EASTERN DISPLAY LCD module (LCM) introduction 

A liquid crystal module (LCM), also known as an LCD module, is a component that integrates a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), key driver circuits, and a backlight system to output visual information. As a core component of modern electronic devices, the LCM is widely used in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, medical devices, automotive displays, and smart home appliances due to its compact design, low power consumption, and multifunctionality.

• LCM structure and composition

LCM usually consists of three core components:

1. LCD Panel: The core layer containing the liquid crystal unit, which forms images by adjusting light.
2. Driver circuit (Driver circuitry): an integrated circuit that controls the voltage signal of the pixel.
3. Backlight unit (Backlight Unit): LED is usually used to provide uniform lighting to ensure brightness and color consistency.

• operational principle

The liquid crystal panel alters the orientation of liquid crystal molecules through an electric field. When a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules twist to adjust the light transmission rate of the backlight source, thus creating contrast and color. The driver circuit converts input signals from devices like microcontrollers into pixel control commands, ultimately displaying text, graphics, or dynamic images.

• Module classification

According to LCD mode, there are TN, HTN, STN, FSTN and VA. According to production process, there are SMT, COB and COG. Among them, COG module is more and more widely used because of its high integration, thin and light, low cost and low power consumption.

• Choose LCD or LCM

LCD

-Refers only to the LCD panel (without driver circuit, controller or backlight).

-Additional design of driver circuit, power management, interface, etc.

-Suitable scenarios: highly customized display solutions are required, or existing supporting drive design capabilities are available.

LCM

-Integrated LCD panel + driver circuit + controller + backlight + interface.

-Plug and play, simplified development.

-Suitable for scenarios: rapid prototyping, limited resources or need to shorten time to market.

Key factors in selection

Recommend the selection scenario

select LCD：

-The product needs special display effects (such as high refresh rate, low power optimization).

-Have a mature driver development team or reuse of existing solutions.

-Extremely cost sensitive and large scale production (such as consumer electronics).

select LCM：

-Need to quickly verify functions (such as smart home panels, industrial HMI).

-Lack of hardware development resources or time constraints.

-Small batch production (such as maker projects, instrumentation).

• Typical application

LCM is commonly found in the following devices:

-Household appliances (e.g. microwave oven, washing machine)

-Industrial Human Machine Interface (HMI)

-Car dashboard and in-car entertainment system

-Medical monitors and portable diagnostic equipment

-Handheld instrument

EASTERN DISPLAY was founded in 1990. It is a leading domestic manufacturer specializing in the design, development, production, and sales of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and their modules (LCMs). The company has witnessed the entire journey of LCDs in China, from their early stages through development to prosperity. LCM products have continuously evolved and diversified, offering a range of types including TN, HTN, STN, FSTN, and VA. The production processes include SMT, COB, and COG. These products are widely used in industries such as automotive, medical, industrial control, and home appliances, with a broad presence in both domestic and international markets.