Display Measurement: Measure What You See

Richard Distl, Instrument Systems GmbH, Munich, Germany

Significant advances in display technology have been made in recent years, creating new market opportunities and applications. Liquid crystal and thin-film transistor displays are commonly integrated into motor vehicles and aircraft cockpits. They are typically part of a subsystem that also contains control switches, indicators and LED-backlit graphics; e.g., a navigation system, radio or instrument cluster.

Optical testing of such modules is important to ensure product quality, including the uniform color and brightness of displays, panel graphics and indicators. This is especially true because each component may be manufactured by a different supplier.

Ideally, the integrator would like to test an entire module in one setup. However, flat panel displays, LED-backlit panel graphics and LED indicators each have unique requirements. Only by combining and automating several tests can a measurement system address all the needs of automotive and aerospace display applications.