[FPDI] TFO Develops 32-inch Backlight Unit Driven by 39W

Nov 5, 2008 18:13 Tsuneyuki Miyake, Nikkei Microdevices

Tama Fine Opt (TFO) developed a 32-inch backlight unit with a power consumption as low as 39W and showcased it at FPD International 2008.

The company has been engaged in cutting the power consumption of backlights, and it exhibited a 32-inch backlight unit with a power consumption of 60W in 2007. This time, it further improved the unit.

TFO made four improvements to the backlight unit. First, the number of CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) used in the 32-inch backlight unit was reduced to six in terms of straight tubes (three U-tubes are used this time). Normally, 10 to 12 tubes are required for a 32-inch backlight unit. In 2007, the company reduced the number to eight.

Second, its optical elements were reviewed. TFO improved not only the elements themselves but also the method to laminate optical films such as the order of lamination. Though the company did not disclose the details, the method is different from the one commonly used.

Third, TFO revamped the inverter circuit. The company did not use a general-purpose inverter and optimized the operating points of the circuit for the new backlight.

Fourth, the gas pressure inside the CCFL was optimized. And the design of the backlight unit was reviewed so that the temperature inside the unit becomes high to enhance the light-emitting efficiency of the CCFL. Specifically, the unit was redesigned to be able to store heat inside.

TFO plans to further advance the reduction of the power consumption by improving every component of the backlight unit and fulfill the demands of end-product makers.

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