TFT Controller

Unlike a monitor, which only needs to be connected to a power supply and video signal source, a display panel requires a corresponding environment. This includes

• Scaler board: converts the input signal (VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort) into a native display format (RGB parallel, LVDS, eDP, MIPI, VbyOne)
• Backlight inverter (if not integrated in the display): Converts the supply voltage into a suitable current to operate the LED backlight. The brightness of the display can be adjusted by varying the current
• OSD control: A module with buttons is available for operating the menu for setting the monitor (On Screen Display)
• Cabling: The display data cable converts connectors and cable formats between the scaler board and the display; the inverter cable connects the output of the inverter to the backlight of the display

The TFT controller, also known as the scaler board, converts the input signal from the video source for the display. Depending on the requirements, it can scale the resolution, i.e. display each input signal to fill the screen. Some versions can also rotate or mirror the image. It is operated via the OSD control panel, which is used to control the on-screen menu. It also generates the control signal for the backlight inverter to switch it off during breaks to save energy or to reduce the brightness to the desired level.