What is TN Panel? Advantages, Disadvantages and Usage Areas
What is TN Panel? Advantages, Disadvantages and Usage Areas
TN panel, short for Twisted Nematic, is the oldest and most economical LCD technology. It takes its name from working principle of liquid crystals.
How Does It Work?Between two polarized glasses, liquid crystal molecules stand in 90 degree twisted form. When no voltage is applied, light passes through this twisted structure and image forms on screen. When voltage is applied, molecules straighten and light cannot pass, that pixel becomes black. This simple structure makes TN cheap and fast.Small industrial modules you see (2.4" - 3.5") are generally TN.TN Panel Advantages1. Low Cost: Most economical LCD technology. In mass production, unit price is 30-40% cheaper than IPS. Therefore still No.1 in simple devices.
2. Fast Response Time: 1-5ms. Panel with least ghosting in moving image.
3. Low Power Consumption: ∼0.7-0.8W @5V. Especially advantage in battery-powered industrial sensors that will stay on continuously.
4. Simple and Common: Easy supply, available in every manufacturer. Easy to find alternative, cross reference.TN Panel Disadvantages - Why Not Used Everywhere?1. Narrow Viewing Angle: Biggest minus. When viewed from 20°-40° side, colors and contrast deteriorate. While IPS is 178°, colors fade in TN. Therefore DO NOT USE in devices to be viewed from different angles such as kiosk, medical, hand terminal.
2. Limited Color Production: 45-55% NTSC. So colors are pale.
3. Low Contrast: ∼1000:1. Blacks are not fully black, grayish. Weak for night use.TN Panel Usage AreasTN is not bad, if used in right place it is perfect:Industrial Control Panels: Only operator looks from front, color not critical, cost is critical.POS & Cash Register Systems: Will show price, quantity info, will work 24/7.Measurement & Test Devices: Simple data such as TEMP, PRESSURE, STATUS.Thermal / Portable Devices: Low power, fast response.TN vs IPS - When Which One?Formula is simple:Budget limited + will be viewed fixed from front + simple data = BUY TNColor important + will be viewed from side + customer will see = BUY IPSKarina Elektronik Solution
We solved the biggest problem of TN panel: We offer TN modules optimized for narrow viewing angle (wide-angle TN) and one-to-one IPS upgrade option in same footprint. You can switch from TN to IPS without changing your board.Do you have a project? Which size? We can send 1.44", 2.0", 2.4", 2.8", 3.5" TN and IPS samples.
For TN and IPS LCD panels: https://www.karinaelektronik.com/
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