Content last revised on November 20, 2025
Lumineq EL5.256-H2 FRA: High-Contrast Electroluminescent Display for Demanding Industrial Environments
Introduction to the EL512.256-H2 FRA
The Lumineq EL512.256-H2 FRA is an 8.6-inch Electroluminescent (EL) display engineered for exceptional clarity and performance in environments where standard displays fail. Delivering a unique combination of wide viewing angles and operational resilience, this monochrome panel provides a dependable human-machine interface (HMI) solution. Its core value lies in its solid-state, self-emitting technology, ensuring data is readable under fluctuating conditions without requiring a backlight. For industrial systems demanding a rugged, space-efficient display with a long operational lifespan, the EL512.256-H2 FRA presents a purpose-built solution. This model is particularly well-suited for legacy system upgrades and new designs in process control, transportation, and medical instrumentation where information integrity is paramount.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Operational Resilience
The specifications of the Lumineq EL512.256-H2 FRA are tailored for industrial applications that prioritize reliability and clear, unambiguous information delivery over color complexity. The component's performance is defined by its ability to function consistently under challenging physical and visual conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for embedded systems where downtime is not an option and readability is a key safety and operational requirement.
| Parameter | Value | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | Electroluminescent (EL) | Inherent Reliability: Solid-state design with no backlight eliminates a common failure point, crucial for long-term deployments. |
| Resolution | 512 x 256 Pixels | Information Clarity: Provides sufficient detail for displaying critical system parameters, waveforms, and control menus without overwhelming the operator. |
| Active Area | 195.1 x 97.5 mm | Efficient Form Factor: The 8.6-inch diagonal offers a substantial viewing area in a compact frame, facilitating integration into space-constrained panels. |
| Brightness | 65 cd/m² (Typical) | High-Contrast Viewing: While the numerical value seems modest, the self-emitting nature of EL technology creates exceptional contrast, making it highly readable. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +55°C | Industrial-Grade Hardiness: Ensures stable operation in controlled industrial environments, such as factory floors and control rooms. |
| Frame Rate | Up to 75 Hz | Fluid Visuals: A 75 Hz refresh rate provides smooth, clear rendering of changing data, preventing ghosting or motion blur on dynamic readouts. |
| Construction | Aluminium Mounting Frame | Mechanical Stability: The 'FRA' designation indicates a robust aluminum frame that aids in secure mounting and enhances overall durability. |
Download the EL512.256-H2 FRA datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in High-Reliability HMIs
For systems where display failure can lead to significant operational disruption or safety risks, the EL512.256-H2 FRA offers a robust alternative to conventional LCDs. Its core value is most evident in applications demanding unwavering performance and readability. One high-fidelity engineering scenario is its use in legacy CNC milling machines or industrial process controllers. In these settings, operators often view the screen from oblique angles while managing machinery. The EL512.256-H2 FRA's exceptionally wide, symmetrical viewing angle ensures that critical machining coordinates or process values are legible from virtually any standing position, eliminating errors caused by misinterpretation of data on a viewing-angle-limited display.
The display's Electroluminescent (EL) technology is inherently self-emissive. Think of each pixel as a tiny, independent light source. Unlike an LCD that acts as a shutter for a single, large backlight, this pixel-level illumination creates a profound contrast between 'on' and 'off' states. This results in crisp, clear text and graphics that are easily decipherable, a critical benefit in environments with challenging ambient light. The integrated DC/DC converter further simplifies system design by managing the high voltages required for the EL panel from a standard low-voltage supply, reducing engineering effort and component count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary advantage of Electroluminescent (EL) technology over TFT LCD in industrial applications?
The primary advantage is its intrinsic ruggedness and reliability. Because EL displays like the EL512.256-H2 FRA are solid-state and self-emitting, they contain no liquid crystals or backlights. This eliminates two common points of failure, making them more resistant to shock, vibration, and the wear-out mechanisms that affect CCFL or LED backlights over time. This leads to a longer, more predictable operational life in demanding settings.
How does the 512 x 256 resolution benefit an industrial HMI?
This resolution is optimized for information density without unnecessary complexity. It is perfectly suited for displaying numerical data, status indicators, simple vector graphics, and text-based menus which are common in industrial controllers, medical monitors, and transportation systems. It delivers the necessary clarity for critical data without the higher power consumption and data processing overhead of high-definition displays.
What does the "FRA" suffix in the EL512.256-H2 FRA part number signify?
The "FRA" designation specifies that this particular model is equipped with a robust aluminum mounting frame. This feature is crucial for secure and durable integration into an instrument panel or enclosure, providing enhanced mechanical stability and simplifying the system assembly process for design engineers.
Strategic Considerations
Integrating the EL512.256-H2 FRA is a strategic decision for applications where long-term reliability and total cost of ownership outweigh the need for full-color, high-resolution video. Its proven Electroluminescent technology, sourced from pioneers like Lumineq, offers a dependable display solution designed to endure the rigors of industrial use. For engineers designing or maintaining critical systems, this display provides a stable, easy-to-integrate HMI component that ensures clarity and operational continuity for years.
