Sharp Corporation will begin production of three types of IGZO*1 LCD panels that boast pixel densities among the highest in the industry*2. These LCD panels are intended for use
in notebook PCs and will come in three sizes: 11.6 inches, 14 inches, and 15.6 inches. Production is scheduled to begin in June 2013 at Sharp's Kameyama Plant No. 2. This new production allows Sharp to expand its lineup of IGZO LCD panels for notebook PCs, with
the company having already started production of 13.3-inch IGZO panels.
IGZO technology enables smaller thin-film transistors and increased light transmittance. As
a result, fine text can be rendered crisply and clearly, and images can be displayed with impressive realism. For example, the 14-inch panel boasts a pixel density of 262 ppi, which represents 1.67 times the number of pixels of full high definition*3. Increased light transmittance also means lower rates of energy consumption, with IGZO technology reducing the amount of power required to drive liquid crystals during the display of still images. These factors lead to greater energy efficiency and longer battery life on notebook PCs. IGZO technology is also compatible with stylus-input touchscreen functionality.
Sharp will work to further expand the range of applications using its IGZO LCD panels in products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, notebook PCs, and 4K displays that make the most of the super high resolution and energy efficiency of these panels.
Specifications of IGZO LCD Panels for Notebook PCs
| Display size |
11.6 inches |
14 inches |
15.6 inches |
|
13.3 inches |
| Number of pixels |
2,560 x 1,440
(WQHD) |
3,200 x 1,800
(WQHD+) |
3,200 x 1,800
(WQHD+) |
|
2,560 x 1,440
(WQHD) |
| Pixel density |
253 ppi |
262 ppi |
235 ppi |
|
221 ppi |
| Application |
Notebook PCs |
|
Notebook PCs |
Currently mass-produced
panel (for reference)
These LCD panels (with certain exceptions) will be on show from May 21 to 23 in the Sharp Microelectronics
of the Americas (SMA) booth at the Society for Information Display's "Display Week 2013," held in
Vancouver, Canada.
- *1 Developed jointly for mass production by Sharp and Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
- *2 As of May 14, 2013; for LCD panels used in notebook PCs (based on Sharp research).
- *3 Pixel density in a 14.0-inch panel at full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080) is 157 ppi. Pixel densities for other panel sizes
are as follows: 190 ppi (11.6-inch), 166 ppi (13.3-inch), and 141 ppi (15.6-inch).