Content last revised on November 22, 2025
KCS057QV1AA-A47: A Serviceable 5.7-inch QVGA Display for Industrial Longevity
The Kyocera KCS057QV1AA-A47 is a 5.7-inch CSTN-LCD module engineered as a durable, cost-effective visualization solution for industrial applications. It combines a standard 320 x 240 (QVGA) resolution with a key feature focused on total cost of ownership: a field-replaceable CCFL backlight. This design prioritizes serviceability, extending the operational life of the equipment it's integrated into. What is the primary benefit of its replaceable backlight? It allows for targeted maintenance, significantly lowering the cost and downtime associated with display end-of-life. For industrial control panels, test equipment, and point-of-sale systems operating in stable, indoor environments, the KCS057QV1AA-A47 offers a pragmatic balance of performance and long-term value.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specs for Long-Term Field Reliability
The technical specifications of the KCS057QV1AA-A47 are chosen to deliver consistent performance in its target applications. The design focuses on reliability and serviceability, which are critical metrics for industrial equipment procurement. The use of a CCFL backlight, while a legacy technology, is paired with a replaceable design, a strategic choice that directly addresses the finite lifespan of backlight components.
| Feature | Specification | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | 5.7-inch CSTN-LCD (Color Super-Twist Nematic) | Provides a cost-effective solution for displaying graphical user interfaces and system data where ultra-wide viewing angles are not the primary requirement. |
| Resolution | 320(RGB)×240 [QVGA] | Delivers clear and sufficient detail for typical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications, including process monitoring and parameter input. |
| Backlight System | Single CCFL, Replaceable Unit | This is the core value proposition. It allows for in-field servicing, dramatically extending the display's usable life and reducing the total cost of ownership. |
| Backlight Lifetime | 40,000 hours (Typical). | Ensures long-term, continuous operation in multi-shift industrial environments before backlight replacement is needed. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C. | Suitable for use in controlled factory floors, control rooms, and indoor commercial equipment. |
| Signal Interface | 8-bit Parallel Data. | Ensures straightforward integration with a wide range of industrial microcontrollers and legacy embedded systems. |
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Industrial HMI and Control Systems
The KCS057QV1AA-A47 is optimally positioned for integration into stationary industrial equipment where long-term availability and serviceability are more critical than cutting-edge optical performance. Its design directly addresses the practical challenges faced by engineers and maintenance managers responsible for the lifecycle of industrial assets.
A prime application is in legacy industrial control panels and CNC machines. In these systems, a display failure can halt an entire production line. The replaceable backlight of the KCS057QV1AA-A47 provides a significant advantage. Think of it like having easily replaceable fuses in a power system; instead of replacing an entire expensive unit when a single component reaches its end of life, a technician can perform a quick, low-cost swap of the backlight unit. This minimizes downtime and aligns with the long service life expected of industrial machinery. The 8-bit Parallel Data interface further simplifies retrofitting into existing systems without requiring complex interface converters. For new designs in test and measurement or medical diagnostic equipment that require a basic, reliable data display in a stable environment, this module offers a proven, no-frills solution.
While the KCS057QV1AA-A47 is a strong choice for these applications, for systems demanding higher resolution, wider viewing angles, and broader temperature ranges, a TFT-based module may be more appropriate. For instance, the related KCG057QV1DB-G000 offers TFT technology with higher brightness and contrast, suitable for more visually demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering Insights for the KCS057QV1AA-A47
What is the direct engineering benefit of the replaceable CCFL backlight?
The primary benefit is a drastically reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). When the CCFL backlight dims after its typical 40,000-hour life, you can replace just the light source instead of the entire LCD module. This minimizes repair costs, reduces electronic waste, and shortens maintenance-related downtime.
How does the CSTN technology impact its ideal use case?
CSTN is a passive-matrix technology, which results in a lower contrast ratio (typically 40:1) and more limited viewing angles compared to modern active-matrix TFT displays. This makes the KCS057QV1AA-A47 ideal for applications where the operator views the screen from a direct, fixed position, such as on a control panel or test instrument. It is a cost-effective choice for displaying data and basic graphics rather than high-fidelity video.
Is an external backlight driver required for this display?
Yes, the module includes the CCFL tube but does not have an integrated backlight driver (inverter). You must supply a separate inverter to power the CCFL backlight. This provides design flexibility, allowing engineers to select an inverter that best matches their system's power supply and control requirements.
What kind of systems are compatible with its 8-bit parallel interface?
This interface is a classic standard, ensuring broad compatibility with a vast range of microcontrollers (MCUs) and single-board computers commonly used in industrial automation and embedded systems. It is well-suited for direct connection to the GPIO pins of an MCU, making it a straightforward choice for both new designs and legacy system upgrades.
To support designs that prioritize field serviceability and long-term asset value, the KCS057QV1AA-A47 provides a robust and economically sound display solution. Its feature set is a deliberate trade-off, favoring lifecycle management and reliability in stable environments over the premium optical metrics of more expensive displays, a strategy well-aligned with the goals of industrial equipment design.
