Sharp is getting ready to start the new year with three new models from its range of Memory LCDs. This means the portfolio of ultra-low power displays will now include 13 different types with diagonals of 2.97 cm to 15.3 cm.
The new 11.09 cm LS044Q7DH01 Memory LCD has a QVGA resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The high level of reflectivity of 17.5% and the viewing angle of 120° in all directions ensure good readability, even with very low ambient lighting. Sharp has also equipped the LS044Q7DH01 with a transmissive portion of 0.25% in order to provide the display with backlighting, when needed, allowing good readability even in complete darkness. This function is an advantage for sports computers and even for measuring devices, which sometimes also have to be used at night. Like all Memory LCDs, the LS044Q7DH01 also belongs to the class of ultra-low power displays, with a power input (without backlight) of just 0.25 mW with static images and 0.65 mW with a frame rate of 1Hz.
In the lower end of its range of sizes, Sharp has expanded its range of Memory LCDs with models LS012B4DG01 (1.17" diagonal) and LS013B7DH03 (1.28" diagonal). The 1.28" version is impressive, in spite of its compact size of 26.6 x 30.3 x 0.75 mm, thanks to its relatively high resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. Like the new 4.4" model, the LS013B7DH03 has a transmissivity of 0.2%, which means the display can optionally be equipped with a backlight as well. A characteristic feature of this new and now smallest member of the Memory LCD family is its shape: the edges have a length of 35.1 x 11.0 mm and a resolution of 184 x 38 pixels, making the LS012B4DG01 ideal for use as a function and control display of battery-operated tools. Consequently, the display is equally sturdy at operating temperatures ranging between -10 and +70°C. In addition, the relatively long ribbon cable of approx. 52 mm allows the display to be flexibly positioned and integrated in the housings of cordless screwdrivers, drills etc.
The minimal energy consumption of the Sharp Memory LCDs results from the fact, that each pixel of the innovative display has a 1-bit memory that stores the image data loaded on the screen. Image information therefore only needs to be rewritten in the pixels in which the content has changed, as compared to the previous screen frame. As reflective displays, Memory LCDs also require no backlighting. Thanks to the minimal power consumption of the Memory LCDs, small solar cells can supply sufficient power to operate the entire application.
