What is an LCD driver board?
An LCD driver board is a processor that allows different video source input connections to be selected and viewed on the screen. It works by converting various video input signals to a manageable format by the LCD panel. The connection can be with computer parts like external devices or memory controllers that act as peripheral controller for the operation of the original device.
What’s an LCD controller?
An LCD controller is a microprocessor that converts software code to information understandable to the LCD. The LCD screen will display characters, graphics, images, and numbers viewed by users.
If the display doesn’t have a controller, the segments and pixels are addressed independently. However, most controllers can send and receive data, thus allowing customers to monitor the LCD.
What’s an LCD driver?
The LCD driver is in conjunction with the LCD controller. An LCD driver board is a software interface dependent on a controller piece. When the two combine, it forms an LCD driver board. The computer gets connected to the operating system via the controller while the driver facilitates communication. Typically, an LCD mostly contains one display controller, but drivers can be added to extend driver reach to other LCD segments.
An LCD controller/driver offers various bus interfaces making it easy to program. That includes Low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), I squared C (i2C), and parallel.
LCDs need only one driver/controller chip. However, it depends on the number of segments to be driven. Additional driver chips are necessary if the number of segments to be driven is large.
An LCD driver/ controller is housed in a black circular area. The black tar is used as a conformal coating to protect the driver from damage like metal and moisture contact.
Features of the LCD driver board
If the purpose is to achieve a high-resolution display, various features are needed to enhance the panel properties.
- Ultra-high-definition resolution; the driver board should support 3840 x 2160 UHD resolutions.
- Upscaling a signal resolution to UHD resolution.
- Understandable configuration and OSD access on-screen menu to operational parameters and firmware updates.
- Temperature management and control such as fans and heaters based on temperature.
- Pixel shift to prevent burns or persistence or discolorations of the display parts remains unchanged for a more extended period.
- Flexibility with various input and output signals.
- Inbuilt on/off logging and scheduling time.
- Compliance with HDMI 2.0, HDCP2.2, RoHS, and Display Port V1.2a.
Functions of LCD Driver Board
The LCD driver board has the following functions:
Character generator
This library converts data to letters, punctuation marks, and numbers. The character generator is different for every language like Hebrews, French, German, Chinese, etc. the character generator is built to the LCD driver.
RAM
The memory built in the LCD controller driver is used to drive the LCD module. It’s also referred to as on-board memory.
Segment driver
The LCD controller chip is the same chip that can drive segments located on the panel. But, if you have to drive additional segments beyond an LCD driver chip capability, add a driver chip as there is always one controller.
How do you know which is the best LCD driver board?
One of the vital information about the LCD driver/controller board is that each controller card needs a specific on-board firmware for the corresponding LCD panel. For instance, LVDS pins vary in LCD brands and models. Moreover, it has its own LVDS cable. Besides that, if you need an LCD driver board for use in industrial outdoor signage or commercial digital signage, a feature-rich, reliable, and more powerful solution is required.
How does the LCD driver board work?
The LCD driver/controller works by adjusting the scaling resolution and input if need be, then outputs the signal for the LCD to use. There are two-way pathways for input/output systems in most LCD driver boards. One is for communication through connections like Bluetooth, Ethernet, etc., while the other is for monitoring and controlling options like image, brightness, and color using OSD.
Also, the LCD driver boards contain an inverter that controls the LCD’s backlight lighting and powering. Additionally, a RAM is also built into the board, popularly referred to as LCD on-board memory which stores contents for the LCD. RAM facilitates communication of content like current, timing, and desired voltage to the pixels and display module.
Multiple input signals like VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI are used in today’s LCD technology. As a result, the computer display standard may vary in characteristics and format. However, the difference between the analog and digital signals used is their usage. An analog signal is continuous, whereas a digital signal contains discrete numbers. Digital signals are the most commonly used due to their better quality maintenance and carrying information with ease.
VGA is one of the most popular analog-based technologies but has been recently overpowered by HDMI, which is currently the de facto standard for digital transmissions. HDMI is a combination of digital video and audio transmission. On the other hand, the DVI offers digital and analog signals with various connector types.
The DisplayPort purpose tends to be similar to that of HDMI to replace DVI and VGA audio and video transmission in its interface. What makes it different are its small size, fewer connections, and ability to transmit high-quality displays. With the various computer display standards and video signal inputs, it’s challenging to translate for the LCD panel. However, the adapters and displays are growing, offering better technologies.
About KingTech LCD driver board
The KingTech LCD driver board includes all features listed above. The HDMI driver board is already used and directly connects to the TFT LCD to the Raspberry Pi board. KingTech HDMI/ driver board is suitable for use in multiple applications and a reliable OEM according to customers’ needs. Besides the driver board, KingTech develops a mainboard for Linux and Android customers.
Are you stranded at choosing the best LCD driver board? Contact us today, and we will help you get started.
