Sanyo Epson Develops 2.2-Inch Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD Only 1.1 mm Thick

October 18, 2006

Sanyo Epson has announced the development of a 2.2-inch amorphous silicon TFT liquid-crystal display (LCD) that is just 1.1 mm thick, making it ideal for use in mobile phones and other portable devices.

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.

As part of its HCL-S strategy (High quality, Compact design, Low power consumption, System solutions), Sanyo Epson focused on producing the thinner and lighter components demanded in the mobile devices market to develop an ultra-thin 2.2-inch amorphous TFT LCD that is just 1.1 mm thick. This ultra-thin amorphous TFT display is designed specifically for use in mobile phones, where the trend toward slimmer devices is especially pronounced.

Sanyo Epson succeeded in developing this 1.1-mm-thick amorphous TFT LCD by using ultra-thin components, including the backlight, polarizing plate, and glass substrate. By incorporating its proprietary design technology to boost transmissivity, Sanyo Epson was able to achieve high surface brightness of more than 350 candelas per square meter, as well as QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) high definition. These features make the ultra-thin 2.2-inch amorphous silicon LCD ideal for displaying video and receiving "One Seg," a new service in Japan enabling digital TV broadcasts to be viewed on mobile phones.

In addition, the new display 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 new display for use in mobile phones and other new applications.

Sanyo Epson will exhibit the ultra-thin 2.2-inch amorphous silicon LCD at FPD International 2006 organized by Nikkei Business Publications, to 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.

Glossary:
*1 The RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive bans the use of six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment sold in EU member states after July 2006.

Source: Sanyo Epson