DMF50174 Optrex 240x64 FSTN Graphic LCD Display Module

Content last revised on November 16, 2025

Optrex DMF50174: A Deep Dive into the 240x64 Graphic LCD Module

Introduction and Core Features

The Optrex DMF50174 series is a graphic LCD module engineered for rapid system integration, leveraging its on-board controller to reduce host processor overhead and simplify HMI development. This module delivers a versatile 240x64 dot matrix display with an integrated T6963C controller, providing a complete graphical interface solution. Key specifications include a 240x64 dot resolution, a built-in character ROM, and a direct 8-bit parallel interface. This design delivers two primary engineering benefits: accelerated development timelines and significantly reduced host system software complexity. For legacy industrial control or test equipment requiring a robust, straightforward graphical HMI, the DMF50174's integrated architecture offers an exceptionally efficient integration path.

Key Parameter Overview

Decoding the Specs for Simplified System Integration

The technical specifications of the DMF50174 are centered on providing a self-contained and easy-to-drive display solution. The parameters below highlight the features that directly contribute to its ease of integration and reliable performance in its intended applications. Note that electrical characteristics can vary based on the specific model variant and operating conditions.

For complete electrical characteristics, timing diagrams, and command sets, please refer to the official datasheet.

Download the DMF50174 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.

Application Scenarios & Value

System-Level Benefits in Instrumentation and Control HMIs

The DMF50174 is optimized for applications where clarity, reliability, and ease of integration are more critical than color or high-speed video capability. Its architecture provides tangible value in the design of specialized Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).

• Industrial Control Panels: In manufacturing automation, the 240x64 display is sufficient for showing machine status, error codes, and operator menus. The integrated controller means the primary PLC or embedded computer is not burdened with pixel-level rendering, allowing it to focus on real-time control tasks.
• Test and Measurement Equipment: For devices like oscilloscopes, signal generators, or network analyzers, the DMF50174 can clearly render measurement data, settings, and simple waveforms. Its high-contrast STN display ensures that readings are unambiguous, a critical requirement for accurate engineering work.
• Medical Devices: The module is well-suited for portable patient monitors or diagnostic equipment that requires a clear, reliable display for vital signs or operational status. The LED backlight's longevity is a key advantage in equipment that demands high uptime.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Used as an operator display, it can efficiently show transaction details, item lists, and prompts without the complexity of a full-color graphical OS, leading to a more robust and cost-effective system.

For systems that require a different form factor or resolution, the KCG057QV1DB-G000 offers a 320x240 quarter-VGA resolution suitable for more complex graphical interfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Drilling Down into Design and Performance Details

What is the primary benefit of the integrated T6963C controller?
Its main advantage is the radical simplification of the host system's software. The controller manages the display RAM, character generation, and graphical functions internally. Instead of writing complex routines to manage each pixel, the engineer sends high-level commands like "draw text at this location" or "set graphic mode," drastically reducing development time and freeing the main processor for its primary tasks.

How does the 8-bit parallel interface impact my hardware design?
An 8-bit parallel interface is a classic, straightforward connection method for embedded systems. It requires 8 data lines plus a handful of control lines (like Read, Write, Chip Select). This interface is very fast for the amount of data this display needs and is easily implemented with most microcontrollers, requiring no special peripherals like an LVDS transmitter. This simplifies the PCB layout and hardware debugging process.

Is the LED backlight on the SLY model difficult to drive?
No, it's significantly simpler than older technologies. The LED backlight typically requires only a stable DC voltage (e.g., +5V) and can be controlled with a simple current-limiting resistor or a basic transistor circuit for on/off or brightness control. This eliminates the need for the high-voltage AC inverter required by Electroluminescent (EL) panels, which reduces component count, system noise, and potential points of failure.

What viewing direction is the display optimized for?
The datasheet specifies the viewing direction, typically optimized for 6 o'clock or 12 o'clock. This means the display has the best contrast when viewed from slightly below or above, respectively. This is a critical parameter to consider when designing the physical enclosure for a device, ensuring the display is mounted at an ergonomic angle for the end-user.

Technical Deep Dive

A Closer Look at the T6963C Controller and its Integration Advantages

The selection of the Toshiba T6963C (or a compatible equivalent) as the onboard controller is the defining feature of the DMF50174 module. This component acts as a dedicated graphics coprocessor, transforming the module from a simple glass panel into a quasi-intelligent display subsystem. Understanding its function is key to appreciating the module's value.

Think of the T6963C as a specialized manager hired to handle all display-related paperwork. Without it, your main CPU (the CEO) would have to manually track the state of every single one of the 15,360 pixels, a tedious and time-consuming task. The T6963C takes over this entire department. It has its own memory (display RAM) to store the screen image. The CPU simply sends a short memo (a command) like "Display the text 'System OK' at row 2, column 5." The T6963C then looks up the character patterns in its internal ROM and handles all the low-level work of placing the correct pixels in its display memory, which is then automatically shown on the screen.

This architecture provides several system-level benefits. Firstly, it reduces the need for a large frame buffer in the host system's RAM, potentially allowing for a lower-cost microcontroller. Secondly, it drastically lowers the data bus traffic. Instead of sending thousands of bytes to refresh the screen, the host sends just a few bytes for each command. This is crucial in systems where the main processor is already busy with other demanding tasks, ensuring the HMI remains responsive without compromising the performance of the core application.

A Strategic Perspective on Proven Technology

In an era of high-resolution color displays, modules like the Optrex DMF50174 retain a critical role in the landscape of industrial electronics. Their value proposition is not based on visual spectacle but on robustness, longevity, and profound design efficiency. For projects with long lifecycles, where a product may be in the field for over a decade, utilizing a proven, self-contained component simplifies maintenance, sourcing, and future product revisions. The DMF50174 represents a design philosophy where stability and speed-to-market for essential HMI functions take precedence, offering a reliable foundation for countless control and instrumentation systems. For more on the fundamentals of this technology, The Ultimate Guide to TFT-LCD provides valuable context on display evolution.