FLAT-PANEL DISPLAYS FOR PORTABLE SYSTEMS

Flat panel display technologies for portable and personal information systems are reviewed. The display sub-system performance requirements, and the metrics for evaluating display technologies for portable syst ems are discussed. The current display technology choices for high per formance portable systems are active matrix liquid crystal display (AM LCD) and field emitter display (FED). AMLCD is at the forefront at an advanced state of development, and it is already in mass production fo r notebook computer applications. Because of the huge market size, AML CD technology continues to be developed at an aggressive pace to addre ss the needs of the future portable systems. On the other hand, FED te chnology is not currently in mass production, but it is being develope d at rapid pace; Impressive technology capabilities and demonstration displays have already been shown. This review focuses on the current s tatus and future development trends in both the these display technolo gies for application to portable systems. The current status of the re flective LCDs and their future development trends are also reviewed.