New Backlighting Conserves On LEDs And Power

A need for fewer LEDs, less power dissipation and heat generation, and more uniform color are all said to characterize LCDs backlighted by new fiber-optic panels. Targeting LCDs with an active display area of up to 1/4 VGA, or about 3'' x 4'' or 4'' x 4'', each panels can uniformly spread out the light from a single LED across an area measuring 1'' x 1'' to 4'' x 4''. The fiber-optic panels have 1 to 8 layers, with each extra layer increasing brightness (to 50 Ft-L). They are a mere 0.013'' thick and, because of the small number of LEDs required as a light source, their current requirements are greatly reduced and smaller size power supplies can be used. The LEDs come in green, white, blue, red, amber and yellow-green standard colors. Panel prices range from $4 to $16 each, depending on quantity, size and degree of brightness required. For more details, call Tom Fisher at LUMITEX INC., Strongville, OH. (800) 969-5483.