Understanding Thin Film Transistor Liquid Display Technology
TFT displays are next evolution of the old LCD screens used for calculators and wristwatches. LCD, or liquid crystal display, uses positive and negative charges to determine whether a certain segment of an image or a pixel on a grid would have a graphic or would remain blank.
The Old LCD
LCDs allowed for the creation of black and white images. These were very useful way back when a display required a minimal degree of detail. That was a time when most imaging technology was CRT or projector based. The large space requirements of projectors and CRTs meant that devices could not afford to have electronic displays. LCDs made this possible. The only drawback to LCDs was the fact that it was all in monochrome.
From Black and White LCD to Colored TFT
Perhaps the most graphically intensive black and white LCD systems to be made are the Nintendo Gameboy and the WonderSwan. Still, these devices were limited by the lack of color. This was solved by the creation of thin film transistors. These enabled the LCD to hold three colors per pixel, allowing for the creation of complex images. The main concern was that the conversion of LCD technology required that each pixel would have its own connection telling the pixel which color to light up. This was solved by installing transistors for each pixel, this allowed the screen to control displays on a row and column basis.
Application of TFT Display Technology
TFTs of today can produce images of very high resolutions. They are used in mobile phones, hand held electronic game devices, desktop and laptop monitors, and even large flat screen television sets. These are used in giant digital billboards and at times, for public and private establishment signs. It should be noted that the liquid crystal are highly toxic and skin exposure should be immediately washed and brought to a doctor for examination.
November 21st, 2009 at 2:55 pm
[...] Bold 9700 displays its visual prowess through the 2.44 inch TFT LCD screen. The resolution of 480 x 360 pixels provides high quality image output and the 65 [...]