R&D Focus
Micro LED, Next Generation Display Technology
ITRI is able to massively transfer micro-LED chips on silicon substrates.
Industries around the world are keen on investing in the development of micro LED, a rising star in a new generation of display technology. ITRI, for its part, has been honing its R&D capacities in this area since 2009, aiming to develop end-system applications while establishing a supply chain in the industrial ecosystem.
ITRI’s micro-LED module on a transparent display allows a transparency level over 60%.
Applying its heterogeneous integration technology to massively transfer micro-LED chips on glass, silicon, and PCB substrates, ITRI successfully integrated the display modules and verified the application of micro LED in transparent displays and fine-pitch digital signage. With ITRI’s technologies, the level of transparency on a transparent display can reach over 60%, which exceeds the industry average of 50%. Micro-LED displays can also be integrated into AR headsets with high resolution ( > 2,000 PPI), high brightness ( > 20,000 nits), and low power dissipation. On digital signage, the pitch size can be reduced to less than 800 µm. At COMPUTEX 2018, ITRI showcased the world’s first micro-LED array chip integrated on PCB substrates and demonstrated an RGB full-color passive-matrix micro-LED display panel with definition of 80 x 80 pixels.
ITRI showcased the application of micro LED in fine-pitch digital signage at COMPUTEX 2018.
Micro LED has a number of distinct advantages over existing display technologies, namely high brightness, better efficiency, fast response time, self-illumination, and no backlight source. Consequently, micro LED consumes less power and features a simple mechanical structure and compact size. Compared with an LCD/OLED TV screen, a micro-LED display system can save over 90% of energy.
Optimistic about the business opportunities brought by micro LED, ITRI has established a micro-LED pilot production lab on its campus. In conjunction with its mass transfer technology, ITRI has combined the technological expertise of LED driver IC suppliers, PCB manufacturers, and semiconductor makers to foster the commercialization of ultra-fine pitch micro-LED displays. The demand of millions of micro-LED chips for one display module will provide an outlet for the high LED production capacities.
In the period of 2018-2020, ITRI anticipates the completion of pilot production of RGB full-color digital signage. Also, from 2018 to 2022, it will commit considerable resources and manpower in the development of transparent displays and AR displays. Serving as a platform, ITRI will work with system providers, making them an outlet channel for micro-LED production, and will further form alliances with up-, mid-, and downstream manufacturers to build a unique supply chain. By introducing the application of ultra-small pitch micro-LED displays, ITRI hopes that it can assist in improving the overall value of the LED display industry and ushering in new opportunities for Taiwan’s LED sectors.