DMF5005N-EW | 240x64 FSTN LCD Module with Integrated Backlight for Industrial HMI
Content last revised on October 15, 2025.
Engineering a Legacy of Clarity and Reliability
The Optrex DMF5005N-EW is a highly integrated FSTN graphic LCD module engineered to accelerate the development of robust, high-clarity human-machine interfaces (HMIs). This display delivers a precise 240x64 dot matrix resolution, a wide operational temperature range of -10 to +60°C, and the simplicity of a built-in CCFL backlight with its own inverter. Key benefits include dramatically simplified system integration and excellent readability in demanding industrial environments. For engineers tasked with designing or maintaining equipment with long service life requirements, the DMF5005N-EW provides a proven, reliable display solution that minimizes design overhead. With its wide operating temperature and integrated inverter, the DMF5005N-EW is an ideal fit for legacy industrial control panels requiring robust, long-term performance.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Legacy and Niche Industrial Controls
The DMF5005N-EW is best suited for applications where straightforward, reliable information display is paramount. Consider the challenge of designing a control panel for a CNC machine or a process controller in an industrial automation setting. These environments are often not climate-controlled, exposing electronics to significant temperature swings. The DMF5005N-EW's wide operating temperature range (-10°C to +60°C) directly addresses this challenge, ensuring consistent display performance without the need for auxiliary heating or cooling components, thereby enhancing overall system reliability.
Furthermore, the integration of the CCFL backlight and its required high-voltage inverter onto the module itself is a critical design accelerator. For an engineer, this eliminates the complex and time-consuming task of sourcing, qualifying, and laying out a separate inverter circuit. This simplification saves valuable PCB real estate and reduces potential points of failure, directly contributing to a faster time-to-market and a more robust final product. This makes the display a strategic choice for test and measurement equipment, medical diagnostic devices, and specialized terminals where clarity and long-term operational stability are the primary design drivers. While the DMF5005N-EW is excellent for compact data displays, systems requiring a more detailed graphical interface might consider a larger panel like the KCG057QV1DB-G000 for its 320x240 resolution.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Seamless System Integration
The technical specifications of the DMF5005N-EW are tailored for straightforward implementation into embedded systems. The parameters below highlight the features most critical for design engineers focusing on reliability and ease of integration.
| Parameter | Specification | Engineering Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | Film STN (FSTN), Negative Type | Provides superior contrast and wider viewing angles compared to standard STN, resulting in a highly legible black-and-white display. |
| Resolution | 240 x 64 Dots | Ideal for displaying multiple lines of text, status icons, and simple graphical data for industrial control applications. |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +60°C | Ensures reliable operation in unconditioned indoor and semi-outdoor environments without performance degradation. |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to +70°C | Allows for safe transport and storage in a wide range of environmental conditions. |
| Backlight System | CCFL with On-board Inverter | Dramatically simplifies power supply design; requires only a low-voltage DC input, saving development time and board space. |
| Contrast Ratio (Typ) | 8:1 | Delivers clear, sharp characters and graphics, reducing operator error. |
| Viewing Area | 101.0mm (W) x 33.0mm (H) | Provides a compact yet effective display area for function-specific HMIs. |
| Module Dimensions | 130.0mm (W) x 51.0mm (H) x 12.0mm (D) | A slim profile that facilitates integration into space-constrained enclosures. |
Download the DMF5005N-EW datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of the integrated CCFL inverter on the DMF5005N-EW?
The built-in inverter simplifies the system's power architecture. Instead of designing a separate high-voltage AC circuit to drive the CCFL, engineers only need to provide a single low-voltage DC supply to the module, significantly reducing design complexity and potential noise issues.
How does the FSTN (Film Super-Twisted Nematic) technology improve readability over standard STN?
FSTN technology incorporates a retardation film layer that corrects for color dispersion. This results in a true black-and-white display with higher contrast and a wider, more consistent viewing angle. For an HMI, this means the displayed information remains clear and legible even when viewed from off-center, a common scenario in industrial settings.
What does the -10°C to +60°C operating temperature range mean for system design?
This wide temperature range gives engineers the confidence to deploy products equipped with the DMF5005N-EW in environments without strict climate control. It removes the need for costly and complex thermal management solutions like internal heaters or fans, which would otherwise be necessary to keep a consumer-grade display within its operating limits.
What is the typical application for a 240x64 resolution display?
This resolution is highly effective for text-based interfaces, such as status menus on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), parameter readouts on test equipment, or transaction instructions on a point-of-sale terminal. It can display up to 8 lines of 40 characters, making it versatile for information-dense but graphically simple user interfaces.
Technical Deep Dive
A Closer Look at FSTN Technology and Backlight Integration
The choice of FSTN (Film Super-Twisted Nematic) display technology in the DMF5005N-EW is a deliberate engineering decision aimed at maximizing clarity in monochrome displays. Unlike standard STN, which can exhibit bluish or yellowish hues and suffers from narrower viewing angles, FSTN provides a true black-and-white image. This is crucial in an industrial HMI, where misreading a value could lead to operational errors. What is the primary benefit of its integrated backlight inverter? It simplifies the power supply design and reduces development time. The contrast ratio of 8:1 can be understood like the difference between writing with a light grey pencil versus a dark black pen on paper. The DMF5005N-EW ensures the pixels are like the black pen—distinct and easy to read, a vital feature for busy or poorly lit environments.
The most significant integration feature is the on-board CCFL backlight system. CCFLs require a high AC voltage (typically several hundred volts) to operate, a requirement that complicates power supply design in typical DC-powered embedded systems. By including the inverter directly on the module, Optrex has offloaded this engineering burden. The module presents a simple DC interface to the system designer, abstracting away the complexities of high-frequency, high-voltage power conversion. This design choice not only speeds up development but also helps in achieving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance, as the high-frequency switching components are localized and shielded within the display module itself. This level of integration is a hallmark of components designed for the industrial and medical sectors, where reliability and design simplification directly impact total cost of ownership.
As system designers evaluate display options for long-life industrial equipment, the DMF5005N-EW presents a compelling case for designs where proven reliability, straightforward integration, and clear monochrome readability are the primary engineering drivers.
