What is an LCD Controller Board

An LCD controller board is used to convert various types of video signal to a format for an LCD panel. The following graphic summarizes what a Digital View LCD controller board does, these are designed for commercial, ie non-consumer products…

Digital View LCD controller diagram

As the graphic shows, a Digital View LCD controller board, or A/D board:

  • Accepts a video signal input, for example, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, ARGB (VGA), Component video, Composite video, HD-SDI, HD-BaseT. The source may be a PC, camera, media player or other equipment generating video signals.
  • Formats the signal, scales the resolution if necessary, and outputs a suitable format signal to an LCD panel, for example, LVDS, V-by-One, eDP, TTL.
  • With the addition of control functions and monitoring options. This includes everything from brightness control, image and color controls as well as more advanced functions like picture-in-picture, also methods of control such as buttons and RS-232. There may also be sensors and other functions adding to the functionality of the display system.

The kinds of applications include anywhere a display is used, as computer monitors, in-flight entertainment systems, navigation systems, for medical applications of all types from diagnostics to surgery, on industrial equipment, in public digital signage.

Digital View currently offers approximately 30 models of LCD controller board including versions for harsher environments, and all of them are available for some level of customization.

Who Uses An LCD Controller Board?

Users of LCD controller boards are going to be manufacturers of display devices, for example various types of LCD monitor from small to large. So this might include the display on the counter of a shop, the digital sign out the shop, the seat-back screen on a plane or the monitor on a medical device. It is a very long list.

Commercial vs Consumer

Digital View’s LCD controller boards are designed for commercial applications, ie non-consumer. So what are the differences? Here are a few:

  • Designed and manufactured for very high reliability, the expectations of the working environment are typically higher for commercial applications, for example: Aviation, marine, medical, industrial, security, digital signage.
  • Designed with functions for specific applications. As an example, one Digital View LCD controller board model has the capability to support two backlight rails as well as high-resolution backlight adjustment. This enables very low light adjustment. Another supports a user-definable gamma curve enabling specific source equipment calibration. The list goes on.
  • Longer production life-cycle. Consumer products are frequently changed with new models being released on a regular basis. The commercial applications often more stability of supply than this.
  • Suitable for harsh environments. For example, many Digital View models have what is called a conformal coating, this protects the circuitry, in addition, the components selected have much wider operating temperature tolerances.
  • Customization. Consumer products are usually designed then mass-produced. A commercial product may need to be customized so as to make it suitable for a specific application.
  • Production quantity: Consumer products are usually made in high volumes whereas many commercial products may have a smaller production quantity.