Are you considering using a LCD in your next design? There are all other specifications like Display type, backlight LED configuration, LCD supply and current and others shall be definitely considered. But before going to such detailed electrical specifications, the first step would be to check the display technology. So, discussing further on that aspect, the decision comes around Transmissive type or Reflective type or Transreflective type LCD. As we dig deeper into each of these types, the one point that the designer has to think at the system level is whether the product with LCD is intended to be used indoors or outdoors. This is what defines, which display type to be used in your design. Let us have a small description of the three types of displays.

Just to think of more practical scenario, when you watch your mobile screen inside your house, you feel confortable, but when go out in the sunlight, you may not be able to see the screen. For the Modern mobiles, even if you go outside you can see the screen. The below description on the types of LCD can help you identify which type of LCD your mobile is designed with.

Transmissive Type:
You might have seen a backlight for the LCD you are considering. This is the Transmissive LCD and is the most common LCD panel.So, the backlight helps to see the LCD clearly. The only disadvantage is the power consumption of the backlight. This backlight helps to identify the characters on the display clearly. The major advantage of Transmissive type display is that it is cheaper. Even though there is no light, the backlight helps to read the contents of the screen. The major disadvantage is that when you carry this display outdoors, you may not be able to read the contents of the screen. For such screens, having a longer stare at the mobiles can give you strain on your eyes. The backlight is provided by the LED arrangement inside the display panel. The LEDs are arranged in an array inside the panel which helps to provide the backlight. Based on the LED configuration, designer has to provide the backpanel voltage. This backpanel voltage is different from the LCD display voltage. Backpanel voltage is for the LEDs inside the display and LCD display voltage is for the electronics insdie the display.

Reflective Type:

Reflective type of LCD has a reflective film at the back of the panel. So, when a light falls on the screen, the reflective panel reflects the light and contents can be read. This doesn't have a backlight as similar to the Transmissive display. Reflective display entirely depends on the external light rather than the backlight, so, this is the cheapest display than Transmissive display. This can be used indoors as well as outdoors but screen is visible only when sunlight is present outdoors or electric lamp is available inside. This is not the preffered display for the designs. So, generally, you don't see this type used in modern day designs even though it is cheaper. The major advantage of Reflective display is that it doesn't starin your eyes as it majorly depends on natural light.

Transreflective Type:

Transreflective is the combination of Transmissive and Reflective type LCD. Like Transmissive, it has a backlight arrangement and like Reflective it has a reflective arrangment. As it combines the capabilites of Transmissive and Reflective type, Transreflective display is the most costly display. This display can be used comfortably indoors as well as outdoors. 

Pricing of the modules:

A 5" Transmissive display is available around $50. The panels have the touch panel integrated.