How to Read an LCD Screen Specification Sheet

When users select or customize LCD screen products, we typically provide a specification sheet for their reference. LCD screen specification sheets are usually in English and cover all the product's parameters, dimensional drawings, and other relevant details. So, which parameters deserve special attention? And how can you quickly understand an LCD screen specification sheet? Below, we will help you get started quickly by focusing on the key parameters in such sheets and providing a practical case analysis.

Key Parameters in LCD Screen Specification Sheets

LCD screens have numerous parameters, but during the initial product selection stage, certain key parameters require special attention. Additionally, it is essential to familiarize yourself with their corresponding English terms.

Size (inch): Size is the most fundamental criterion when choosing an LCD screen, as it must match the housing dimensions of your product. Usually, selection is based on a target size. The industrial LCD sector typically uses small-to-medium-sized screens, with common sizes including 4.3 inches, 5.6 inches, 7 inches, and 10.1 inches, selected according to different application scenarios. LCD screen size is expressed as the length of the diagonal, in inches. Therefore, in the specification sheet, look for the keyword "inch".

Resolution (Number of Dots): Resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen, expressed as width × height (e.g., 800×600, 1024×768). Generally, higher pixel counts are associated with sharper displays, but this must be considered alongside screen size to determine true definition. For example, 800×480 is considered high definition for a 4.3-inch screen, while a 10.1-inch screen can achieve a high-definition resolution of 1920×1200. In the specification sheet, look for the keyword "Number of Dots".

LCD Panel Type (LCD Type): Common LCD panel types include TN, IPS, and VA panels. Users should select the appropriate panel based on their needs and budget. For instance, if the end product requires a wide viewing angle, an IPS panel is ideal, as it offers 178-degree full viewing angles. In the specification sheet, look for the keyword "LCD Type".

Screen Brightness (Brightness): Screen brightness usually refers to the brightness produced by the backlight, typically measured in cd/m² or nits. For general indoor use, a brightness of around 300 cd/m² is sufficient. However, for outdoor environments with strong ambient light, a higher brightness backlight is necessary for clear visibility—generally 500 cd/m² or more. In the specification sheet, look for the keyword "Brightness".

Viewing Direction: The viewing angle of an LCD screen refers to the range within which the screen remains clearly visible when viewed from horizontal (left/right) and vertical (up/down) positions. The viewing angle should be selected based on the product's usage environment. For example, instrument panels requiring clear visibility from all angles need full-view LCD screens, with IPS panels being the most widely used full-view panels on the market. TN panels have a gray scale inversion direction, indicated by the keyword "Gray Scale Inversion Direction" in the specification sheet. Typically, TN panels exhibit gray scale inversion at the 6 o'clock direction, meaning the image's brightness and colors reverse when viewed from bottom to top, resulting in poor display quality.

Case Analysis of an LCD Screen Specification Sheet

Building on the introduction to key parameters above, we will further elaborate through a practical example. Below is an analysis of our Dexing Microelectronics 5.6-inch product model DS-T0565BGEA-03.

1. Basic Parameter Table

The parameter table on the first page of the specification sheet is the most important, as shown in the figure below. It covers all parameters for initial product selection, allowing a preliminary assessment of whether the model is suitable. The table includes the previously mentioned parameters such as screen size, resolution, panel type, and viewing angle. Special attention should also be paid to the Driver IC and Interface, as these parameters determine whether the end product's motherboard interface and driver software are compatible with the screen, or if modifications will be needed later. Additionally, note the screen's aspect ratio, which is not directly stated in the specification sheet and must be calculated. First, locate the parameter "Active Area (W×H)", which refers to the screen's visible area dimensions. For the model shown below, the active area is 115.20×86.40, giving an aspect ratio of 4:3. It is important to note that the aspect ratio may vary even for the same screen size—for example, 5.0-inch screens are available in both 5:3 and 4:3 ratios. Choose the aspect ratio that best fits your requirements. If your application has specific temperature requirements, also check the "Operating Temperature" parameter.

2. Dimensional Drawings

Dimensional drawings are another critical section of the specification sheet, containing essential information such as the screen's external dimensions, display area size, thickness, FPC dimensions and length, interface pin definition tables, and backlight circuit diagrams. These dimensional and parametric details are crucial for the overall structural design of your product and merit careful comparison and study.

3. Optical Characteristics Table

Located in the middle of the specification sheet, the optical characteristics table covers the screen's color attributes. Users typically focus on these values after confirming the initial selection, as shown in the figure below.

Brightness: The typical value is used, and this model has a brightness of 350 cd/m². Backlight brightness can be customized if the standard value is insufficient.

Viewing Angle: The typical value is used, and this model offers 80 degrees of visibility in all four directions (up, down, left, right), qualifying it as a full-view screen.

Contrast Ratio: The typical value is used, and this model has a contrast ratio of 1200:1, which is considered high for LCD screens. LCD contrast ratios generally range from 800:1 to 1200:1, with a maximum of approximately 1500:1.

Response Time: Consists of rise time (Tr) and fall time (Tf). The total response time is typically the sum of both. For this model, the response time is 10+20 = 30 ms (milliseconds).

NTSC Ratio: Color gamut refers to the range of colors an LCD screen can display. A higher gamut value indicates a wider color range and richer color reproduction, usually expressed as a percentage of the NTSC color space. This model has a color gamut of 60%. Standard screens typically have a gamut of around 50%, while high-gamut screens can reach approximately 80% NTSC.

By reviewing the basic parameter table, dimensional drawings, and optical characteristics table in an LCD screen specification sheet, users can initially select the required screen model. After finalizing the selection, a more detailed review of the specification sheet is recommended, as it contains many additional important parameters and information worth exploring—every page is valuable. This detailed review is typically a key consideration for technical personnel during the later design and integration phases. However, the content covered above is sufficient to help you successfully understand an LCD screen specification sheet and select the right LCD display product for your needs.Name of Company: Shenzhen                     Huayuan Display Control Technique Co.,LTD

Company address: 3th Floor, building 15(South area), Zhongliang Fu'an Robot Smart Industrial Park, Dayang Road, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Mob/Whatsapp/Wechat: +8618681459513
        Contact Person: sula.hu
         Web:http://www.huayuan-lcd.com/en/
15 years of experience in manufacturing LCD displays,HDMI touch diplay, industrial touch all-in-one machine, supporting customized solutions.
size 1.77inch to 65inch,Welcome to inquire!