Features and Benefits..........................................................................................................................................2
Installation and Handling........................................................................................................................................3
Mounting EL Displays..........................................................................................................................................3
Control Basics .........................................................................................................................................................5
Video Input Signals..........................................................................................................................................7
Safety and EMI Performance...........................................................................................................................11
Description of Warranty ........................................................................................................................................13
Support and Service................................................................................................................................................14
The EL320.240.36 thin film electroluminescent (EL) display is a highperformance alternative to industry-standard quarter-VGA LCDs. The
EL320.240.36 utilizes Planar’s proprietary Integral Contrast and
Brightness Enhancement (ICEBrite™) technology to achieve
unparalleled image quality without the use of expensive filters. This
small graphics display excels in a wide range of ambient lighting
environments while effectively eliminating the blooming common to
other high-bright displays.
The display consists of an EL glass panel and control electronics
assembled into a space-saving, rugged package for easy mounting.
The EL320.240.36 is easily interfaced using standard 4-bit LCD control
signals. Each of the 76,800 pixels is individually addressable to clearly
display high information content graphics and text.
Features and Benefits
• Excellent visual performance:
High brightness and contrast
Do not drop, bend, or flex the display. Do not allow objects to strike the
surface of the display.
CAUTION: The display uses CMOS and power MOS-FET devices. These
components are electrostatic sensitive. Unpack, assemble, and examine this
assembly in a static-controlled area only. When shipping, use packing
materials designed for protection of electrostatic-sensitive components.
Mounting EL Displays
Properly mounted, EL displays can withstand high shock loads as well as
severe vibration found in demanding applications. However the glass panel
used in an EL display will break if subjected to bending stresses, high impact,
or excessive loads.
Avoid bending the display. Stresses are often introduced when a display is
mounted into a product. Ideally, the mounting tabs of the display should be
the only point of contact with the system. Use a spacer or boss for support;
failure to do so will bend the display and cause the glass to break. The
instrument enclosure or frame should not flex or distort in such a way that
during use the bending loads might be transferred to the display. The
EL320.240.36 mounting tabs were designed for a 3 mm screw. Mounting
surfaces should be flat to within ±0.6 mm (±0.25"). Use all the mounting holes
provided. Failure to do so will impair the shock and vibration resistance of the
final installation.
CAUTION: Properly mounted, this display can withstand high shock loads
and severe vibration in aggressive environments. However, the glass panel
used in this display will break when subjected to bending stresses, high
impact, or excessive loads.
To prevent injury in the event of glass breakage, a protective overlay should
be used on the viewer side of the display.
WARNING: These products generate voltages capable of causing personal
injury (high voltage up to 235 Vac ). Do not touch the display electronics
during operation.
A maximum cable length of 600 mm (24 in.) is recommended. Longer cables
may cause data transfer problems between the data transmitted and the
display input connector. Excessive cable lengths can pick up unwanted EMI.
There are third party products which allow this maximum cable length to be
exceeded. Contact Planar Application Engineering for more information.
Cleaning
As with any glass or coated surface, care should be taken to minimize
scratching. Clean the display glass with mild, water-based detergents only.
Apply the cleaner sparingly to a soft cloth, then wipe the display. Disposable
cleaning cloths are recommended to minimize the risk of inadvertently
scratching the display with particles embedded in a re-used cloth. Particular
care should be taken when cleaning displays with anti-glare and anti-reflective
films.
Avoiding Burn-In
As with other light emitting displays, use a screen saver or image inversion to
avoid causing burn-in on the display. Displaying fixed patterns on the screen
can cause burn-in, where luminance variations can be noticed.
Performance characteristics are guaranteed when measured at 25°C with rated
input voltage unless otherwise specified.
Control Basics
The EL panel is a matrix structure with column and row electrodes arranged in
an X-Y formation. Light is emitted when an AC voltage of sufficient amplitude
is applied at a row-column intersection. The display operation is based on the
symmetric, line-at-a-time data addressing scheme.
Power
The supply voltages are shown in Table 1. All internal high voltages are
generated from the display supply voltage (V
should be present whenever video input signals or V
minimum and maximum specifications in this manual should be met, without
exception, to ensure the long-term reliability of the display. Planar does not
recommend operation of the display outside these specifications.
Table 1. DC Input Voltage Requirements.
Parameter 1 Symbol Min Typ Max Absolute
Logic supply voltage VL 4.75 V 5 V 5.25 V 6 V
Logic supply current at +5 V IL 0.1 A
Display supply voltage VH 10 V 12 V 15 V 15 V
Supply current at +12 V IH 0.5 A 1.0 A
Power consumption 5 V/12 V 7.0 W 12.0 W
1
Operating conditions: ambient temperature 25°C, 120 Hz frame rate.
). The logic supply voltage (VL)
H
is applied. The
H
Max
CAUTION: Absolute maximum ratings are those values beyond which
damage to the device may occur.
Table 2. Video Input Requirements.
Description Min Max Units Notes
Absolute Input Voltage
Range
Video logic high voltage 70% 100% VL All input thresholds are CMOS
Video logic low voltage 0 20% VL
Video logic input current –
Input capacitance – 15 pF
-0.3 5.5 V V
±10
µA
L=
5.0 V
There is no overcurrent protection on either the VH or VL inputs to protect
against catastrophic faults. Planar recommends the use of a series fuse on the
12 volt supply(V
). A general guideline is to rate the fuse at 1.8 to 2 times the
The display uses the Samtec STMM-110-01-T-D or equivalent. The mating
connector is in the Samtec TCSD family of cable strips. The proper connector,
user-specified cable length and connector configuration is supplied as a single
unit. Consult your Samtec representative (1-800-SAMTEC9) for the
cable/connector options.
J2
Pin 1
Pin 1
Key
Pin 1
Key
Figure 1. Data/Power Connector
Table 3. Connector Pinouts.
Pin Signal Description Pin Signal Description
1 V
3 Selftest Selftest Input 1 4 TOUCH Reserved
5 VL +5 V Power 6 GND Ground
7 VS Vertical Sync 8 GND Ground
9 HS Horizontal Sync 10 GND Ground
11 VCLK Video Clock 12 GND Ground
13 VID0 Video Data 14 GND Ground
15 VID1 Video Data 16 GND Ground
17 VID2 Video Data 18 GND Ground
19 VID3 Video Data 20 GND Ground
1
Connect pin 3 to ground for normal display operation.
+12 V Power2V
+12 V Power
Locking Power and Data Connector
The display may be ordered with an optional 20 pin,
2 mm through-hole locking male header, Samtec
EHT-110-01-T-D or equivalent. The locking
connector is standard on the Extended Temperature
display. The mating connector is in the Samtec TCSD
family of cable strips. Compatibility with non-Samtec
equivalents should be verified before use.
An analog dimming circuit is standard on the Industrial
and Extended Temperature versions of this display. The
J2 dimming connector is a Molex 2-pin, right angle
locking male, part number 22-12-2024. The
recommended mating connector is a Molex 22-01-3027
(housing) and 08-52-0123 (crimps, 2 per housing).
Additionally the crimp housing will need crimp terminals
to connect the wires, Molex 2759 or 6459 can be used.
Molex crimp terminal 41527 is recommended for applications with high
vibration requirements.
For a discussion of the dimming feature, refer to the Dimming section below,
under Optical Performance.
Interface Information
Planar EL Small Graphics Displays (SGD) incorporate an interface that is similar
to many LCD interfaces. This interface is supported by a variety of
off-the-shelf chip sets which take care of all display control functionality,
freeing the system processor for other tasks. Designers select the chip set that
best suits their particular architecture and price point. This 4-bit LCD-type
video interface provides a low cost, flexible method for controlling display
brightness and power consumption.
Video Input Signals
The end of the top line of a frame is marked by VS, vertical sync signal as
shown in Figure 2. The end of each row of data is marked by HS. The VS signal
may be independently set to a CMOS low level at any time for longer than one
frame period. During the time of VS inactivity the display is blank. Halting VS
results in a standby condition to minimize power usage.
Horizontal Timing
HS
VCLK
VID0-3
Pixels: w x y z
Vertical Timing
VS
9
1
HS
First Line
VID Data
10
Figure 2. Video Input Timing Diagram.
3
2
Second Line
VID Data
4
5
Pixels: a b c d
6
7 118
Timing is compatible with LCD graphics controllers such as the SED 1335 or
C & T 65535.
1 HS high time tHSh 100 nsec
2 HS low time tHSl 80 tVCLK
3 HS to VCLK rising edge tHSsu 95 nsec
4 VID setup to VCLK tVIDsu 50 nsec
5 VID hold from VCLK tVIDhd 50 nsec
6 Video clock period tVCLK 140 nsec
VCLK rise, fall time tVCLKrf 10 15 nsec
7 VCLK low width tVCLKl 30 nsec
8 VCLK high width tVCLKh 30 nsec
9 VS high setup to HS low tVShsu 140 nsec
10 VS hold after HS tVShd 140 nsec
11 VS low setup to HS high tVSlsu 140 nsec
12 HS period tHS 34 µsec
VS period tVS 240 tHS
Frame Rate fVS 0 120 Hz
Input signals VID0 through VID3 contain the video data for the screen. Pixel
information is supplied from left to right and from top to bottom four pixels at
a time. Video data for one row is latched on the fall of HS.
The display incorporates a self-test mode composed of two patterns displayed
for approximately 30 seconds each, and then repeated. The patterns are as
follows:
leaving pin 3 unconnected or pulled high.
Note: Pin 3 must be connected to Ground for normal display operation.
Optical
Table 5. Optical Characteristics.
Luminance
Lon (areal), min
L
on
L
off
Non-uniformity
All pixels fully lit 35% Maximum difference two of five points,
Full On
(areal), typ
(areal), max
and
1 X 1 Checkerboard
40 cd/m²
50 cd/m²
0.3 cd/m²
. The self-test mode is entered by
screen center, 120 Hz frame rate
screen center, 120 Hz frame rate
5 points: center plus four corners
measured 1.0 ±0.25" from adjacent bezel
edges,
@ 120 Hz
using the formula:
BNU%=[1- (min_lum/max_lum)] x 100%
Dimming
Luminance Variation (Temperature)
Maximum
Luminance Variation (Time)
Maximum <20%
Viewing Angle
Minimum
Contrast Ratio
Minimum
Typical
±20%
160°
19:1
50:1
Across operating temperature range
10,000 hours at 25°C ambient
@ 500 lux ambient, 120 Hz frame rate
There are two standard methods for dimming the EL320.240.36 display. Frame
rate dimming allows the brightness of the display to be lowered proportionally
by reducing the frame rate. Frame rate dimming is performed within the
application by lowering the frame rate of the video input signals. Because
brightness is proportional to frame rate, the display can be dimmed by adding
pauses between every horizontal period.
The lowest useable frame rate (brightness) is dependent on the perceived
flicker of the displayed image, but will most likely be around 60 Hz.
Dimming control circuitry is available on some models of this display. This
feature allows manual analog dimming of the brightness from 100% to
approximately 5% of the full brightness.
For models which feature analog dimming, connect a 100 kohm logarithmic
external potentiometer to the dimming port. Alternatively, an external voltage
or current mode D/A converter may be used to facilitate dimming by sinking a
The display MTBF is to be greater than 50,000 hours at 120 Hz with a 90%
confidence level at 25°C.
Safety and EMI Performance
The display will not inhibit the end product from obtaining these certifications:
CISPR 11 level B, IEC 801-2, and IEC 801-3, EN55022 B or UL1950.
Mechanical Characteristics
Display External Dimensions
millimeters (inches)
without locking connector
with locking connector
Weight (typical)
Fill Factor
Display Active Area
millimeters (inches)
Pixel Size
Component Envelope
The component envelope shown in Figure 4 illustrates the distance
components extend behind the display. Tall components do not necessarily fill
this area. Planar reserves the right to relocate components
constraints of the component envelope without prior customer notification.
For this reason, Planar advises users to design enclosure components to be
outside the component envelope.
Device designers will need to consider their specific system requirements to
determine the spacing necessary to maintain the specified ambient
temperature. Air flow and surrounding component materials will affect the
depth of the air gap.
Dimensions in are millimeters; inches in brackets.
Tolerances unless specified
.x
.xx
±
0.50 [0.02]
±
0.25 [0.01]
Figure 4. Display Dimensions.
Note: The dimensions in this drawing are approximate. Please contact Planar Applications
Engineering and request the actual drawing prior to beginning your design.
Seller warrants that the Goods will conform to published specifications and be free from defects in
material for 12 months from delivery. To the extent that Goods incorporate third-party-owned
software, Seller shall pass on Seller's licensor's warranty to Buyer subject to the terms and conditions
of Seller's license.
Warranty repairs shall be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. Buyer shall
report defect claims in writing to Seller immediately upon discovery, and in any event, within the
warranty period. Buyer must return Goods to Seller within 30 days of Seller’s receipt of a warranty
claim notice and only after receiving Seller’s Return Goods Authorization. Seller shall, at its sole
option, repair or replace the Goods.
If Goods were repaired, altered or modified by persons other than Seller, this warranty is void.
Conditions resulting from normal wear and tear and Buyer's failure to properly store, install, operate,
handle or maintain the Goods are not within this warranty. Repair or replacement of Goods is
Seller’s sole obligation and Buyer's exclusive remedy for all claims of defects. If that remedy is
adjudicated insufficient, Seller shall refund Buyer's paid price for the Goods and have no other
liability to Buyer.
All warranty repairs must be performed at Seller’s authorized service center using parts approved by
Seller. Buyer shall pay costs of sending Goods to Seller on a warranty claim and Seller shall pay costs
of returning Goods to Buyer. The turnaround time on repairs will usually be 30 working days or less.
Seller accepts no added liability for additional days for repair or replacement.
If Seller offers technical support relating to the Goods, such support shall neither modify the
warranty nor create an obligation of Seller. Buyer is not relying on Seller’s skill or judgment to select
Goods for Buyer’s purposes. Seller’s software, if included with Goods, is sold as is, and this warranty
is inapplicable to such software.
SELLER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Ordering Information
Product Part Number Description
EL320.240.36
Standard Product
EL320.240.36 IN
Industrial Product
EL320.240.36 AG 996-0273-60 5.6" (142 mm) diagonal, quarter VGA display
EL320.240.36 ET CC 996-0273-30 5.6" (142 mm) diagonal, quarter VGA display,
-40° to +65°C operating temperature,
analog dimming, locking connector standard,
conformal coating.
4-bit LCD interface. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Planar Systems continues to provide optional, and in many cases custom, features to address the
specific customer requirements. Consult Planar Sales for pricing, lead time and minimum quantity
requirements.
Support and Service
Planar is a U.S. company based in Beaverton, Oregon and Espoo, Finland, with a world-wide sales
distribution network. Full application engineering support and service are available to make the
integration of Planar displays as simple and quick as possible for our customers.
RMA Procedure: For a
model number(s), serial number(s), and original purchase order number(s). When returning goods for
repair, please include a brief description of the problem, and mark the outside of the shipping
container with the RMA number. An online RMA form may be found on Planar’s website –