LCD module

01

Match the interface, supply and backlight

Newhaven Display's datasheet for its NHD-4.3-480272EF-ASXN#-T describes a 4.3 in TFT module of 480 × RGB × 272 pixels with up to 16.7 million colours, a built-in driver without controller (ST7282T2), a 24-bit RGB interface on a 40-pin FPC and a 4-wire resistive touch panel. Its logic supply is 3.0–3.6 V, 3.3 V (typ.), at 10–50 mA, 25 mA (typ.). [1]

The 16-LED backlight draws 40 mA (typ.), 50 mA maximum, at 22.4–27.2 V, 25.6 V (typ.); the datasheet stresses that the LEDs are current-driven, the voltage is for reference only, and the drive must keep current below the maximum. [1] Backlight lifetime is 20,000 hours minimum and 50,000 hours (typ.) to half brightness at 40 mA and 25 °C. [1]

Editorial calculation: at the datasheet's typ. values the logic draws about 0.08 W (3.3 V × 25 mA) and the backlight about 1.02 W (25.6 V × 40 mA), so the backlight takes over 90% of the module's power. Dimming the backlight is the main lever for power and heat. [1]

Editorial note: a module 'without controller' needs the host to generate RGB timing (clock, sync and data enable); modules with a built-in controller or a serial 'smart' interface take that work off the host. State which one the board supports.

Give the supplier the active-area size and resolution, interface (RGB, LVDS, MIPI DSI, SPI, MCU parallel, UART), controller required or not, supply voltage, backlight luminance and drive, touch type (none, resistive, capacitive), viewing direction or IPS, operating and storage temperatures, reliability tests, FPC length and pin-out, and annual quantity.

02

Check luminance, viewing angles, temperature and reliability

The same datasheet gives luminance of 620 cd/m² minimum and 780 cd/m² (typ.) at 40 mA, contrast 400 minimum and 500 (typ.), response time (rise plus fall) of 20 ms (typ.) and 30 ms maximum, and viewing angles at contrast ≥10 of 55° top and 75° bottom, left and right, with a 6 o'clock viewing direction, transmissive normally-white anti-glare TN mode and a brightness-enhancement film. [1] Operating temperature is −20 to +70 °C and storage −30 to +80 °C. [1]

Its listed reliability tests are 96 hours each at +80 °C and −30 °C storage, +70 °C and −20 °C operation, and +50 °C at 90% RH; 20 thermal-shock cycles of 60 minutes at −20 °C and 60 minutes at +70 °C; vibration at 10–50 Hz and 5 G for 30 minutes; and ESD of ±4 kV air and ±2 kV contact. [1]

Linked suppliers list TFT modules from 3.2 to 10.1 in, including IPS versions with wide viewing angles, and character LCD modules for industrial HMIs. [2] [3]

Editorial note: the uneven 55°/75° angles in this datasheet go with its TN panel and 6 o'clock viewing direction; if the display will be read from above or from the sides, specify IPS or confirm the angles in each direction.

03

Compare a sunlight-readable IPS module of the same size and resolution

Crystalfontz's product page for the CFAF480272H0-043SN lists a 4.3 in, 480 × 272 TFT module with an IPS transmissive panel, a 160° viewing angle that it says allows mounting above, at or below eye level without colour inversion, and a 1,000 cd/m² (nits) white LED backlight it describes as sunlight readable. It has a built-in Sitronix ST7282 controller with a DOT-CLK / generic RGB interface on a 40-pin ZIF connector; logic supply is 3.0–3.6 V, 3.3 V (typ.), and the backlight takes 40 mA at a forward voltage of 16.2–21 V. [4] Operating temperature is −20 to +70 °C and storage −30 to +80 °C. The module measures 105.50 × 64.15 × 2.90 mm and weighs 41.2 g, with an active area of 95.04 × 53.86 mm; capacitive and resistive touch versions are offered. [4]

Editorial calculation: at 40 mA the backlight draws about 0.65–0.84 W, below the roughly 1.0 W worked out above for the TN module at 25.6 V, while giving about 28% more luminance (1,000 against 780 cd/m²). The active area's diagonal, √(95.04² + 53.86²) ≈ 109 mm, confirms the 4.3 in class. If the display will be read from above or the side, an IPS panel like this avoids the uneven 55°/75° angles of the TN example; ask for the backlight driver requirement and lifetime at your current. [4] [1]

04

From character modules to ESP32 display boards

The listings reviewed range from character and small TFT modules to industrial touchscreen displays, smart UART display modules and ESP32-based display boards; ask each for the full datasheet with electrical, optical and reliability tables.

05

Panel, driver IC, backlight, FPC, touch layer and films

The backlight row ties luminance to power: in the Newhaven calculation above it takes over 90% of the module's power. [1]

06

Size, brightness, viewing angles, rails and temperature

The 1,000 cd/m² figure in the brightness row belongs to a sunlight-readable IPS module; the 620 and 780 cd/m² figures are for a TN panel of the same size. [4] [1]

07

Send the size, interface and environment data together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Display: [size; resolution; TN or IPS]
Interface: [RGB; LVDS; MIPI; SPI; UART]
Controller: [needed or not]
Optics: [luminance; viewing direction]
Backlight: [current; life]
Touch: [none; resistive; capacitive]
Environment: [operating and storage temperature; tests]
Mechanical: [FPC; pin-out; mounting]

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