Did you know that by 2023, over 95% of new vehicles sold globally included at least one TFT LCD display, compared to just 40% in 2015? Your car’s TFT screen doesn’t just show real-time information such as speed and navigation, but also the multimedia and comfort controls that make your life a whole lot easier. What is a TFT display, and why is it such an important part of modern-day cars? Let’s find out.
TFT LCDs (liquid crystal displays) are one of the most popular display technologies alongside LEDs. This blog will explain how TFT display technology works, its applications in the automobile industry, the advantages and disadvantages of using TFT screens, and much more.
What is a TFT Display? How Do They Work
Now you may be wondering- what does TFT mean? TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor. This is the core of what is TFT LCD, where thin-film transistors upscale the display’s performance and response. One of the layers contains TFTs, while the other holds RGB (red/green/blue) color filters.
When a current passes through the liquid crystals, they let a certain amount of light pass through. The RGB filters determine the exact amount of light that will pass and create the different colors we see on the TFT monitor screen.
Elements of TFT LCD Displays:
- Transistors: A Thin-film transistor (TFT) acts as a tiny switch that controls individual pixels.
- Liquid Crystals: A layer of liquid crystals is situated between the two glass substrates.
- Backlighting: The backlight is the main source of illumination in TFTs.
TFT vs. Other Display Technologies
Despite being the popular choice, TFT is not the only display technology out there. Let’s discuss the other types of display technologies and how they compare with TFT.
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TFT Display Vs LCD
LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, uses liquid crystal technology to create images. These displays do not emit light on their own and are instead illuminated by a backlight that shines through a layer of liquid crystals.
So, what is preferable? TFT or LCD? A TFT display screen uses thin-film transistors to significantly improve the image quality of LCDs and decrease response time. Since the transistors allow us to control the light passing through the LCD displays more precisely, TFTs can display images with higher contrast and better color accuracy.
If you’re still wondering what is TFT LCD display, think of it as an upgrade to LCD technology. Today, almost all high-quality modern LCD screens use active-matrix TFT technology. This active matrix tech illustrates what is TFT display in practical applications. Though other types of LCD screens exist, TFT display screens are the most popular ones. TFT display design has certainly become such an inseparable part of the car’s makeup that now we’d struggle to imagine a car without one.
TFT vs. OLED in Cars
OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode, is a much newer technology than TFT LCDs. They use organic compounds to emit light, and as a result, they are brighter, with better color accuracy, better viewing angles, and a higher contrast ratio than TFTs. Unfortunately, they are more susceptible to image retention and burn-in.
TFT is still the preferred choice in automotive displays since it lasts longer, consumes less power, can withstand more extreme temperatures, and is cheaper than OLEDs.
TFT and MicroLED
Micro-LED or µLED, is a flat-panel display technology that uses tiny LEDs to directly create individual color pixels. They offer several benefits over TFTs and OLED displays: higher contrast ratios, quicker response times, more energy efficiency, higher brightness and lower latency levels, and longer lifespans.
The only thing preventing micro-LEDs from becoming mainstream is their high cost of production. While micro-LEDs are certainly an enticing offering for large-screen TVs and AR microdisplays, their vast array of benefits doesn’t justify the higher cost for car displays.
Also Read: The Cars With The Greatest Sound Systems
The History of Digital TFT Displays in Automotive Settings
Let’s observe the evolution of TFT technology in automobiles across decades:
| Year | Development Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1960s | Introduction of thin-film transistor technology |
| 1980s | First TFT LCDs used in consumer electronics |
| 1990s | Adoption of TFT displays in industrial settings |
| 2000s | Integration into automotive dashboards and devices |
| 2020s | Advanced TFTs with touch capabilities emerge |
We hope that learning what is a TFT display has given you a better understanding of its role in the automotive industry. Here is a brief timeline of the history of car displays and the evolution of what is a TFT display? monitor integration in the car industry.
| Year | Car Model | The Evolution of Car Displays | Vehicle Display Interfaces | Purpose |
| 1976 | Aston Martin Lagonda | The first production car with a digital instrument panel | Cathode-ray tube screens and electronics from Javalina | To display speed, distance traveled, & fuel economy |
| 1986 | Buick Riviera | The first production car to have a touch-screen display | 3 x 4-inch green-and-black cathode-ray tube screen | To control over 91 car functions, such as temperature & radio |
| 2001 | Lexus LS430 | Lexus introduces a touch-sensitive infotainment system | 7.0-inch LCD screen with an infra-red, touch-sensitive panel | To control air conditioning, heating, and radio & the premium DVD-based navigation system |
| 2007 | Lamborghini Reventon | Includes one of the first high-resolution LCD displays used on a production vehicle | Three TFT LCDs with two different display modes | To display vehicle information |
| 2010 | 2010 Range Rover | To control over 91 car functions, such as temperature & Radio | 12-inch virtual instrument panel | To display vehicle information, navigation and maps, and entertainment |
| 2012 | Tesla Model S | Tesla replaces all physical controls with a large central portrait-oriented touchscreen | 17-inch LCD touchscreen | To control almost every function, including climate control, media playback, navigation, & driving modes |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz EQS EV | The new MBUX Hyperscreen now covers the entire dashboard | Three-dimensional 56-inch curved glass panel | To control every function, including climate controls, car settings, navigation, & web browsing |
Applications of TFT in Cars
Static or numerical data for air conditioning or audio settings used to be displayed on passive matrix displays. Today, many automakers consolidate vehicle settings, navigation, and entertainment into a single full-color TFT screen. These smart displays can do everything from taking calls to setting the AC temperature.
Car Dashboard and Infotainment Systems
- TFT in cars provides a centralized interface for vehicle information, trip data, vehicle settings, and multimedia controls.
- They display key data such as speed, RPM, and fuel consumption
- They also feature controls for music, videos, radio stations, and other media.
Heads-Up Displays (HUDs)
- A HUD (Heads-Up Display) uses TFT LCDs to project important data directly on your windshield
- HUDs can be divided into entry-level, low-end, mid-level, and high-end
- An entry-level HUD uses passive TFT LCDs, whereas a high-end HUD uses a much brighter and larger active-matrix TFT for a wider field of view and a faster response rate.
Navigation Systems
- TFTs also offer navigation functions and smartphone integration. These systems primarily use a TFT LCD touchscreen for a user-friendly interface.
- A touchscreen driver information display can help you navigate maps in real time and stay updated on traffic conditions as well as possible delays.
Role in Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- TFTs display real-time data from sensors, cameras, and radar systems
- TFT automotive dashboard displays deliver alerts and warnings to improve driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.
- They provide visual feedback that aids in collision avoidance, lane keeping, parking assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
Also read: Which German Automobile Brand Makes Safer Cars?
TFT Display Advantages in Automobiles
TFTs offer an exemplary, cutting-edge display, giving the driver an opulent and convenient driving experience. Let’s discuss them in detail:
Superior Image Quality
- When compared to traditional LCDs, TFT displays offer superior color accuracy and contrast ratios.
- A TFT monitor allows great readability even in direct sunlight, due to their high brightness and contrast levels.
- They can display high resolutions like Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K (3840×2160)
Enhanced Performance
- TFT displays have fast response times and refresh rates
- They can withstand vibrations and physical shocks
- TFTs can function in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +85°C.
Energy Efficiency
- TFT LCD screens are relatively energy-efficient
- Their low power consumption aids in the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
- These displays provide drivers with real-time data on battery level, fuel consumption, and energy usage
- Drivers can adjust their habits to maximize energy efficiency by monitoring data through TFT displays.
Disadvantages of TFT Displays in Automobiles
Now that we know what is TFT display is and its multiple advantages, its drawbacks are also worth discussing. They are as follows:
Low Visibility
- TFT displays can experience shifts in brightness and color when viewed from certain angles
- Having limited viewing angles may hinder visibility in certain real-world conditions.
Burn-In
- Image burn-in occurs when static images leave an ‘imprint’ or permanent ‘ghost image’ on the screen.
- Sometimes this may be temporary, which is referred to as ‘image retention’ or ‘ghosting’.
- Burn-in can occur due to pixel burnout, color fading, and distortion caused by overheating and UV exposure.
- Modern TFT LCDs have almost little to no odds of experiencing burn-in.
- Image retention may sometimes take place with older or cheaper displays.
Comparison to Emerging Technologies
- TFT panels are bulkier and not as stylish as OLED panels
- They cannot display rich and deep black tones
- Unlike plastic OLED screens, TFT displays cannot be curved or flexible and offer limited design freedom.
Future Trends & TFT Display Innovations for Automobiles
Technology keeps evolving, and TFT screen and display will keep getting smarter and more advanced. Early TFT screens were much smaller and slower than the ones we see today.
Manufacturers are also looking at integrating TFT smart surfaces on the dashboard or windscreen. This could potentially make driving more interactive and less distracting. Drivers may soon be able to see real-time information, such as navigation directions projected directly into their line of sight. AR TFT technology could make driving even more intuitive and autonomous in the near future.
Flexible TFT displays are the future of display technology. Just like some OLED screens can be bent or curved, futuristic flexible TFT displays could make driving even more effortless and immersive. Transparent TFTs are already revolutionizing the industry; they have opened the door to even more sophisticated AR heads-up displays.
TFTs can be mass-manufactured at relatively low costs when compared to alternative display technologies. They are durable and can withstand extreme conditions. While new advancements may make TFTs outdated in the future, they have a firm grip on the industry at present.
We’ve done our best to answer the question, ‘What is a TFT display?’. What topic would you like us to cover next? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TFT and OLED displays for cars?
TFT screens and displays consume less energy, are more affordable, and have a longer lifespan. OLEDs offer better image quality due to higher contrast and brighter colors, but they are relatively more expensive.
Are TFT displays suitable for displaying navigation information?
Yes, TFT displays can be used to display both static and interactive data.
How do environmental factors affect TFT displays in vehicles?
TFT displays need to withstand a wide range of temperatures to increase their durability and reliability and reduce the risk of malfunction.
What should automotive designers consider when choosing a TFT display?
While choosing a TFT display, automakers should consider the refresh rate, color accuracy, display resolution, contrast ratio, response time, backlighting technology, and viewing angles.
What is the TFT display everyone has?
A TFT screen display (Thin-Film Transistor) is a type of LCD used in cars, smartphones, and TVs that is known for sharp images and vibrant colors.
