NEC Electronics America announces the successful development by NEC LCD Technologies of a 3.5-in. (8.9-cm diagonal) system-on-glass (SOG) LCD module. Its quarter high-definition (QHD) array of 960 pixels × 540 pixels enables the reproduction of images in resolutions over 300 pixels per inch (ppi). Integration of semiconductor systems on the glass substrate contributes to the module's small size, while technology based on low-temperature polysilicon, rather than amorphous silicon, accounts for the module's narrow frame.

The recent trend favoring compact devices and portable and handheld instruments has led to the popularity of small-size LCD modules in industrial applications. Until now, however, manufacturers of industrial and other types of mobile devices have found it difficult to employ conventional LCD modules due to constraints in display size, weight and power consumption. Requirements for high brightness levels and high resolutions also posed challenges. The new SOG LCD resolves these issues by delivering superior picture quality in a small form factor, making the module suitable for a variety of applications.

The new SOG LCD module delivers an ultrawide spectrum that exceeds 100% of the NTSC color space and a high luminance level of 350 candelas per square meter. Due to the high transmissivity of LTPS thin-film transistor technology, NEC was able to optimize the module's backlight system and color filter and thereby achieve a higher level of balance between color and luminance, resulting in the type of astonishingly clear and vivid color reproduction that has been lacking in small-size LCDs. Successful mass production trials for the SOG LCDs have been completed and samples are scheduled to become available in the first quarter of 2007.