Optrex DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17 | High-Clarity 240x64 FSTN Graphic Display Module
The Optrex DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17 is an expertly engineered monochrome graphic LCD module designed for applications demanding exceptional clarity, reliability, and a streamlined interface. As a staple in industrial and medical instrumentation, this display delivers critical information with unambiguous precision, proving that for many professional applications, high contrast and readability trump full-color complexity.
- Superior Readability: Utilizes Film-compensated Super-twisted Nematic (FSTN) technology to deliver a sharp, high-contrast black-and-white image with wide viewing angles.
- Wide Aspect Ratio: The 240x64 dot matrix format is ideal for displaying text, menus, and simple graphical data like waveforms or bar charts.
- Integrated Intelligence: Features the industry-proven Toshiba T6963C controller, simplifying development by offloading low-level pixel management from the host microcontroller.
- High-Brightness Backlight: Equipped with a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) backlight, ensuring excellent visibility even in challenging ambient lighting conditions.
Technical Deep Dive: The Engineering Behind the Clarity
While modern TFTs dominate the consumer space, the design choices in the DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17 are deliberate and optimized for industrial longevity and performance. Understanding its core technologies reveals why it remains a superior choice for specific engineering challenges.
FSTN vs. Standard STN: A Critical Difference
Standard STN displays often suffer from color shifting (typically a blue or yellow tint) and more restrictive viewing angles. The Optrex DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17 employs FSTN technology, which adds a retardation film layer between the STN glass and the front polarizer. This film effectively cancels out the inherent color birefringence, resulting in a true black-and-white display. For an engineer, this translates directly to a higher Contrast Ratio, reducing eye strain and eliminating ambiguity when reading critical data.
The Power of the T6963C Controller
The integrated T6963C controller is a key part of this module's value. Instead of requiring the host processor to continuously refresh the display's pixel state, the T6963C contains its own display RAM. It manages text and graphic modes, and even includes a built-in character generator ROM (CG-ROM). This architecture significantly reduces the software overhead and frees up the host MCU's resources for its primary tasks—a crucial advantage in real-time control systems.
Application Scenarios & Value Proposition
The unique feature set of the DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17 makes it a go-to component for both legacy system repairs and new designs where information clarity is paramount.
- Industrial Control Panels: In a factory setting, operators need immediate, clear feedback on machine status, fault codes, and process parameters. The high-contrast FSTN display ensures this data is readable at a glance from various angles and distances.
- Test & Measurement Equipment: For devices like spectrum analyzers, network testers, or power supplies, the 240x64 format is perfect for rendering measurement data and soft-key menu labels. Its proven reliability ensures the HMI will not be the point of failure. Explore our guide on bar-type LCDs for more on information-dense displays.
- Medical Instrumentation: Used in patient monitors and diagnostic devices where precise, error-free readouts are non-negotiable. The robust design ensures long-term operational stability. Proper care is essential in these environments, as detailed in our guide to industrial display maintenance.
Key Parameters Overview
The following table outlines the core specifications for the DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17. For exhaustive details, including timing diagrams and command sets, please refer to the official product datasheet. Download the DMF-50174ZNB-FW-BCN Datasheet (Note: This datasheet is for a closely related model and provides representative performance data).
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | DMF50174-ZNF-FW-17 |
| Display Technology | FSTN (Film-compensated Super-twisted Nematic) Monochrome LCD |
| Resolution | 240 x 64 dots |
| Controller IC | Toshiba T6963C (or compatible) |
| Backlight | CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp), White |
| Interface | 8-bit Parallel |
| Module Dimensions (W x H x D) | 180.0 x 65.0 x 11.0 mm |
| Active Area (W x H) | 132.0 x 39.0 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions for Design Engineers
Why would I specify a module with a CCFL backlight when LEDs are more common?
While LED backlights offer longer lifespans, CCFL technology is often required for drop-in compatibility with existing systems. If you are repairing or replacing a display in long-life industrial equipment, matching the original backlight technology is critical for both the power supply (inverter) and optical characteristics. Furthermore, CCFLs provide a very bright, diffuse light that remains a benchmark for certain applications.
Is the T6963C controller difficult to program for new designs?
On the contrary, the T6963C is one of the most well-documented and widely understood graphic LCD controllers in the industry. Its maturity means there is a vast amount of sample code, libraries, and community knowledge available. Its command-based structure is straightforward and less resource-intensive on the host system than a raw pixel-pushing interface, making it an excellent choice for systems built on 8-bit or 16-bit MCUs.
For detailed selection advice or to discuss your specific application needs for this or other industrial LCD displays, please contact our technical team.
