glossary
RGB
The RGB interface transfers image data using a separate parallel line for each bit of color information. For larger color depths, more lines have to be independently controlled. Each line represents a 2x multiplier on potential colors that can be described. Monochrome displays have just 1-bit color and pixels are either “on” or “off”. A […]
ROM
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. This is memory that is factory pre-programmed to hold some data. ROM is data that can be read, but cannot be written or changed. Editor
RS232
RS232 (Recommended Standard 232) is a serial communication standard originally developed for connecting computers and peripherals. It defines voltage levels, signal timing, and pin configurations for data exchange over serial ports. RS232 in LCD Technology When applied to LCDs, RS232 serves as a communication interface that allows a host device (like a PC, microcontroller, or
SPI
SPI stands for Serial Peripheral Interface. SPI is a simple serial bus that is often used by LCD or OLED controllers. SPI as implemented for OLED and LCD controllers typically uses a “3-wire SPI” or “4-wire SPI” scheme. Detailed Definition SPI was originally championed by Motorola (now Freescale). In its original “pure” form SPI uses
STN
STN stands for Super-Twisted Nematic. STN is the commonly used LCD material in passive character and graphic LCDs. Editor
sunlight-readable
A sunlight-readable display can be read in direct sunlight. Often the term “sunlight readable” is used in reference to a TFT display having a super-bright backlight that overpowers the light of the sun to be visible. This typically occurs around 800 nits. However, other display technologies achieve sunlight readable status without trying to overpower the
TAB
TAB stands for tape automated bonding. Some of Crystalfontz’s displays use a TAB style tail that should be soldered directly to corresponding pads on a PCB using a hot-bar soldering machine. High volume contract manufacturers will be familiar with this type of construction and its assembly methods. Hot-bar soldering machines designed for prototype, rework or repair
TFT
TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor. TFTs are also known as “Active Matrix TFT LCD modules” and have an array of these thin film transistors fabricated on the glass that makes the LCD. There is one of these transistors for each pixel on the LCD. For a typical small color TFT LCD with a resolution
transflective
TRANSFLECTIVE is a portmanteau of TRANSmissive and reFLECTIVE. A transflective LCD combines the best features of a reflective LCDs and transmissive LCDs. A transflective LCD will reflect ambient light, allowing it to be visible in normal office light without using a backlight. In bright sunlight, a transflective LCD is still visible and does not
transmissive
A transmissive LCD depends on light from its backlight being transmitted through the LCD to your eyes. Transmissive LCDs are always combined with a backlight. Transmissive LCDs can be seen easily in normal office lighting, and in darkness. Typically transmissive LCDs will not be visible in bright sunlight. It is possible to make a sunlight
ZIF
ZIF is short for Zero Insertion Force and refers to a type of connector. This kind of connector is intended to be used with FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or FFC (Flat Flexible Cable). Many of our display have “ZIF tails” that easily mate with a ZIF connector. ZIF tails are beneficial over solder down tails