Content last revised on January 22, 2026
Sharp LM64K11: A Robust 6.0-inch VGA Display for Industrial Instrumentation
Engineered for Clarity and Durability in Demanding Environments
The Sharp LM64K11 is a high-density monochrome graphic display module designed for precision and resilience in industrial applications. Delivering a full VGA resolution on a compact 6.0-inch panel, this FSTN LCD provides exceptional visual clarity for complex data and user interfaces. Key specifications include: 640x480 Resolution | 145g Weight | 0°C to +50°C Operating Range. It offers the dual benefits of a slim, lightweight construction and robust environmental tolerance. For engineers developing portable test equipment or compact control panels, this display directly addresses the need for a high-information-density screen that maintains performance across a wide temperature spectrum. With its transflective properties, the LM64K11 is optimized for readability in both high ambient light and backlit conditions, ensuring consistent operational visibility.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Compact and Ruggedized Equipment
The Sharp LM64K11 delivers significant value in applications where physical space, weight, and environmental resilience are critical design constraints. Its engineering is not just about displaying pixels; it's about enabling the deployment of sophisticated graphical interfaces in environments where consumer-grade displays would fail. For systems requiring high-resolution data visualization in a portable form factor, such as handheld diagnostic tools, field service instruments, and portable medical devices, the module’s 145g weight and 5.8mm profile are decisive advantages. The full 640x480 VGA resolution packed into a 6.0-inch active area provides a pixel density sufficient for rendering detailed schematics, waveforms, or complex menus without requiring a larger, more power-hungry screen.
Furthermore, its specified operating temperature range of 0°C to +50°C and storage range of -25°C to +70°C ensure operational integrity in factory automation, unconditioned control rooms, and mobile equipment. The Double-layer Super-Twisted Nematic (DFSTN) panel technology, combined with transflective properties, is a key enabler for this versatility. What is the primary benefit of its transflective design? It provides excellent readability by utilizing ambient light, significantly reducing backlight power consumption and heat generation in bright conditions, while the integrated CCFT backlight ensures visibility in low-light settings. This dual-mode capability makes the LM64K11 an ideal fit for industrial HMIs, point-of-sale terminals, and measurement instruments that must perform reliably in unpredictable lighting. For systems requiring a larger diagonal while maintaining industrial robustness, the LQ104V1LG61 offers a viable path for design consideration.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specifications for Industrial Integration
The technical specifications of the Sharp LM64K11 are tailored for straightforward integration into industrial-grade systems. The parameters below highlight its performance characteristics, physical attributes, and operational limits, providing engineers with the essential data for design and evaluation.
| Display Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Panel Type | DFSTN (Double-layer Film Super-Twisted Nematic), Monochrome (B/W) |
| Panel Mode | Transflective |
| Diagonal Size | 6.0 inch (15 cm) |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 dots (VGA) |
| Active Area | 121.6 (H) x 91.2 (V) mm |
| Dot Pitch | 0.19 (H) x 0.19 (V) mm |
| Contrast Ratio | 15:1 (Transmissive), 13:1 (Reflective) |
| Physical & Environmental Specifications | |
| Outline Dimensions | 167.7 (W) x 122.8 (H) x 5.8 (D) mm |
| Weight | 145g |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -25°C to +70°C |
| Electrical & Optical Specifications | |
| Backlight | 1x Cold Cathode Fluorescent Tube (CCFT) |
| Interface | 4-bit Parallel Data |
| Power Consumption | 1400 mW (Typical) |
| Response Time | 500 ms |
Download the official datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves. (Note: Datasheet may refer to model variant LM64K112 for complete specifications).
Parameter Interpretation:
- Contrast Ratio (15:1 Transmissive / 13:1 Reflective): This parameter is critical for legibility. A dual rating signifies its transflective nature. Think of it like a hybrid car for visibility; it uses the "electric power" of its own backlight in the dark (transmissive) and the "gasoline engine" of ambient light when it's bright (reflective). This adaptability ensures clear text and graphics in a wider range of working environments than a purely transmissive or reflective display.
- 5.8 mm Maximum Thickness: This dimension is a key enabler for modern, compact industrial design. It allows for integration into slim enclosures or portable devices where every millimeter of depth impacts ergonomics and overall system size, a significant advantage over older, bulkier display modules.
Technical Deep Dive
The Engineering Behind DFSTN Transflective Technology
The choice of a Double-layer Film Super-Twisted Nematic (DFSTN) panel is central to the LM64K11's performance in industrial settings. Unlike standard STN displays, DFSTN technology incorporates a second, passive liquid crystal cell with an opposite twist. This acts as an optical compensator, correcting for the color dispersion inherent in single-layer STN panels. The result is a highly neutral black-and-white display with superior contrast and a wider viewing cone, which is essential for HMIs that may be viewed from off-angles on a factory floor. What is the main benefit of its DFSTN construction? It delivers a crisp, paper-like monochrome image, free from the yellowish or bluish tint common in older STN technologies.
The transflective layer further enhances this technology. It is a specialized optical film that is partially reflective and partially transmissive. In high-light conditions, it reflects ambient light back through the LCD cell to illuminate the pixels, making the screen brightly legible without the backlight. This is similar to how an e-reader screen works in sunlight. In darkness, it allows the CCFT backlight to pass through, illuminating the display from behind. This intelligent use of physics results in a display that is not only versatile but also power-efficient, extending battery life in portable equipment and reducing the thermal load within the device enclosure. This robust optical design is a cornerstone of the module's suitability for challenging industrial environments, a principle shared by manufacturers like Sharp across their industrial lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of applications is the LM64K11 best suited for?The Sharp LM64K11 is optimized for industrial control panels, portable test and measurement equipment, medical monitoring devices, and point-of-sale terminals that require a compact, high-resolution monochrome display with excellent readability and proven durability in varied thermal and lighting conditions.
Is the LM64K11 a direct replacement for other 6-inch displays?While the LM64K11 offers standard VGA resolution and a parallel interface, engineers must verify mechanical dimensions, connector pinouts, and voltage requirements against their existing system's specifications. Its slim 5.8mm depth and specific mounting points are key considerations for mechanical compatibility.
What is the significance of the CCFT backlight in this module?The Cold Cathode Fluorescent Tube (CCFT) backlight is a mature and reliable illumination technology known for its stable light output and long operational life, which are critical factors for industrial and medical equipment that demand consistent performance over many years of service. It provides the necessary brightness for low-light legibility in the display's transmissive mode.
For engineering teams evaluating this display, we recommend a thorough review of the official datasheet to ensure all electrical and mechanical parameters align with your system design requirements. Contact us for further inquiries on this component.