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Content Menu
● Introduction to Making Your Own LCD Display
● Understanding LCD Technology
● Steps to Build an LCD Display
● DIY Tutorial: Building a Basic LCD Display Circuit with Arduino
>> Displaying Images on TFT LCDs
>> Streaming Video on LCD Displays
● Industrial LCD Production Process
>> 1. What is the purpose of polarizing filters in an LCD?
>> 2. How do you apply a conductive coating to glass substrates?
>> 3. What are the advantages of building a custom LCD versus using an off-the-shelf display?
>> 4. How do you connect an LCD display module to an Arduino?
>> 5. What are some common applications for custom LCDs?
Creating an LCD display from scratch can be a fascinating and rewarding project for electronics enthusiasts. LCDs, or Liquid Crystal Displays, are ubiquitous in modern technology, from smartphones to televisions. In this article, we will explore the process of making your own LCD display, including the materials needed, the steps involved, and some creative projects you can undertake with LCDs.
Before diving into the DIY process, it's essential to understand how LCDs work. An LCD consists of several key components:
- Glass Substrates: These are the supporting layers that hold all the components together.
- Electrodes: Typically made of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), these create an electric field to align the liquid crystals.
- Liquid Crystals: These are the molecules that change orientation in response to an electric field, controlling light transmission.
- Polarizing Filters: These are attached to the outer surfaces of the glass substrates and are oriented at 90 degrees to each other.
- Backlight: Since LCDs modulate light rather than emit it, a backlight is needed for visibility.
To build a basic LCD display, you will need:
- Glass Slides: Microscope slides or ITO-coated glass slides can be used as substrates.
- Polarizing Filters: These can be purchased online or salvaged from old LCD screens.
- Liquid Crystal Material: This can be obtained from specialized suppliers.
- Conductive Coating (ITO): If not using pre-coated glass, you'll need a method to apply a transparent conductive coating.
- Sealant: To seal the edges of the LCD.
- Spacers: To maintain a consistent gap between the glass slides.
- Electrode Connector: To connect the data pins of the LCD module to a microcontroller like Arduino.
1. Prepare the Glass Substrates: Clean the glass slides thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants[2].
2. Create the Electrodes: Design and apply the electrode pattern using ITO-coated glass or a photoresist and etching process. This can be done using a laser cutter or even hand-cutting with a sharp blade[2].
3. Assemble the LCD Sandwich: Place spacers between the glass substrates to maintain a consistent gap. Apply a thin layer of sealant around the edges, leaving a small opening for filling the liquid crystal material[2].
4. Fill with Liquid Crystal Material: Carefully inject the liquid crystal material into the gap using a syringe or dropper. Once filled, seal the opening with more sealant[2].
5. Attach Polarizing Filters: Cut the polarizing filters to the size of the glass substrates and attach them to the outer surfaces, ensuring the polarization axes are oriented at 90 degrees to each other[2].
6. Add Backlight (Optional): If creating a transmissive LCD, add a backlight panel behind the LCD[2].
For those interested in a simpler project, building an LCD display circuit with Arduino is a great starting point. This involves connecting an LCD display module to an Arduino board and programming it to display text messages.
Components Needed:
- Arduino Uno
- LCD Display Module (compatible with Arduino)
- Jumper Wires
- USB Cable
- Double Battery Holder
- 2 Batteries of 3.7V
Steps:
1. Connect the LCD display module to the Arduino.
2. Connect the data pins of the LCD module to the Arduino.
3. Upload the code to the Arduino.
4. Test the LCD display circuit.
TFT LCDs are ideal for displaying images due to their high image quality and fast response times. To display images on a TFT LCD using an Arduino, you will need:
- Arduino Due Microcontroller Board
- 240x320 TFT with ST7789VI or equivalent IC
- SD Card
- SD Card Breakout Board
- Jumper Wires
Steps:
1. Connect the TFT LCD to the Arduino.
2. Insert the SD card into the breakout board.
3. Upload the code to the Arduino to read and display images from the SD card.
For more advanced projects, streaming video on LCD displays can be achieved using Arduino or Raspberry Pi. This involves resizing the video to fit the LCD resolution and splitting it into frames.
Components Needed:
- Arduino or Raspberry Pi
- Character LCD Display (e.g., 1602)
- Video Processing Software (e.g., FFmpeg)
Steps:
1. Resize the video to fit the LCD resolution.
2. Split the video into frames.
3. Upload the frames to the microcontroller to display on the LCD.
Repurposing old LCDs can be a creative way to reuse materials. For example, turning an old monitor into a transparent side panel for a PC case involves removing the frame and separating the LCD from the backlight. Adding LED strips can enhance visibility and create a unique aesthetic[1].
In industrial settings, LCD production involves a more complex process:
- Glass Substrate Preparation: Two glass plates are used: the array substrate and the color filter substrate. These undergo rigorous cleaning processes to remove impurities[5].
- ITO Coating: The array substrate is coated with ITO for conductivity[5].
- TFT Formation: A layer of amorphous silicon is deposited and patterned to form thin film transistors (TFTs), which control each pixel[5].
- Color Filter Application: The color filter substrate is coated with red, green, and blue filters using photolithography[5].
- Liquid Crystal Alignment: A layer of polyimide is applied to align the liquid crystal molecules[5].
- Assembly and Sealing: The substrates are aligned with a narrow gap, filled with liquid crystal material, and sealed[5].
- Polarizer Attachment: Polarizers are attached to control light polarization[5].
- Backlight Assembly: A backlight module is added for illumination[5].
Creating your own LCD display from scratch or building an LCD circuit with Arduino can be a rewarding DIY project. It allows you to understand the underlying technology and customize displays for specific needs. Whether you're interested in displaying text, images, or videos, LCDs offer a versatile platform for creative projects.
Polarizing filters are used to control the orientation of light passing through the LCD. They are oriented at 90 degrees to each other, allowing the liquid crystals to modulate light transmission by changing their orientation in response to an electric field.
Applying a conductive coating, typically Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), can be done through a process called sputtering. However, it's often easier to purchase pre-coated glass substrates online[3].
Building a custom LCD allows for tailored specifications and design, which can be beneficial for specific applications where standard displays do not meet the requirements. However, it can be more complex and costly than using off-the-shelf displays.
To connect an LCD display module to an Arduino, you need to connect the data pins of the LCD module to the Arduino's digital pins. Then, upload a sketch to the Arduino to control the LCD.
Custom LCDs can be used in various applications, including industrial control panels, medical devices, and custom art projects. They offer flexibility in design and functionality that may not be available with standard displays.
[1] https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Transparent-Side-Panel-From-a-Recycled-Monitor/
[2] https://www.reshine-display.com/how-to-build-lcd-screen.html
[3] https://hackaday.com/2016/06/17/how-to-make-a-custom-lcd-from-scratch/
[4] https://createxplay.com/the-ultimate-guide-of-processes-for-producing-lcd/
[5] https://www.reshine-display.com/how-an-lcd-screen-is-made.html
[6] https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-esp8266-i2c-lcd-arduino-ide/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ9lqwaWQDg
[8] https://www.elprocus.com/ever-wondered-lcd-works/
[9] https://forum.arduino.cc/t/advanced-programming-of-lcd-display/143529
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8D3SuZpI-0
[11] https://www.learnelectronicswithme.com/2020/10/liquid-crystal-displaylcd-construction.html
[12] https://all3dp.com/2/best-arduino-projects-with-lcd/
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8Sp0WPnVUA
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx-JVoOFYhs
[15] https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/category/optoelectronics/lcds/
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibEN9FTLdkI
[17] https://www.electronicsforu.com/technology-trends/learn-electronics/lcd-liquid-crystal-display-basics
[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Q3IghP4ec
[19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K_uNllDZSI
[20] https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmods/comments/fmspqh/diy_build_done_lcd_panel_was_effort_but_well/
