Web Exclusive: LCD Displays Withstand Extreme Temperatures

Optoelectronics specialist Lumex (Palatine, IL, U.S.; www.lumex.com) recently launched the InfoVue High/Low Temp series of custom, high-duty LCD displays for applications that perform in extreme heat or extreme cold. Whereas existing LCD technology performs in the –20° to 70°C temperature range, Lumex says, the InfoVue High/Low Temp displays provide consistent high-quality performance from –40° to 85°C.

“Previously LCDs that operated in extreme cold or extreme heat required bulky built-in heaters and coolers in order to ensure performance,” says Yasoob Ahmed, display technology manager. “The special liquid crystal used in the InfoVue High/Low Temp series eliminates the need for coolers and allows us to use low-power heaters.“ In addition, Ahmed says, custom InfoVue LCD displays can provide a 50% savings in technology costs and 80% energy savings when compared with alternative technologies such as vacuum fluorescents.

InfoVue LCD displays provide full graphic capability and daylight visibility. When combined with LED backlighting technology, a wide range of color options is available. Users can either opt for a monochromatic screen with any color of LED backlight, or select negative image option with mono colored pixels and a black background.

The displays can be produced in sizes ranging from 8 × 1 character displays to 320 × 240-pixel graphic displays.