Pixel Art: Demystifying LCD Displays

A thin-film transistor LCD is a flat-panel display that uses liquid crystal technology and is driven by a thin-film transistor (TFT). Liquid crystal is a special substance whose refractive index can be adjusted by the action of an external electric field. In a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, liquid crystal molecules are sandwiched between two pieces of glass, and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules is changed by applying an external electric field to control the transmission and blocking of light to present images. This technology allows monitors to display images with high resolution and vivid colors, making it widely used in electronic devices and computer monitors.

The basic unit of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display is a pixel, which contains multiple small units with adjustable brightness. Each pixel is controlled by the brightness of three basic colors: red, green, and blue. By adjusting the brightness, these three primary colors are mixed to produce various colors.

Its core parts include liquid crystal layers and thin film transistors (TFTs). The liquid crystal layer is between two pieces of glass and contains liquid crystal molecules, while thin film transistors are located behind each pixel to control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. By applying voltage to the thin film transistor, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes, thereby controlling the transmission and blocking of light.

Usually, thin film transistor liquid crystal displays require a backlight device, called a backlight source, which can be a cold cathode lamp (CCFL) or LED. Under backlight illumination, the liquid crystal layer controls light transmission and generates images by adjusting the direction of liquid crystal molecules. In addition, color filters are added in front of the liquid crystal layer to produce more accurate colors.

In addition, thin film transistor LCD displays also contain driver circuits and controllers to adjust the brightness and color of the pixels. The drive circuit is responsible for applying appropriate voltage to the thin film transistor, thereby changing the direction of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby controlling the transmission of light. The controller receives the image signal and converts it into the control signal required by the drive circuit, thereby accurately controlling the display status, brightness and color of each pixel. These key components work together to ensure that the LCD monitor delivers clear, accurate images.

Types of thin film transistor liquid crystal displays include:

1. TN-LCD (Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Display) is one of the most common types. It has low cost, fast response speed and high refresh rate. It is suitable for most consumer electronic products.

2. IPS-LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display) has a wider viewing angle and more accurate color performance. Different molecular arrangement structures are used to allow liquid crystal molecules to move on a plane, providing a better visual experience.

3. Although OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is not based on thin film transistor technology, it is widely used in flat-panel displays. OLED uses organic light-emitting materials that are activated by an electric field to emit light. It has the advantages of high contrast, fast response time and self-illumination.

The above is an introduction to thin film transistor liquid crystal displays. These technologies and characteristics are widely used in different types of displays.