General Digital has designed dozens of value-add LCD displays, featuring our sunlight readable LED backlights (edge-lit and direct-lit), light optimization films and optical enhancements/overlays.
While General Digital’s enhanced displays are available for purchase as a component (display only), they are also available for integration into most of our standard and custom LCD monitor products, including:
General Digital’s extensive variety of monitor kits and industrial-/military-grade monitors provide our customers with a solution for virtually any type of application or environment.
In addition to being able to request integration of our sunlight readable LED backlit LCDs into our monitor products, customers may also request the integration of our NVIS LED backlit LCDs, OEM LCDs with LED backlights or third-party enhanced LCDs.
Please feel free to contact a Sales Engineer to discuss your options and configuration requirements.
LED BACKLIGHT MONITORS: SPECIFICATIONS
Below, General Digital has provided a sampling of fully integrated Sunlight Readable Monitors that feature our enhanced displays found on the LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAYS: SPECIFICATIONS tab. These examples are provided to illustrate how our Sunlight Readable Displays can be integrated into General Digital’s standard family of products, or into a custom configuration. Please note that most of these products feature LED backlights, and some are NVIS-compatible. Links have been provided to data sheets, photometric data and control drawings. Please feel free to contact a Sales Engineer to help you understand these test results or answer your questions.
Click the Part Number to page down to the specifications for that monitor.
SUNLIGHT/DAYLIGHT READABLE LCD MONITORS
| Part Number |
Model Number |
Product Family |
Display Size (Diag.) |
Native Resolution (Pixels) |
Data Sheet |
Photometric Data |
Control Drawing |
| 90-3240-010 | SGD-24D-999-46-00-18-58-IP29-121 | Saber Standalone Solar/LS24 |
24.0" | 1920 x 1080 WUXGA |
Download | Download | Download |
| 90-3215-005 | SGD-22D-987-46-00-18-58-IP29-121 | Saber Standalone Solar/LS22 |
21.5" | 1920 x 1080 WUXGA |
Download | Download | Download |
| 90-850-168 | UB-21U-995-dd-00-01-gg-EAjj | GenStar III | 21.3" | 1600 x 1200 UXGA |
Download | — | Download |
| 90-850-150 | SGD-20U-979-40-00-16-41-EP11 | Saber Standalone Solar/LS20 |
20.1" | 1600 x 1200 UXGA |
Download | — | Download |
| TBD | UB-19W-992-dd-00-01-gg-EAjj | GenStar III | 19.0" | 1280 x 1024 SXGA |
Download | — | Download |
| 90-850-115 | SNCMP-19W-967-61-00-51-25-EP27-077 | Saber PanelMount Solar NVIS |
19.0" | 1280 x 1024 SXGA |
Download | — | Download |
| 90-967-001 | SNBP-17W-956-76-00-15-69-ID52-153 | Barracuda PanelMount Solar NVIS |
17.0" | 1280 x 1024 SXGA |
Download | Download | Download |
| 90-915-020 | SCMP-15X-954-32-00-01-35-0092-070 | Saber PanelMount Solar | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA |
Download | — | — |
| 90-959-007 | SNBS-15X-938-73-00-15-66-SA39-137 | Barracuda Standalone Solar NVIS |
15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA |
Download | — | — |
| 90-713-014 | SNSL1-15X-939-32-69-02-04-0092 | SlimLine 1U Solar NVIS | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA |
Download | Download | — |
| 90-911-023 | SRH-15X-955-60-00-23-04-0092 | Rack Mount Hinge Solar | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA |
Download | — | — |
| 90-450-021 | SNMK-06X-908-77-00-00-82-0092-160 | Impact Solar NVIS | 6.5" | 1024 x 768 XGA |
Download | Download | — |
| 90-3064-012 | SNBS-06V-907-71-00-15-04-SA31-000 | Barracuda Standalone Solar NVIS |
6.5" | 640 x 480 VGA |
Download | Download | — |
Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation.
Saber Standalone Solar/LS24
Mountable Sunlight Readable 24.0" LCD Monitor
Part Number 90-3240-010
- Sunlight readable LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #999)
- 24.0 inch, 1920 x 1080 WUXGA resolution
- Maximum brightness programmable up to 700+ nits
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Surface Capacitive Touch Screen Overlay
- Antiglare etch and antireflective coating (specially selected for Air Traffic Control Tower Applications)
- Optically bonded to LCD to minimize internal reflections, maximize contrast, and create a vandal shield for the display
- Industrial-grade, Aluminum Enclosure
- Supports VESA mounting
- Front accessible silicone OSD with programmable brightness LED backlights
- Speaker for alarm annunciation
- Optional Panel Mount Adaptor Bracket
- Smart Fan Controller
- Automatically controls fan activation and fan speed to reduce noise
- Integrated Power Supply
- Power factor correction
- Compliant with FAA-G-2100-H for harmonics and current limiting
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: DE-15 Socket
- HDMI: 19-pin Plug
- DVI-D: 30-pin Micro Cross Socket
- Programming Port: DE-15 Plug
- Power: IEC-320 AC Plug with On/Off rocker switch
- Touch: DE-9 Socket
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
- Download the MIL-STD-3009 Photometric Data for Display Model #999
- Download the Control Drawing
Saber Standalone Solar/LS22
Mountable Sunlight Readable 21.5" LCD Monitor
Part Number 90-3215-005
- Sunlight readable LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #987)
- 21.5 inch, 1920 x 1080 WUXGA resolution
- Maximum brightness programmable up to 650+ nits
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Surface Capacitive Touch Screen Overlay
- Antiglare etch and antireflective coating (specially selected for Air Traffic Control Tower Applications)
- Optically bonded to LCD to minimize internal reflections, maximize contrast, and create a vandal shield for the display
- Industrial-grade, Aluminum Enclosure
- Supports VESA mounting
- Front accessible silicone OSD with programmable brightness LED backlights
- Speaker for alarm annunciation
- Optional Panel Mount Adaptor Bracket
- Smart Fan Controller
- Automatically controls fan activation and fan speed to reduce noise
- Integrated Power Supply
- Power factor correction
- Compliant with FAA-G-2100-H for harmonics and current limiting
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: DE-15 Socket
- HDMI: 19-pin Plug
- DVI-D: 30-pin Micro Cross Socket
- Programming Port: DE-15 Plug
- Power: IEC-320 AC Plug with On/Off rocker switch
- Touch: DE-9 Socket
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
- Download the MIL-STD-3009 Photometric Data for Display Model #987
- Download the Control Drawing
GenStar III 21
Sunlight Readable Air Traffic Control Tower 21.3" LCD Monitor
Model Numbers UB-21U-995-dd-00-01-gg-hijj & UB-21U-844-dd-00-01-gg-hijj
- Sunlight readable LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #995)
- 21.3 inch, 1600 x 1200 UXGA resolution
- Maximum brightness programmable from 760 to 1000+ nits
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Glass Overlay
- 72 gloss antiglare etch and antireflective coating
- Optically bonded to LCD to minimize internal reflections, maximize contrast, and create a vandal shield for the display
- Industrial-grade, Aluminum Enclosure
- Designed specifically for use in Air Traffic Control Towers
- Front accessible OSD with protective cover
- Backlight brightness potentiometer
- Field serviceable cooling fans and power supply
- Remote brightness control interface
- Miscellaneous
- Intelligent LED Controller capable of monitoring/reporting self health, correcting brightness for changes in environment or LED decay, auto dimming technology in event of over-temperature condition, and much more
- Power factor corrected power supply
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: 5 BNC (supports Separate, Composite or Sync-on-Green analog video)
- Power: IEC connector with On/Off rocker switch
- Remote Brightness Port: 6-pin circular, locking (supports up to 160 foot cable)
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
- Download the Control Drawing
Saber Standalone Solar/LS20
Mountable Sunlight Readable 20.1" LCD Monitor
Part Number 90-850-150
- Sunlight readable LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #979)
- 20.1 inch, 1600 x 1200 UXGA resolution
- Maximum brightness programmable up to 800 nits
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Surface Capacitive Touch Screen Overlay
- Antireflective film mounted to rear to minimize internal reflections
- Industrial-grade, Aluminum Enclosure
- Supports VESA mounting
- Front accessible silicone OSD with programmable brightness LED backlights
- Speaker for alarm annunciation
- Optional Panel Mount Adaptor Bracket
- Smart Fan Controller
- Automatically controls fan activation and fan speed to reduce noise
- Integrated Power Supply (externally mounted)
- Power factor correction
- Auto power-on
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: DE-15 Socket
- NTSC: BNC
- DVI-D: 30-pin Micro Cross Socket
- Power: IEC-320 AC Plug with On/Off rocker switch
- Touch: DE-9 Socket
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
- Download the Control Drawing
GenStar III 19
Sunlight Readable Air Traffic Control Tower 19.0" LCD Monitor
Model Number UB-19W-ccc-dd-00-01-gg-hijj
- Sunlight readable LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #TBD)
- 19.0 inch, 1280 x 1024 SXGA resolution (several displays from which to choose)
- Maximum brightness programmable up to 1000+ nits
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Glass Overlay
- 72 gloss antiglare etch and antireflective coating
- Optically bonded to LCD to minimize internal reflections, maximize contrast
and create a vandal shield for the display
- Industrial-grade, Aluminum Enclosure
- Designed specifically for use in Air Traffic Control Towers
- Front accessible OSD with protective cover
- Backlight brightness potentiometer
- Field serviceable cooling fans and power supply
- Remote brightness control interface
- Miscellaneous
- Intelligent LED Controller capable of monitoring/reporting self health, correcting brightness for changes in environment or LED decay, auto dimming technology in event of over-temperature condition and much more
- Power factor corrected power supply
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: 5 BNC (supports separate, composite or Sync-on-Green analog video)
- Power: IEC connector with On/Off rocker switch
- Remote Brightness Port: 6-pin circular, locking (supports up to 160 foot cable)
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
- Download the Control Drawing
Saber PanelMount Solar NVIS 19
Sunlight Readable 19.0" LCD Monitor with NVG Compatibility
Part Number 90-850-115
- Sunlight/daylight readable and NVIS-compatible LCD monitors with LED backlight (Display Model #967)
- 19.0 inch, 1280 x 1024 SXGA resolution
- Maximum brightness limited to 650 nits to conserve power/heat
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 2% to 100% backlight dimming (daylight mode)
- Can dim <1 nit in NVIS node
- Optically bonded vandal shield with antireflective/antiglare coating
- Includes EMI ITO for reduced EMI and RFI emissions
- Industrial-/military-grade rack mount or panel mount enclosure
- Louvered ventilation holes
- Stainless steel handles and captive mounting hardware
- Rugged all-metal construction
- Intelligent fan controller and cooling fans
- 10-button tactile keypad
- NVIS/daylight buttons
- Connectors/Interface
- Analog VGA: DE-15 socket
- Power: MIL-C-5015 circular
- Ground stud: 10-32 x 1/2-inch pressed-in stud
- Input power: +15 VDC (maximum power consumption = <75 watts)
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Designed to meet: MIL-STD-108E, MIL-STD-167-1, MIL-STD-461E, MIL-STD-740-1, MIL-STD-740-2, MIL-STD-810F, MIL-STD-901D Grade A
- Available in rack mount and standalone configurations
- Download the Data Sheet
- Download the Control Drawing
Barracuda PanelMount Solar NVIS 17
Waterproof Outdoor Sunlight Readable 17.0" LCD Monitor with NVG Compatibility
Part Number 90-967-001
- Sunlight readable and NVIS-compatible LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #956)
- 17.0 inch, 1280 x 1024 SXGA resolution
- Maximum brightness limited to 600 nits to conserve power/heat
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Glass-Film-Glass resistive touch sensor with antireflective coating
- Includes circular polarizer and 1/4-wave retarder for maximum contrast
- Includes EMI mesh for improved emissions
- Optically bonded to LCD to minimize internal reflections, maximize contrast, and create a vandal shield for the display
- Industrial-/marine-/military-grade IP67 panel mount enclosure
- MIL-STD-810G 512.5 Procedure I/IP67
- 10-button silicone keypad, LED backlit
- NVIS/daylight buttons
- Environmentally-sealed connectors (MIL-DTL-38999 style)
- DVI: MIL-DTL-38999
- Touch screen (USB): MIL-DTL-38999
- Power: MIL-DTL-38999
- Input power: +16 to +75 VDC
- Operating temperature: -20° C to +50° C
- Designed to meet EMI per MIL-STD-461F: CE-1010/CE-102/CS-114-1 (curves #2 & #5)/CS-116/RE-101 (RE-102-1)/RE-102 (RE-102-1)/RS-103
- Download the MIL-STD-3009 Photometric Data for Display Model #956
- Download the Control Drawing
Saber PanelMount Solar 15
Sunlight Readable 15.0" LCD Monitor
Part Number 90-915-020
- Sunlight readable panel mount LCD monitor with an LED backlight
- 15.0 inch, 1024 x 768 XGA resolution
- 1000 nit maximum brightness
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 5% to 100% backlight dimming
- Surface capacitive touch screen with ideal etch finish
- Industrial-grade enclosure with panel/console mount bezel
- 7-button, tactile keypad with LED backlighting
- Panel mount waterproof gasket
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: DE-15 Socket
- NTSC Video: BNC Socket
- Touch: DE-9 Socket
- Power: 2W2 Socket
- Input power: +12 VDC
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
Barracuda Standalone Solar NVIS 15
Waterproof Outdoor Sunlight Readable 15.0" LCD Monitor with NVG Compatibility
Part Number 90-959-007
- Sunlight/daylight readable and NVIS-compatible LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #938)
- 15.0 inch, 1024 x 768 XGA resolution
- Maximum brightness limited to 600 nits to conserve power/heat; 20 nits for NVIS mode
- Low power (8 watts), long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Glass-Film-Glass resistive touch sensor with antireflective coating
- Includes circular polarizer and 1/4-wave retarder for maximum contrast
- Optically bonded to LCD to minimize internal reflections, maximize contrast, and create a vandal shield for the display
- Industrial-/marine-/military-grade IP67 standalone/mountable enclosure
- 10-button tactile keypad
- NVIS/daylight buttons
- 10-button tactile keypad
- Environmentally-sealed connectors
- DVI: LTWHJ-19PFFR-QS7001
- Touch screen (USB): Type A
- Power: 2W2 socket
- Analog VGA: DE-15 socket (x2)
- NTSC: TNC jack (x2)
- Input power: +9 to +36 VDC (maximum power consumption = 50 watts)
- Operating temperature: –20° C to +60° C
- Accessories: External AC/DC power supply with sealed 2W2 connector (plug)
SlimLine 1U Solar NVIS 15
Sunlight Readable Flip-up 15.0" LCD Monitor/Keyboard with NVG Compatibility
Part Number 90-713-014
- Sunlight/daylight readable and NVIS-compatible LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #939)
- 15.0 inch, 1024 x 768 XGA resolution
- Maximum brightness limited to 600 nits to conserve power/heat; 20 nits for NVIS mode
- Low power (8 watts), long life, LED backlight
- 1% to 100% backlight dimming
- Double-sided glass overlay
- Industrial-/military-grade rack mount flip-up display with integral keyboard and trackball
- 82-key, USB, military-grade keyboard with NVIS compatible backlit keys
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: DE-15 Socket
- Keyboard/Trackball: DE-9 plug
- Power: 6-pin Hirose circular
- Input power: +12 VDC (maximum power consumption = 30 watts)
- Operating temperature: -10° C to +50° C
- Download the MIL-STD-3009 Photometric Data for Display Model #939
Rack Mount Hinge Solar 15
Sunlight Readable Flip-up 15.0" LCD Monitor
Part Number 90-911-023
- Sunlight readable flip-up/-down LCD monitor/keyboard with LED backlight
- 15.0 inch, 1024 x 768 XGA resolution
- 1500 nit maximum brightness
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Double-sided antireflective glass overlay
- 1U (1.75" high) industrial-grade rack mount flip-up display
- Drip proof from the front
- 20" slides with 5.5" extension
- Connectors
- Analog VGA: DE-15 Socket
- NTSC Video: BNC Socket
- DVI: DVI-I Socket
- HDMI: HDMI Socket
- S-Video: 4-pin Mini-DIN Socket
- Power: 2W2 Socket
- Input power: +12 VDC (maximum power consumption = 25 watts)
- Operating temperature: 0° C to +50° C
- Download the Data Sheet
Impact Solar NVIS 6.5
Sunlight Readable 6.5" LCD Monitor Kit with NVG Compatibility
Part Number 90-450-021
- Sunlight readable open frame LCD monitor kit with LED backlight
- 6.5 inch, 1024 x 768 XGA resolution
- Maximum brightness of1000 nits
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 2% to 100% backlight dimming
- Chemically strengthened glass vandal shield with AR coating
- Optically bonded to reduce internal reflections and improve contrast in high ambient lighting conditions
- Industrial-grade open frame monitor kit
- Keypad attached to rear cover
Connectors
- Video: Compact Flash Card for MPEG Video
- Power: Waterproof DC Barrel Socket on 6" pig tail (interfaces to Batterspace Battery Pack)
- Input power: +12 VDC (Maximum Power = 21W)
- Operating temperature: –0° C to +50° C
- Includes external switch cable (buttons 1 and 2) from the media player
- Download the MIL-STD-3009 Photometric Data for Display Model #908
Barracuda Standalone Solar NVIS 6.5
Outdoor Sunlight Readable 6.5" LCD Monitor with NVG Compatibility
Part Number 90-3064-012
- Sunlight readable and NVIS-compatible LCD monitor with LED backlight (Display Model #907)
- 6.5 inch, 640 x 480 VGA resolution
- Maximum brightness limited to 700+ nits to conserve power / heat
- Low power, long life, LED backlight
- 0% to 100% backlight dimming
- Double-sided antireflective glass overlay
- Industrial-/marine-/military-grade IP67 standalone/mountable enclosure
- 10-key membrane keypad
- NVIS/daylight buttons
- 10-key membrane keypad
- Environmentally-sealed connectors
- DVI: DVI-D socket
- Analog VGA: DE-15 socket
- Power: 2W2
- Composite: BNC socket with dust cap
- Input power: +12 VDC (maximum power consumption = 15 watts)
- Operating temperature: -20° C to +50° C
- Includes external +12 VDC output, 90-264 VAC input power supply
- Download the MIL-STD-3009 Photometric Data for Display Model #907
LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAYS: OVERVIEW
Many Display Sizes Available
In response to customer demand, General Digital has engineered a multitude of sunlight readable and daylight readable LCD display solutions that feature OEM LCD displays and our custom-designed LED backlights (edge-lit and direct-lit), light optimization films and overlay enhancements. Our standard LCD display solutions range in size from 6.5 inch to 24.0 inch. New flat panel display sizes and resolutions, and subsequently, complete LCD monitor models, are being added regularly, or can be engineered upon customer request. Many of our sunlight and daylight readable display solutions also provide night vision goggle compatibility, as well.
Component or Monitor
Our enhanced display solutions may be purchased “off the shelf” for integration into your own product designs, or you may opt to have General Digital technicians expertly integrate the display of your choice into almost any of our monitor and display kit products. In addition, we can design and integrate the sunlight / daylight readable displays into a custom solution to meet customer-supplied design and performance requirements.
LED Backlight Advantages
Increasingly, LCD manufacturers are producing their LCDs with LED backlights, rather than with the traditional/legacy cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL). Their decision is motivated by the many advantages that LED backlights provide, such as:
- Greater efficiency (brightness vs. power)
- Lower cost
- More durable solid-state design
- Extended operating and storage temperatures
- No mercury content
- Faster startup times
Why are General Digital LED Backlights Necessary?
If LCD manufacturers are already manufacturing their LCD displays with LED backlights, you may wonder why General Digital produces its own value-add LED backlights. Most LCD manufacturers target large-volume markets for their LCD designs, where they can maximize their return on investment (ROI). Since competitive pressures from other suppliers exist in these markets, their products are designed to meet the bare essential requirements at a minimum cost in an attempt to achieve product acceptance and market competitiveness.
Traditionally, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of liquid crystal displays have underserved niche markets (e.g., military, avionics, marine, outdoor usage) that require very specialized display performance, such as extended operating temperatures, sunlight readability, night vision capability and long product life cycle. General Digital prides itself on solving industry problems and providing product solutions to these underserved and specialty markets. Customers find our LED backlights to be necessary to meet one or more of the following application requirements:
- To provide superior brightness performance for use in high ambient lighting conditions or direct sunlight.
- To convert a legacy LCD design (that meets a specific need) from a CCFL backlight to a comparable design using less power, with increased durability and efficiency.
- To provide an LED backlight with greater reliability than the OEM design. Many OEM backlights have a mean time between failure (MTBF) between 30,000 and 70,000 hours. Typically, General Digital uses LEDs that have a have brightness rating in excess of 110,000 hours.
- To provide a more efficient LED backlight design than the OEM LED backlight that provides customer-required performance at lower power consumption / heat dissipation. This requirement is especially important for display solutions that are housed in fanless or fully sealed enclosures.
- To provide night vision (NVIS) goggle compatibility.
- To provide, in combination with our LED controllers, a wider dimming range than the OEM LED backlight / controller, as well as additional programmable functionality.
What Makes a Display Sunlight Readable?
There are many display performance attributes that must be considered when selecting a display to be used in high ambient lighting conditions or in direct sunlight, such as:
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Dimming range
- Viewing angle
- Operating life
- Power consumption
- Heat dissipation
- Reflectivity
- Response time
- Operating/storage temperature
OEMs provide the contrast performance of their LCDs in dark room conditions within their display specifications. While this information is an important indicator for consideration if the LCD is to be used indoors, it provides an inconclusive indication of how well the LCD will perform when exposed to high ambient lighting conditions (read our white paper, Not All Brightness is Created Equal). For this reason, General Digital quantifies the performance of our LED enhanced LCDs in our Optics Laboratory following the guidelines of MIL-STD-3009 (formerly MIL-L-85762-A).Often, users prequalify panels by how bright they are, employing the “if it is brighter, it must be better” mentality. While brightness may indeed be an important performance consideration for many applications, General Digital holds that the display’s contrast is even more important. Ultimately, it is the user’s ability to discern a difference between colors (contrast) that enables them to properly view information under varying lighting conditions—from total darkness to direct sunlight.
Following these guidelines, General Digital provides our customers with a host of performance metrics, most notably its Weber Contrast, its contrast under 10,000 foot candles of direct light and a Display Class. These metrics allow customers to compare our performance to the military’s standard of approval for display usefulness in direct sunlight, as well as the type of information that can be read under these conditions, ranging from numeric-only to live video. This data also will allow customers to compare our products to competitive alternatives on a level playing field.
General Digital’s Optical Laboratory
General Digital’s Optical Laboratory was created to provide quantification of the optical performance of an LCD under a variety of extreme ambient conditions along with raw intrinsic system characteristics. The data provided by the laboratory tests allows for numerical performance descriptions of each LCD display system. This enables the customer to compare displays across the entire General Digital display catalog and provide the ability to choose the correct product for the target environment while removing guesswork. To ensure accuracy and cross correlation, sunlight and NVIS measurements adhere to procedures and regulations outlined in MIL-L-85762A, and its successor, MIL-STD-3009. Other applicable measurements adhere to procedures and regulations outlined in “Video Electronics Standards Association Display Metrology Committee” (VESA) Flat Panel Display Measurement Standard Version 2.0 (June 1, 2001).
Enhanced LED Display Measurements
On the LED BACKLIT HIGH BRIGHT DISPLAYS: SPECIFICATIONS tab, we provide a table that summarizes our LED solutions (see sample below). Within the table, you will find a part number for each display configuration listed. As changes are made to a baseline configuration, General Digital will assign a new and unique part number to the resulting configuration. In addition to the part number, a variety of data is supplied for each display configuration.
| Part Number |
Display Size (Diagonal) |
Native Resolution (Pixels) |
Viewing Angle (H/V) |
Response Time (ms) |
Operating Temp. |
Photometric Data by Model Number |
Overlay Notes |
| 90-4190-005 | 19.0" | 1280 x 1024 SXGA | ±85°/±80° | 5 | 0°–50° C | 993 | AR Film |
Typically, General Digital attempts to standardize its measurements by applying an antireflective film to the surface of the LCD. However, it is not unusual for us to test the displays using a variety of other combinations of overlays (EMI filters, touch screens, vandal shields or films) that may be required to meet a specific application requirement.
Lastly, a link to a photometric report (see sample below) has been provided that will summarize and compare the optical performance of the OEM LCD before our enhancements and improvements, as well as after modification. Much of this data has been acquired under the guidelines of MIL-STD-3009 (formerly MIL-L-85762-A). In some instances, General Digital has also included optical data for other multiple test configurations of the same reference LCD.
The following is a standard list of carefully chosen measurements performed by General Digital’s Optical laboratory that provide all relevant information on dark/night, direct sunlight, ambient sunlight and night vision conditions. These measurements are found on all display and monitor photometric data sheets.
Sunlight Readings
- Dark Room Data
- Luminance A (Nits) [1]
- Measured in a dark room at optimal display brightness and contrast providing real world data. This data is provided for real world performance information.
- Luminance B (Nits) [1]
- Measured in a dark room at maximum display brightness and contrast, providing maximum brightness; however, display readability is reduced through loss of contrast. This metric is provided for inter-vendor comparisons.
- Contrast Ratio
- Contrast ratio of the display in a dark environment.
- Luminance A (Nits) [1]
- Sunlight Condition MIL-STD-3009 [2]
- Weber Contrast [3]
- Weber contrast (as defined by MIL-L-85762A) of the display under full diffuser and specular simulation. This simulates an outdoor bright sun condition (10,000 fc) with a secondary reflection of the sun (2,000 fL) off the monitor system.
- Contrast Ratio [3]
- Contrast ratio of the display under full diffuse and specular simulation sources. This simulates an outdoor bright sun condition (10,000 fc) with a secondary reflection of the sun (2,000 fL) off the monitor system.
- Direct Sunlight Only Contrast [3]
- Contrast ratio of the display under diffuse simulation source ONLY. This simulates an outdoor bright sun condition (10,000 fc).
- Display Class (0-6) [2]
- Classification of the display usability, 0 being not sunlight readable with text, image or video, black and white or otherwise, and 6 being readable given full color motion video.
- Weber Contrast [3]
- LED Backlight Data
- Rail Temperature °C
- Temperature of the backlight illumination source in each drive condition.
- Watts
- Power being consumed by the backlighting system in each drive condition.
- LED MTBF (Hours)
- Mean time before failure of the backlight system, this will change depending on type, vendor and model of illumination source.
- Rail Temperature °C
- NVIS (MIL-STD-3009)
- U'V'
- Color coordinates in the CIE 1976 (L',u',v') color space of the display in NVIS mode (if equipped).
- Error Radius
- The radial deviation distance from the MIL-STD-3009 defined NVIS B CIE 1976 NVIS B white point.
- NVIS Radiance B
- The NVIS B radiance in nw/cm2/sr.
- U'V'
1 Reference white paper “Not All Brightness is Created Equal”.
2 Reference white paper “MIL-STD-3009 Sunlight Simulation and Measurement Test Setup”.
3 To be discussed in forthcoming white paper “Contrasting Opinions – Brighter Isn't Always Better”.
Each measurement is performed under a variety of LCD and backlighting drive schemes to provide a diverse and rich data set, allowing the customer the ability to choose the correct product for the target driving scheme, while removing guesswork. These drive conditions are found on all display and monitor photometric data sheets, as outlined below.
Drive Options
- OEM Performance
- Driven with the OEM or General Digital LED backlights at a power equal to the OEM backlights. This provides data on luminance improvements over OEM if equipped with our backlights.
- OEM Brightness
- Driven with the OEM or General Digital LED backlights to produce brightness equal to the OEM display brightness. This provides data on power consumption improvements over OEM if equipped with our backlights.
- 1000 Nits
- Driven with the OEM (if possible) or General Digital LED backlights to produce 1000 nits. This luminance is chosen as it is an industry recognized number for sunlight readability; however, the importance of contrast over brightness for sunlight readability must be emphasized. Please see white paper under the download tab on “MIL-STD-3009 Sunlight Simulation and Measurement Test Setup”.
- 50° C Rail Temperature
- Driven with General Digital LED backlights to determine the maximum output of the display with no active cooling. Many displays can be pushed beyond this threshold; however, active cooling or heat sinks may be required.
The metrics outlined above represent most common conditions; however, due to General Digital’s vast array of capabilities, experience and equipment, many more display measurements can be performed. Should further assistance be necessary, a Sales Engineer can be consulted for additional clarification.
LED Backlight Controllers
General Digital also designs and integrates our own line of intelligent LED backlight controllers to provide command, control and status of our LED-equipped NVIS-enhanced and NVIS/Sunlight Readable-enhanced displays and backlights. Again, these ruggedized products can be purchased from our stock or integrated by General Digital. Additionally, our software engineering staff can tailor our controller firmware to provide the precise performance necessary to meet a customer’s operational requirements. Typical requests include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Minimum and maximum brightness levels for NVIS luminance.
- Minimum and maximum brightness levels for standard / sunlight readable luminance.
- Brightness resolution (number of brightness steps between minimum and maximum set points).
- Automatic brightness control algorithm adjustment based on ambient lighting conditions.
Other Controllers
General Digital also designs and assembles standard and custom microelectronic assemblies in house (e.g., embedded display heaters, cooling fans, touch screens, bezel buttons and potentiometers, OSD controls) that may be included in the final configuration. Since these designs are under our control, it is a simple task for us to program or tailor their performance to meet a variety of needs. More information is available on our controller products page or by speaking with a Sales Engineer.
LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAYS: SPECIFICATIONS
In the table below, General Digital has provided a list of our sunlight/daylight readable LCD displays that our design team has engineered for your purchase, or integration into one of General Digital’s many standard, semi-custom or custom products.
All of the displays listed feature either an “edge-lit” or “direct-lit” LED backlight, making the displays ideally suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions and/or in direct sunlight. In many cases, our LED backlight solutions also feature NVIS compatibility. The combination of these two performance abilities makes these enhanced displays great candidates for military and avionic (e.g., cockpit displays) applications, or other industrial applications that require NVIS compatibility.
Within the supplied table, you will find a part number for each display configuration listed. As changes are made to a baseline configuration, General Digital will assign a new and unique part number to the resulting configuration. In addition to the part number, a variety of data is supplied for each display configuration, which pertains to the OEM display’s attributes: diagonal viewing area size, resolution, response time, viewing angle and operating temperature. A summary of the specific display overlay(s) is also provided. Typically, General Digital attempts to standardize its measurements by applying an antireflective film to the surface of the LCD. However, it is not unusual for us to test the displays using a variety of other combinations of overlays (EMI filters, touch screens, vandal shields or films) that may be required to meet a specific application requirement.
Lastly, a link to a photometric report has been provided that will summarize and compare the optical performance of the OEM LCD before our enhancements and improvements, as well as after. Much of this data has been performed under the guidelines of MIL-STD-3009. In some instances, General Digital has also included optical data for multiple test configurations of the same reference LCD. For more information, please reference the LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAYS: OVERVIEW section.
Please feel free to contact a Sales Engineer to help you understand these test results or answer your questions.
SUNLIGHT/DAYLIGHT READABLE DISPLAY WITH LED BACKLIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
| Part Number |
Display Size (Diagonal) |
Native Resolution (Pixels) |
Viewing Angle (H/V) |
Response Time (ms) |
Operating Temp. |
Photometric Data by Model Number |
Overlay Notes |
| 90-4240-002 | 24.0" | 1920 x 1080 WUXGA | ±89°/±89° | 25 | 0°–50° C | 999 | OEM Only, AR Film, AR & AG Film |
| 90-4215-005 | 21.5" | 1920 x 1080 WUXGA | ±89°/±89° | 16 | 0°–50° C | 987 | AR Film |
| 90-4215-002 | 21.5" | 1920 x 1080 WUXGA | ±89°/±89° | 16 | 0°–50° C | 987 | AR Film |
| 90-4213-001 | 21.3" | 1600 x 1200 UXGA | ±88°/±88° | 40 | 0°–50° C | 995 | OEM Only, AR & AG Film, AR Film Only |
| 90-4190-005 | 19.0" | 1280 x 1024 SXGA | ±85°/±80° | 5 | 0°–50° C | 993 | No Overlay, AR Film, AR & AG Film |
| 90-4170-001 | 17.0" | 1280 x 1024 SXGA | ±85°/±85° | 5 | -30°–85° C | 956 | AR Film |
| 90-4154-002 | 15.4" | 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+ | ±65°/±55° | 30 | 0°–50° C | 949 | — |
| 90-4150-009 | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±80°/±80° | 8 | -20°–70° C | 998 | AR on OEM Display |
| 90-4150-005 | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±80°/+80°, -60° | 18 | -10°–70° C | 939 | AR Film |
| 90-4150-003 | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±75°/+60°, -50° | 25 | -20°–70° C | 948 | AR Film |
| 90-4150-002 | 15.0" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±80°/+80°, -60° | 18 | -10°–70° C | 939 | AR Film |
| 90-4141-001 | 14.1" | 1280 x 800 WXGA | ±80°/±70° | 16 | -30°–80° C | 937 | AR Film |
| 90-4121-001 | 12.1" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±80°/±70° | 16 | -30°–70° C | 935 | AR Film |
| 90-4104-006 | 10.4" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±80°/±80° | 18 | -30°–80° C | 919 | Polished OEM Surface |
| 90-4104-004 | 10.4" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±88°/±88° (Super MVA Technology) |
25 | -20°–70° C | 926 |
Optically Bonded |
| 90-4104-003 | 10.4" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±88°/±88° (Super MVA Technology) |
25 | -20°–70° C | 926 | Heater Glass, EMI Mesh, CP Resistive Touch, AR |
| 90-4104-002 | 10.4" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±88°/±88° (Super MVA Technology) |
25 | -20°–70° C | 926 | AR Film |
| 90-4065-002 | 6.5" | 1024 x 768 XGA | ±80°/+80°, -60° | 25 | -20°–70° C | 908 | No Overlay, Optically Bonded EMI Screen and LCD Heater, AR Glass |
| 90-4065-001 | 6.5" | 640 x 480 VGA | ±80°/±80° | 25 | -30°–80° C | 909 | Polished AR on OEM Display |
Within the the photometric data, General Digital provides a Weber contrast and class value for each of the display configurations. This information describes the degree of sunlight readability per MIL-STD-3009. The chart provided below summarizes these values. For additional information, please read our MIL-STD-3009 Sunlight Measurement Test Setup white paper.
WEBER CONTRAST LOOKUP CHART [1]
| Contrast Range | Class | Short Description | Ideal Applications |
| 0 to 1.49 | 1 | Not sunlight readable | Not suitable for direct sunlight use |
| 1.50 to 1.99 | 2 | Numeric ONLY | Useful for numerics in direct sunlight |
| 2.00 to 2.99 | 3 | Alphanumeric | Useful for characters and numerical data |
| 3.00 to 4.659 | 4 | Graphic symbols and alphanumerics | Useful for characters, numerical data and static images |
| 4.66 to 10.29 | 5 | Acceptable video performance | Useful for characters, numerical data, static images and low quality video (6 √2 shades of gray counting off as 1) |
| 10.30 and higher | 6 | Best case video performance | Useful for characters, numerical data, static images and high quality video (8 or more √2 shades of gray counting off as 1) |
1 Contrast range and descriptions obtained from page 34 of MIL-L-85762A.
Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation.
DOCUMENTATION
All documents will open in a separate browser window.
DATA SHEETS
Sunlight Readable/NVIS Dual LED Driver for LCDs Data Sheet 999-0421-406
PRESENTATIONS
MIL-STD-3009 Sunlight Simulation and Measurement Test Setup
WHITE PAPERS
Not All Brightness Is Created Equal – A Discussion of LCD Brightness Values for the Real World
Déjà Vue – Finding a Better Path to Specifying an Enhanced LCD to Meet Your RFQ
LED Backlights Improve Performance and Longevity of Sunlight Readable NVIS-Compatible Displays
Weber Contrast Class – The True Measure of Sunlight Readable Displays
