requires thousands of mini-LEDs to deliver the intended picture quality and consequently this increases the manufacturing cost of the backlight unit. Fortunately, this is where OTFT technology from SmartKem can make a difference. SmartKem’s performance OTFTs can be used to generate an active matrix backplane driving arrays of thousands of individual miniLEDs on a glass substrate, thereby delivering impressive high resolution images with perfect black levels. The ability to locally dim the backlight to only the areas that require it can also help to save energy, making FALD LED TVs more efficient in operation.
The Backplane Driving Matrix Scheme
As the IC connections are only required at the edge of the display, the number of connections scales up to 2x the square root of the number of LEDs. So, for example:
90,000 mini-LEDs = 650 connections (250 rows x 450 columns for 4:9 ratio display)
Driver ICs
If you were to use a direct wiring PCB based approach, the numbers of tracks required to connect to the LEDs are vastly different to the active matrix backplane. For instance, for 90,000 mini-LEDs, 180,000 connections plus a large number of ICs would be required. It is clear that using a TFT array for the backlight will significantly lower the cost of production for manufacturers.
SmartKem Mask Design
Initial proof of concept with 3 separate designs, 10mm, 5mm and 2mm pitch Transistors are capable of driving enough current for 10,000 nits brightness in the backlight.
TRUFLEX® Benefits
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