Content last revised on January 7, 2026
G242CX5R1RC: Reliable 5.5-inch Monochrome FSTN-LCD for Legacy System Sustainment
Engineered for Clarity and Longevity in Industrial Instrumentation
The SII G242CX5R1RC is an FSTN-LCD module engineered to ensure operational continuity for legacy industrial systems. Featuring a 240x128 pixel resolution, a CCFL backlight system, and robust construction, this display provides a direct-fit replacement with proven readability for critical data and status indicators. Its primary benefits include extending the service life of existing equipment and ensuring clear visibility of monochrome graphical interfaces. This module directly addresses the challenge of sourcing reliable components for established industrial control panels and test equipment. For systems requiring a higher resolution or color capabilities, alternative display technologies may be considered.
Application Scenarios & Value
Ensuring Operational Continuity for Established Industrial Assets
The G242CX5R1RC is best suited for maintaining and servicing long-lifecycle industrial and medical equipment where a complete system redesign is impractical or cost-prohibitive. Its specific 240x128 resolution and 5.5-inch form factor are common in a generation of devices that are still mission-critical in many facilities.
Consider a scenario involving a CNC machine or a piece of specialized test and measurement equipment from the early 2000s. The original display may be failing due to age, but the core machine remains perfectly functional. Replacing the entire HMI or the machine itself would be a significant capital expense. The G242CX5R1RC serves as a form-fit-function replacement, allowing technicians to restore the user interface with minimal downtime and without complex re-engineering. The FSTN (Film-compensated Super-twisted Nematic) technology provides excellent black-and-white contrast, which is crucial for the unambiguous display of alarm codes, system parameters, and diagnostic information often presented on such a programmable logic controller (PLC) interface.
While this model is optimized for legacy systems, for applications requiring a more compact color display, the G057QTN01.1 offers a full-color TFT experience in a similar small form factor.
Key Parameter Overview
Specifications for System Integration and Maintenance
The technical specifications of the G242CX5R1RC are tailored for its role as a replacement component in established industrial environments. The following table highlights the key metrics engineers and procurement specialists need for validation.
| Parameter | Specification | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | FSTN-LCD, Monochrome (Black/White Negative) | Provides high-contrast, passive-matrix display suitable for text and simple graphics with low power consumption. |
| Resolution | 240 x 128 Pixels | Matches the resolution requirements of many legacy industrial control panels and instruments. |
| Active Area | 122.36(W) × 65.24(H) mm | Defines the usable screen real estate for interface design. |
| Outline Dimensions | 180(W) x 110(H) x 15.1(D) mm | Critical mechanical data for ensuring a correct physical fit into existing enclosures. |
| Brightness | 70 cd/m² (Typ.) | Sufficient for indoor industrial environments where direct sunlight is not a factor. |
| Contrast Ratio | 6:1 (Typ.) | Delivers clear differentiation between on and off pixels for excellent text legibility. |
| Backlight System | CCFL, Edge Light Type | Designed for compatibility with existing CCFL inverter circuits, simplifying the replacement process. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C | Ensures reliable operation within typical control room and factory floor environments. |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C | Provides a robust window for shipping and storage without component degradation. |
Download the G242CX5R1RC datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary advantage of using an FSTN display like the G242CX5R1RC in an industrial context?
The key advantage is its proven reliability and simplicity. FSTN technology provides excellent clarity and contrast for monochrome information, which is often all that is required for displaying critical machine states, alarms, or measurements. It avoids the complexity and higher cost of color TFT displays in applications that do not require them.
Is the CCFL backlight a direct replacement for newer LED systems?
No, it is not. The CCFL backlight is a legacy technology that requires a specific high-voltage inverter to operate. The G242CX5R1RC is intended as a drop-in replacement for systems that were originally designed with a CCFL and its associated driver, ensuring electrical compatibility without modification.
How does the 0°C to 50°C operating temperature range affect suitable applications for this display?
This temperature range makes the G242CX5R1RC ideal for controlled indoor environments such as factory floors, control rooms, laboratories, and medical facilities. It is not intended for outdoor applications or unconditioned spaces where temperatures could fall below freezing or exceed 50°C.
Industry Insights & Strategic Advantage
The Strategic Value of Sourcing for Legacy System Sustainment
In the world of industrial automation and high-value capital equipment, asset lifecycles often extend for decades. The strategic sourcing of proven, reliable components like the SII G242CX5R1RC is a cornerstone of effective Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) strategies. While the industry trend is towards high-resolution, full-color, and connected HMI platforms, a significant installed base of robust, non-networked machinery remains the backbone of many manufacturing operations. For these systems, sustainment—not replacement—is the most economically sound strategy.
The availability of modules like the G242CX5R1RC enables facility managers and system integrators to avoid the "rip and replace" cycle. This approach provides a significant strategic advantage by deferring large capital expenditures, eliminating the need for operator retraining on new interfaces, and bypassing the costly process of re-validating machinery, which is particularly critical in regulated industries like medical device manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. By focusing on the availability of key legacy components, companies can maximize the return on their original equipment investments and maintain operational stability. This aligns with a broader industry understanding that Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) often favors targeted repair over premature upgrades, a principle supported by manufacturers like Sharp and NEC who have long supported industrial markets.
By providing a direct path to repair rather than redesign, the G242CX5R1RC serves a critical role in the industrial component ecosystem. It acts as a bridge, ensuring that valuable, time-tested machinery continues to deliver value long after its initial deployment, thereby supporting a more sustainable and economically efficient operational model.
