Active Matrix Displays For Use In Automotive Applications

In this paper we review the requirements for displays used in automotive applications. Data is presented for PIN diode driven active matrix liquid crystal displays capable of operating over a wide temperature range (-40 C to 85 C). These displays offer wide viewing angle (+/-50 H and +15/-30 V), high contrast ratio (20:1), full color, and are being made today with resolutions of 164 lines per inch and up to 10" diagonal size. The active matrix displays have been fabricated to operate in the reflective, transmissive and transflective modes. This flexibility allows the displays to be used in many configurations from a simple backlit or reflective mode to incorporation in a head up display. The high resolution of these displays will allow a wide range of information to be displayed ranging from simple speedometer readings to detailed output from a navigational system such as a road map.