Content last revised on November 20, 2025
LQ104S1LG21: Engineering a Legacy of Visual Reliability for Industrial HMIs
Application Scenarios & Value
Delivering Proven Performance for Demanding HMI and Control Panel Applications
The Sharp LQ104S1LG21 is engineered for long-term service in environments where consistent visual performance is critical. Its robust design and established technology make it a prime candidate for human-machine interfaces (HMIs), industrial control systems, medical diagnostic equipment, and point-of-sale terminals. The primary engineering challenge in these applications is ensuring screen readability and operational reliability over many years, often under continuous use. The LQ104S1LG21 directly addresses this by integrating a long-life CCFL backlight system rated for 50,000 hours, which provides a stable and enduring light source essential for maintaining consistent brightness and averting premature screen dimming.
This focus on longevity and proven technology ensures a stable, predictable performance baseline, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and reducing the total cost of ownership. For systems requiring a different balance of features, the G104S1-L01 presents an alternative with distinct specifications. The LQ104S1LG21's SVGA resolution is perfectly suited for displaying critical operational data, status indicators, and control menus without the unnecessary pixel density that can complicate system integration and increase costs. For HMIs in manufacturing lines or process control where uptime is paramount, this display provides a dependable visual interface that system integrators can trust.
Key Parameter Overview
Defining Visual Performance for Industrial Integration
The specifications of the Sharp LQ104S1LG21 are tailored for clear, reliable visual output in targeted industrial and commercial applications. The parameters underscore a design philosophy centered on durability and functional clarity over cutting-edge but often unnecessary features. What is the benefit of its 4:3 aspect ratio? It provides an optimal format for legacy user interfaces and process control diagrams common in industrial automation.
| Optical & Display Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Display Technology | a-Si TFT-LCD, TN, Normally White, Transmissive |
| Screen Size | 10.4 inch diagonal |
| Resolution | 800(RGB)×600 [SVGA] |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m² (Typ.) |
| Contrast Ratio | 300:1 (Typ.) |
| Viewing Angle | 70/70/40/70 (L/R/U/D) (Typ., CR≥10) |
| Display Colors | 262K (6-bit) | Mechanical & Electrical Specifications |
| Signal Interface | LVDS (1 channel, 6-bit), 20 pins |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V (Typ.) |
| Backlight System | 2 pcs CCFL, 50,000 hours lifetime |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +65°C |
| Surface Treatment | Antiglare, Hard coating (3H) |
Note: The parameters listed above are for reference purposes. For detailed electrical and mechanical specifications, please consult the official product datasheet.
Download the LQ104S1LG21 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Technical Deep Dive
Decoding the Impact of CCFL Backlight and LVDS Interface on System Longevity
The selection of a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) backlight in the LQ104S1LG21 is a deliberate engineering choice prioritizing long-term reliability. Unlike early-generation LED backlights, CCFL technology matured over decades, resulting in highly predictable performance and failure modes. Its 50,000-hour rated lifespan provides a quantifiable metric for system maintenance schedules. This is analogous to specifying an industrial-grade motor with a known service interval; it allows engineers to design systems with a calculated operational life, a critical factor in medical devices and factory automation where unexpected downtime is unacceptable. The inclusion of two lamps ensures more uniform light distribution across the panel's surface, mitigating potential "hot spots" or dim areas.
Furthermore, the use of a standard 1-channel, 6-bit LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) interface is key to its ease of integration. LVDS is renowned for its high noise immunity, a crucial benefit in electrically noisy industrial environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) from motors, inverters, and power supplies can corrupt video signals. This robust interface simplifies the design of the controller board, reduces the need for extensive shielding, and ensures a stable, flicker-free image, directly contributing to the overall system's reliability and speeding up the design-to-market cycle.
FAQ
What is the significance of the 50,000-hour CCFL backlight lifetime?
This rating indicates that the backlight can operate continuously for over 5.7 years before its brightness is expected to degrade to half of its initial value. For industrial applications with long service life requirements, this provides a predictable and reliable performance horizon, enabling better maintenance planning and ensuring a lower total cost of ownership compared to displays with shorter-lived backlights.
How does the LVDS interface benefit my design in an industrial setting?
The LVDS interface provides excellent noise immunity, which is critical in industrial environments often filled with electromagnetic interference (EMI) from motors and power systems. This ensures a stable and clean video signal transmission, resulting in a reliable, flicker-free display and simplifying the electronic design by reducing the need for complex signal filtering and shielding.
