Japan Display has started selling a standard line-up of memory-in-pixel (MIP) reflective-type color LCD modules for wristwatch-type wearable devices, which realize ultra-low power consumption. The Japanese company says that power consumption of these reflective-type LCD modules is less than 0.5% that of transparent-type LCD modules.

Low power consumption is a key factor for wearable devices, to provide long battery life. Since the new reflective-type modules display images by reflecting light, they do not require a backlight, which typically contributes up to approximately 80% of the total power consumption of an LCD module. Furthermore, since the MIP structure has a static random access memory transistor fabricated in each sub-pixel, in the case of still screen images, once the data is written it is held, resulting in ultra-low power consumption. In addition, the optimized optical design contributes to crisp reflective-type color images, especially under bright sunlight conditions.

JDI has produced and sold reflective-type color LCD modules for wristwatch-type wearable devices since January 2014. Now, JDI’s intention is to widen the business of reflective-type color LCD modules for wearable devices by offering a new line-up of standard products.

JDI is also planning to offer an additional line-up of standard reflective-type color LCD modules, not only for wearable devices but also for industrial applications.

Samples of the new modules will be available next month.

Specifications

• Display size: Round shape 3.4cm (1.34-inch) diameter
• Number of pixels: 320 x 300
• Density:238 ppi
• Power Consumption:
  • MIP Mode: (TYP. 1mW)
  • Normal Driving Still Image: (TYP 10mW)
  • Normal Driving Moving Image: (TYP. 20mW)
• Color gamut: Typ. 23%
• Contrast: Typ. 20:1
• Number of colors:
  • MIP Mode: 8 color(R,G,B 1bit)
  • Normal Driving: 262K colors
• Reflectance: Typ. 21%