You may be familiar with LCDs in mobiles, TVs, tablets and most consumer electronic units. But did you know that these LCDs are available in a number of varieties like an LCD module? So, let us take a closer look at this aspect of LCD and related optoelectronics.
What is an LCD Module?
A liquid crystal display (LCD) module is an electronic device that uses liquid crystals to control the transmission or reflection of an external light source. These flat panel displays are used in several consumer devices like television, or as computer screen displays and in mobile displays.
A common example of an LCD module is the 16 X 2. This is a type of liquid crystal display (LCD) that can display 16 characters per line and 2 lines. The name comes from the 16 columns and 2 rows. Such modules are used extensively in displaying text or data in electronic projects or to provide alphanumeric information in consumer electronic devices
An LCD module is different from a commonly used LCD panel. The LCD module is an integrated, self-contained device. This system consists of an LCD screen, circuit board and components. But, an LCD panel is essentially a material that is used for controlling light. Devices using LCD panels need it to emit a quality of light that best supports liquid crystal light emission display.
What is Optoelectronics?
Optoelectronics is a specialized area of applied electronics. It deals with devices that can sense light and emit it, modulate light and transmit it as per the electronic device design.
Optoelectronics is also the technology used in the design and production of hardware devices that convert electrical energy into light and light into energy. Hence, this technology is used in the making of a variety of photodiodes, laser diodes, optocouplers. Other light-dependent electronic components like solar cells, optical fiber and light emitting diodes also depend on optoelectronics.
How does an LCD module work?
LCDs work by applying a varying electric voltage to a layer of liquid crystal, which changes its optical properties.
They are made up of many optical switches, called pixels, that are arranged next to each other and can be controlled individually. Each pixel is made up of subpixels for each of the primary colors and easy mixing. These pixels help in creating patterns of light and dark pixels to generate the full image seen by the viewer.
LCD Module Applications
As an LCD module is an integrated unit of circuits, modules and display, its use is extensive and cost-effective. Their common use is in solar cells, light emitting diodes, and optical fiber. The other categories of LCD module applications are as follows:
- Portable electronic games, digital cameras and camcorders, and computer monitors
- Electronic billboards, video projection systems, and indoor and outdoor signage
- Aircraft cockpit displays and lab instruments
- Digital clocks, watches, and calculators
Thus, LCDs are able to provide excellent resolution, brightness, and contrast. They also generate less heat during operation due to their low power consumption.
Conclusion
Consumer electronics is heavily dependent on LCD modules and LCD panels to design a wide-range of devices. An underlying technology in many of these devices is Optoelectronics. Since it combines electronics and optics to operate equipment or systems, they are often used in rangefinders and illuminated reticles of rifle scopes. Thus optoelectronics drive applications such as energy conversion as this technology easily converts light to electricity or light emission.
A number of industrial and automotive applications also rely on optoelectronics as they are able to detect and control light factors. Their performance is consistent and are available as low-cost units. Their ability to intelligently use light and images, it is used in most digital cameras and blue lasers. Other optics electronics infrastructure such as optical fiber, photo diodes, LED traffic lights too depend on optoelectronics principles for effective functioning.
