The fusion of telecommunications and broadcasting through digitization and the seamless integration of cable and mobile communication in the network society have raised expectations for the next generation of mobile devices and for the improved convenience that these devices will bring. Moreover, consumers are increasingly demanding that small and medium-sized LCDs for mobile devices should have high resolution and be slim and energy efficient. To meet these demands, Sanyo Epson has developed products and technologies based on the concept of supplying clear, user-friendly displays that can be used anytime, anywhere.

Focusing on the demand for low-power-consumption displays especially in mobile telephones and other portable devices, Sanyo Epson has developed a 2.8-inch transflective LTPS LCD with pixel-integrated RAM as part of its HCL-S strategy (High quality, Compact design, Low power consumption, System solutions). The LCD consumes very little power even when displaying the time or a still image in color.

Used in many mobile devices, transflective LCDs combine a transmissive mode in which a built-in backlight illuminates the display with a reflective mode in which the display is lit by external light. While they are known for their low power consumption, in most cases the screen either completely blacks out or displays information only partially when in energy-saving sleep mode.

In developing the 2.8-inch transflective LCD with built-in RAM, Sanyo Epson has cleared the challenge of integrating SRAM (static random access memory), which stores the final data displayed on the screen, into the pixels and has equipped the LCD with the ability to switch between 256k-color and eight-color modes. When in active mode, such as during input, the screen displays in 256k-color mode. When in sleep mode, meanwhile, the LCD is able to continue displaying the final screen recorded by the SRAM in eight colors. In this mode, the display uses the reflective method and does not require a backlight. A color image can continue to be displayed using little power in this state, because there is no need for drive voltage to power the writing of data or a backlight. The specifications of the display are listed below.

In addition, the LCD is fully compliant with the European Union’s RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive^*1. Sanyo Epson intends to commercialize the LCD both in Japan and overseas for use in mobile phones and other portable devices, as well as in new applications.

Sanyo Epson will exhibit the 2.8-inch transflective LTPS LCD at FPD International 2006 organized by Nikkei Business Publications, which will be held from October 18 to 20 at Pacifico Yokohama.

As a core company in achieving the i3 (developments in mobile displays) strategy of the Epson Group’s SE07 medium-to-long-term corporate vision, Sanyo Epson will continue to develop clear, high-resolution displays that can be used anytime, anywhere, based on the concepts of the HCL-S strategy, as it strives to be the number one manufacturer of small and medium-sized LCDs.

Product specifications