electronica 2008 will showcase the latest displays technology

However, background illumination is not the only driving-force behind the (O)LED market. Rapidly emerging applications include new, environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient, reliable and extremely colour-flexible signaling, lighting and illumination concepts in industry through to applications in housing and building engineering, as well as, for example, the increasing number of (O)LED applications used in the automotive industry.

The latest trends in displays and LEDs/OLEDs looks set to be one of the most popular subject areas at electronica 2008, the leading international trade fair for electronic components, systems and applications, which will be held at the New Munich Trade Fair Center from November 11 to 14, 2008. This exhibition area can be found in Hall A3.

The current boom in displays is also creating demand for high-brightness (HB) LEDs. The market research institute iSuppli estimates that the market for HB-LEDs was worth $3.7 billion (2006) and expects it to double in volume to more than $7 billion by 2010. Those benefiting from this increased demand include electronica exhibitors such as Texas Instruments which makes LED drivers for controlling high-resolution video display screens, and National Semiconductor whose high-current LED flash drivers or special online LED development tools can reduce designs of LED power management solutions from weeks to minutes. A large number of technology leaders will also present their solutions at electronic 2008. These include Linear Technology with an integrated BIAS and white light LED voltage transformer solution for small to medium-sized TFT (thin-film transistor) LCD panels and STMicroelectronics whose product range includes constant current LED drivers with an automatic energy saving function.

LEDs continue to make advances within the automobile industry. They are used as both efficient and non-dazzle background illumination for the dashboard and, when used as brake lights, they replace conventional white light bulbs. Market researchers such as IMS Research estimated the worldwide sales of LEDs to the automobile industry at $650 million in 2006. The market volume is expected to double to $1.3 billion by 2016

Companies such as Optrex also provide what it describes as a “clearer view” from behind the wheel. Optrex’s transparent signage displays are based on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) which are integrated in the windscreen to supply status information and warnings. Their high efficiency, wide range of colours and their durability make OLEDs an attractive option for more and more applications ranging from the iPhone display to the new 11 inch Sony OLED television. Organic LEDs are also becoming more important for general illumination: Osram has already achieved a life of more than 5000 hours for warm white OLEDs with a brightness of 1000 cd/m2. Luminous tiles, LED “wallpaper” and luminous partitions would therefore seem to be a possibility, rather than just an idea.

Visitors to electronica 2008 in November will be able to see for themselves the many advantages and applications for (O)LEDs. These will be evident on a large number of exhibition stands where lighting no longer comes from heat-generating light bulbs, but instead from power-saving, energy-efficient LED light sources.