Mini-LEDs - Page 5

n-tech Research says that the Micro-LED market will emerge in 2019, with sales reaching $2.7 billion. The market will grow very quickly to reach over $70 billion in 2027.

n-Tech says that the immediate markets for Micro-LED displays will be near-eye displays (AR/VR), automotive HUDs and projectors - as these will benefit mostly from the small size, low weight, high brightness and high resolution of Micro-LED displays. Wearables (smartwatches) is another lucrative market (n-Tech sees $1.6 billion in smartwatch Micro-LED display sales in 2022).

AUO demonstrated a micro-LED display, which it says is the world's highest resolution full-color TFT micro-LED.

The 8" panel features a resolution of 1280x480 (169 PPI). The micro-LEDs use blue LED chips with color conversion, on an LTPS backplane. AUO did not disclose any roadmap to commercialize this technology.

Digitimes Research says that China-based smartphone makers (including Huawei, Oppo and Xiaomi) are planning to adopt mini LED backlit LCD panels in future smartphones as an alternative for AMOLED displays.

The Chinese phone makers have reached out to Taiwan-based LED makers to start making mini-LED backlighting units by June 2018. Currently the OLED market is in an over-demand situation which means that securing enough AMOLED capacity is not easy - and it also drives prices up. According to IHS, the situation will reverse in 2018, though.

Taiwan's Innolux demonstrated a new prototype mini-LED display. The 10.1" panel features a resolution of 1540x720 (168 PPI) and it seems to be a monochrome white display. Innolux hopes to commercialize such displays by 2020.

Innolux says that this type is very suitable for automotive applications - as it has an almost infinite contrast (similar to OLED displays) and it can also work in the demanding temperatures required by the automotive industry. Innolux hopes that such mini-LED displays can find a market and be a bridge before the company can develop micro-LED displays with higher densities and increased brightness.