Sharp LQ5AW116: 5.0" TFT-LCD for High-Reliability Automotive & Industrial Displays
Product Overview and Key Specifications
Engineered for Performance in Demanding Environments
The Sharp LQ5AW116 is a 5.0-inch a-Si TFT-LCD module engineered for exceptional reliability in thermally demanding environments, validated by its wide operating temperature range. It delivers a practical and robust display solution for systems where operational uptime and resilience are critical design parameters. This display integrates core functionalities to streamline development and ensure consistent performance across challenging conditions. It is specifically designed to withstand the extreme temperature swings found in automotive dashboards and outdoor enclosures, ensuring consistent performance. For embedded systems requiring proven display reliability over a -30°C to +85°C range, the LQ5AW116 is a definitive choice.
- Core Specifications: 320x234 Resolution | 320 cd/m² Brightness | -30°C to +85°C Operating Temp
- Key Engineering Benefits: Validated thermal resilience for harsh environments and simplified system integration via a built-in backlight driver.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Reliability in Automotive and Industrial HMIs
The Sharp LQ5AW116 is purpose-built for applications where standard consumer-grade displays would fail. Its defining characteristic is the ability to operate flawlessly in conditions of extreme cold and heat, making it an ideal component for a range of specialized human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
- Automotive Systems: Excels in in-dash car navigation systems, secondary information displays, and diagnostic terminals where the interior vehicle temperature can fluctuate dramatically, from sub-zero overnight temperatures to solar-soak conditions exceeding 80°C.
- Industrial Controls: Well-suited for control panels on heavy machinery, outdoor kiosks, and unconditioned factory environments. The anti-glare surface maintains crucial legibility under bright industrial lighting, while its thermal tolerance ensures the HMI remains operational year-round.
- Marine & Avionics: Provides a reliable display solution for marine chart plotters and certain avionics dashboards where temperature extremes and high ambient light are common challenges.
The engineering value lies in its contribution to the overall system's Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). By deploying a display validated for such a wide thermal range, manufacturers can reduce field failures, lower warranty costs, and build a reputation for product durability. This is a critical factor in industrial applications where TCO is key. For systems that may require a different form factor or resolution, models like the LQ057Q3DG02 or the LQ064V3DG06 offer alternative solutions within a similar class of rugged displays.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specifications for Environmental Robustness
The technical specifications of the Sharp LQ5AW116 are centered around delivering dependable visual performance under strenuous operating conditions. The parameters below highlight its suitability for robust, long-life applications.
| Functional Group: Optical Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Diagonal Size | 5.0 inch |
| Pixel Format | 320 x 234 |
| Display Mode | Normally White, Transmissive |
| Luminance | 320 cd/m² (Typical) |
| Contrast Ratio | 150:1 (Typical) |
| Surface Treatment | Anti-Glare (AG) |
| Functional Group: Mechanical & Environmental Ratings | |
| Outline Dimensions (W x H x D) | 127.0 x 89.2 x 20.25 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | -30°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40°C to +95°C |
| Functional Group: Electrical & Backlight | |
| Interface | NTSC / PAL Analog RGB |
| Backlight System | 1x CCFT with Built-in Inverter |
Download the LQ5AW116 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Parameter Interpretation:
The standout specification is the Operating Temperature Range of -30°C to +85°C. This is not merely a number; it's a validation of the component's durability. The engineering analogy is the difference between a consumer tablet that shuts down in a hot car and a purpose-built instrument that functions flawlessly from a frigid winter start to a peak desert afternoon. This wide range ensures the display's liquid crystal and electronic drivers perform predictably, preventing image lag in the cold or blackouts in the heat. What is the key benefit of the LQ5AW116's temperature range? It ensures operational reliability in extreme environmental conditions.
Technical Deep Dive
Engineering for Durability: A Closer Look at Thermal Performance and Integration
The resilience of the Sharp LQ5AW116 is not accidental; it is the result of deliberate design choices in its materials and architecture. The ability to withstand a -40°C to +95°C storage temperature range points to robust construction, utilizing materials for the panel, polarizers, and housing that resist warping, delamination, or degradation when subjected to repeated thermal cycling.
A key integration benefit is the built-in CCFT backlight driver. For system designers, this is a significant advantage. It is analogous to receiving a high-performance engine with its electronic control unit (ECU) already perfectly tuned and integrated. This feature eliminates the complex, time-consuming task of designing, sourcing, and validating a separate high-voltage inverter circuit to power the backlight. It simplifies the mainboard PCB layout, reduces the overall component count, and minimizes potential sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), streamlining the path to system-level compliance. Does the LQ5AW116 simplify system design? Yes, its integrated backlight driver reduces external component count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the LQ5AW116 particularly suitable for automotive use?
Its primary automotive qualification stems from its exceptional operating temperature range (-30°C to +85°C), which mirrors the harsh in-cabin environment of a vehicle. This, combined with its anti-glare surface for visibility in daylight and a compact 5-inch form factor, makes it ideal for navigation and secondary information displays.
Does the LQ5AW116 include a backlight driver?
Yes, it features an integrated inverter circuit for its Cold Cathode Fluorescent Tube (CCFT) backlight. This simplifies the system's power design, as engineers do not need to develop a separate high-voltage driver, accelerating the integration process.
What is the significance of the 'Normally White' display mode?
'Normally White' means that in the absence of a signal or in case of a pixel failure, the pixel will be transparent (appearing white or bright). This is often considered a fail-safe characteristic in certain applications, as it prevents a screen from going completely black if the display controller loses power or signal, potentially indicating a system fault rather than a complete power outage.
To evaluate the LQ5AW116 for your design, please contact our technical sales team for further information or to request a quote for your project.
