Kyocera KCB104VG2BA-A21: Engineering-Grade 10.4-inch VGA Display for Demanding Environments
An In-Depth Technical Review for OEM and System Integration Professionals
Content last revised on October 6, 2025.
A Robust, Integrated Display Solution for High-Reliability Industrial HMIs
The Kyocera KCB104VG2BA-A21 is an industrially hardened 10.4-inch CSTN display, engineered for exceptional reliability where operational integrity outweighs wide viewing angles. With a VGA resolution of 640x480, a brightness of 400 cd/m², and an integrated analog resistive touch panel, this module provides a complete HMI solution. Key benefits include a drastically simplified design cycle and guaranteed performance across an extreme temperature range. It directly addresses the need for durable, long-life displays in legacy system upgrades and new industrial machine control interfaces. For legacy industrial controls requiring a robust VGA display with touch input for extreme temperatures, the KCB104VG2BA-A21 offers a proven, integrated solution.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Industrial Control and Automation
The primary value of the KCB104VG2BA-A21 is its ability to function reliably in environments where consumer-grade displays would fail. Its most critical feature, the -20°C to +70°C operating temperature range, makes it an ideal candidate for unheated factory floors, outdoor kiosks, and vehicle-mounted terminals. Consider the engineering challenge of designing a user interface for a cold storage logistics system. The display must provide instant-on functionality and consistent performance without heaters, even at sub-zero temperatures. The KCB104VG2BA-A21's specification directly meets this requirement, ensuring that operators can interact with PLCs and data acquisition systems without display-related downtime. What defines the KCB104VG2BA-A21's industrial suitability? Its wide -20°C to +70°C operating temperature range.
Furthermore, the integration of the CCFL backlight inverter and resistive touch panel significantly reduces system complexity. Instead of sourcing, qualifying, and integrating three separate components, engineers can utilize a single, pre-qualified module. This not only accelerates the design phase but also minimizes potential points of failure within the HMI assembly. While this CSTN panel is optimized for cost-effective robustness, systems requiring higher color saturation and wider viewing angles might evaluate TFT-based alternatives like the G104VN01 V0.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specifications for Environmental Resilience
The technical specifications of the Kyocera KCB104VG2BA-A21 are tailored for industrial utility. The parameters are not just numbers; they represent design choices that prioritize durability and functional integration over cutting-edge display metrics, a crucial distinction explained in our guide on industrial vs. consumer displays.
| Functional Group: Core Display Performance | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.4 inch (26 cm) diagonal |
| Resolution | 640(H) x 480(V) pixels (VGA) |
| Display Technology | Color Super-Twisted Nematic (CSTN) LCD |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m² (Typical) |
| Contrast Ratio | 300:1 (Typical) |
| Color Depth | 262,144 colors |
| Interface | 15-pin FFC (Data), 8-pin FFC (Touch Panel) |
| Functional Group: Environmental & Mechanical | |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to +80°C |
| Outline Dimensions | 243.0(W) x 185.1(H) x 11.0(D) mm |
| Weight | 480g (Typical) |
| Touch Panel | Integrated Analog Resistive Film |
| Backlight System | 1x CCFL with built-in inverter |
Download the KCB104VG2BA-A21 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Engineering Inquiries on the KCB104VG2BA-A21
How does the -20°C to +70°C operating temperature range impact system design and reliability?
This wide temperature range is a decisive factor for reliability. It eliminates the need for auxiliary heating or cooling components in many applications, reducing cost, complexity, and power consumption. For a system inside a NEMA enclosure exposed to solar loading or freezing conditions, this specification means the display will perform predictably, preventing crystallization or blackouts that affect displays with standard commercial temperature ratings.
What are the practical benefits of the integrated CCFL inverter?
The integrated inverter simplifies the electrical design significantly. Designers do not need to specify, source, and validate a separate high-voltage component to drive the CCFL backlight. This is an all-in-one solution that requires only a standard low-voltage DC input (typically 12V), reducing EMI concerns and ensuring the backlight driver is perfectly matched to the lamp's characteristics for optimal life and brightness.
Is the analog resistive touch panel suitable for use with gloves?
Yes, one of the key advantages of analog resistive technology is its pressure-based actuation. Unlike capacitive touchscreens that require contact with a conductive object (like a bare finger), resistive panels can be reliably operated with a gloved hand, a stylus, or any other pointing object. This makes it ideal for the intended industrial, medical, and process automation environments where operators frequently wear protective gear.
Application Vignette
Performance in a Machine Tool HMI Upgrade
Imagine a scenario involving the retrofit of a 15-year-old CNC milling machine. The original CRT-based controller has failed, and a replacement is needed that can withstand the shop floor environment—replete with temperature swings, vibrations, and operators wearing oil-stained gloves. The KCB104VG2BA-A21 presents a robust solution. Its VGA resolution is often a perfect match for the legacy system's graphical output, minimizing software redevelopment. The 243.0 x 185.1 mm frame provides substantial screen real-estate for critical machine status readouts and soft-key controls. The resistive touch panel allows the new HMI to be fully sealed behind a protective bezel, crucial in an environment with cutting fluids and metal particulates. The display's ability to operate reliably from a cold start on a winter morning (+0°C) to peak afternoon heat (+40°C) ensures maximum machine uptime, directly impacting the factory's productivity. The display's performance here is a clear example of how industrial components provide a lower total cost of ownership compared to commercial alternatives.
Sourcing and Integration Support
For engineering teams evaluating the KCB104VG2BA-A21 for new designs or legacy system upgrades, our team can provide access to technical documentation to aid in your design-in process. We encourage a thorough review of the official datasheet to ensure all mechanical and electrical parameters align with your application's specific requirements. Contact us to discuss your project's display needs.
