Content last revised on November 20, 2025
LM32P18 Datasheet & Product Analysis: A 5.7" QVGA FSTN Display for Industrial & Medical Systems
Product Introduction: Engineered for Clarity and Integration
The Sharp LM32P18 is a compact and lightweight 5.7-inch FSTN display, engineered for straightforward system integration and long-term readability in legacy industrial and medical instrumentation. With key specifications of 320 x 240 QVGA Resolution | 18:1 Contrast Ratio | 210g Weight, this module delivers two critical engineering benefits: excellent clarity for monochrome graphics and a lightweight, thin profile ideal for compact designs. Engineers seeking a direct-fit component for maintaining or repairing established Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels will find its form factor and electrical characteristics ensure seamless integration. For text-centric HMI applications requiring a proven, compact monochrome display, the LM32P18 is an ideal component for maintaining long-lifecycle equipment.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specifications for System Integration
The technical specifications of the LM32P18 are optimized for applications where clarity, low mass, and a compact footprint are the primary design drivers. The following parameters are critical for system-level evaluation and integration.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Characteristics | |
| Display Technology | FSTN (Film-compensated Super-twisted Nematic), Passive Matrix |
| Display Mode | Transmissive, Normally White |
| Screen Size (Diagonal) | 14 cm (5.7 inches) |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA) |
| Active Area | 115.18(W) x 86.38(H) mm |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.36(W) x 0.36(H) mm |
| Typical Contrast Ratio | 18:1 |
| Typical Response Time | 250 ms (Tr), 150 ms (Tf) |
| Backlight System | 1 x Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) |
| Mechanical Specifications | |
| Outline Dimensions | 167(W) x 109(H) x 11(D) mm |
| Weight | 210 g |
| Operating Conditions | |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -25°C to +60°C |
Download the LM32P18 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Instrumentation and Control Panels
The LM32P18 is a purpose-built solution for applications where high-contrast, monochrome information display is paramount. What is the primary benefit of its FSTN technology? Superior readability for text and simple graphics compared to older STN displays.
A high-fidelity engineering scenario for this module is its use in portable Test and Measurement Equipment. In this context, designers face the challenge of creating a device that is both ergonomic and provides an unambiguous data readout. The LM32P18's low mass of 210 grams and thin 11mm profile directly address this, minimizing the final product's weight and bulk. Its high-contrast FSTN screen ensures that critical numerical values, waveforms, and status indicators are clearly legible under the variable lighting conditions of a factory floor or laboratory. This prevents operator error and improves diagnostic efficiency. The display's straightforward parallel data interface also simplifies the connection to the host processor, reducing development time for specialized instrumentation.
This module is frequently specified for:
- Industrial control panels and PLCs
- Medical monitoring equipment (e.g., vital signs monitors)
- Handheld diagnostic tools
- Point-of-sale terminals
- Legacy system maintenance and repair
While the LM32P18 provides excellent monochrome performance, systems requiring color indicators for status alerts might consider a display like the KCG057QV1DB-G000, which offers similar dimensions with color capability.
FAQ
Key Engineering Questions Answered
What are the design implications of the LM32P18's Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) backlight?
The use of a CFL backlight necessitates the integration of an external inverter circuit to supply the high voltage required for its operation. This is a key consideration for the system's power budget and PCB layout. While requiring an inverter, CFL backlights provide bright and highly uniform illumination across the entire display area, a critical feature for ensuring consistent readability in professional instruments.
Why choose an FSTN display like the LM32P18 over a modern TFT display for certain applications?
The primary reason is for maintaining and servicing long-lifecycle equipment. The LM32P18 serves as a direct drop-in replacement for systems originally designed with this specific module, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming mechanical and electrical redesigns. For interfaces focused on text and simple graphics, the crisp, high-contrast output of an FSTN display offers excellent readability without the higher power consumption and interface complexity of a full-color TFT-LCD.
A Call for Technical Evaluation
To further evaluate the LM32P18 for your specific application or to inquire about its integration requirements, please contact our technical support team for detailed assistance and procurement information. We are equipped to help you verify its suitability for your legacy system or new design project.
