Optrex DMF50081ZNF-FW: A Robust 4.7-inch QVGA Display for Industrial HMIs
Introduction to the DMF50081ZNF-FW STN-LCD Module
The Optrex DMF50081ZNF-FW is a 4.7-inch monochrome STN-LCD module engineered for exceptional clarity and reliability in demanding industrial environments. This display provides a precise 320x240 QVGA resolution, making it an ideal solution for systems that require clear, readable presentation of critical data and simple graphics. Key benefits include its low power consumption and straightforward parallel interface, which simplifies integration with common microcontrollers. For engineers designing or retrofitting test equipment or control panels, this module offers a proven and cost-effective user interface solution. What is the primary benefit of its STN technology? It delivers high-contrast, readable text with lower power demands than active-matrix TFT displays. For industrial HMI applications prioritizing data legibility and long-term availability, the DMF50081ZNF-FW is a technically sound and pragmatic choice.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Industrial Control and Legacy Equipment
The DMF50081ZNF-FW is engineered for applications where unambiguous data presentation is paramount. Its 4.7-inch diagonal size combined with a QVGA (320x240) resolution creates a display that is compact yet capable of rendering detailed text and graphical elements without clutter. This makes it a prime candidate for integration into industrial Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), process controllers, and factory automation terminals.
Consider a common engineering challenge: retrofitting an aging control panel on a manufacturing line. The original display may be obsolete, but the core machinery is still functional. The DMF50081ZNF-FW's standard parallel data interface provides a direct and well-documented connection path to a wide array of embedded systems and microcontrollers (MCUs). This simplifies the hardware and software development required for the upgrade, reducing project time and cost. The module's proven STN technology ensures that operators see sharp, clear readouts of pressures, temperatures, and system statuses, even under typical factory floor lighting. For systems requiring a different form factor but similar robust performance, the KCG057QV1DB-G000 offers a larger 5.7-inch diagonal with the same QVGA resolution.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for System Integration
The technical specifications of the DMF50081ZNF-FW are tailored for straightforward implementation in industrial and specialized equipment. The following table highlights the key performance metrics that are critical for design engineers during the evaluation phase.
| Parameter | Specification | Engineering Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | STN-LCD, Passive Matrix | Provides high contrast for monochrome text/graphics with excellent power efficiency. |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA) | Delivers sufficient detail for menu-driven interfaces and data visualization on a compact screen. |
| Screen Size | 4.7 inches | Compact form factor suitable for panel mounting and portable instrumentation. |
| Active Area | 95.97 mm (H) x 71.97 mm (V) | Defines the usable display space for UI design and layout calculations. |
| Module Dimensions | 139 mm x 120 mm | Critical mechanical data for enclosure design and system integration. |
| Backlight | CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) | Offers bright, even illumination. Requires an external inverter for operation. |
For complete electrical characteristics, timing diagrams, and mechanical drawings, please refer to the official documentation.
Download the DMF50081ZNF-FW datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the typical application for a monochrome STN-LCD like the DMF50081ZNF-FW in modern designs?
While TFT-LCD technology dominates full-color applications, STN displays remain highly relevant for industrial controls, medical monitoring devices, and test and measurement equipment where the primary need is for high-clarity, high-contrast alphanumeric and simple graphical data. Their lower power consumption and proven reliability make them a strategic choice for focused-function devices.
Does the CCFL backlight have any specific driver requirements?
Yes, unlike modern LED backlights, the CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) in this module requires a high-voltage AC inverter to operate. Engineers must account for this external component in their system design, both for power budgeting and PCB layout considerations.
How does the 320x240 resolution on a 4.7" screen translate to readability?
This combination results in a pixel density of approximately 84 PPI (Pixels Per Inch). For a monochrome display intended for text and basic icons, this density is more than adequate to produce sharp, well-defined characters and lines, ensuring excellent readability from a typical operator viewing distance.
Is the parallel interface of this display compatible with modern 3.3V microcontrollers?
The datasheet specifies a typical logic supply voltage of 5.0V. When interfacing with a 3.3V MCU, proper level-shifting circuitry is required to ensure reliable communication and prevent damage to either the microcontroller or the display module. This is a critical step during the hardware design phase.
Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage
The Enduring Value of STN Displays in Specialized Markets
In an industry focused on high-resolution color displays, the continued relevance of the Optrex DMF50081ZNF-FW speaks to a crucial engineering principle: fitness for purpose. Not every application requires a full-color, high-speed interface. For a vast range of industrial and medical equipment, the most important display attributes are reliability, clarity, and low total cost of ownership. This is where STN technology provides a strategic advantage.
The architecture of the DMF50081ZNF-FW aligns perfectly with the design philosophy of equipment built to last for decades. Its passive-matrix technology is inherently robust, and its standard interface ensures long-term component sourcing and maintainability—a key concern for manufacturers in sectors like medical diagnostics and process control. By opting for a proven display like this, engineers can de-risk their HMI development, avoid the software overhead of complex graphics processors, and deliver a product that is both highly functional and economically sound.
Strategic Outlook
For engineering teams tasked with developing new instrumentation or sustaining legacy industrial systems, the Optrex DMF50081ZNF-FW offers a dependable and technically sound display solution. Its core strengths—high-contrast readability, a standard interface, and a robust design—ensure it remains a valuable component for applications where operational clarity and long-term reliability are the primary design drivers. It represents a commitment to proven technology that directly supports the lifecycle requirements of specialized industrial equipment.
