It’s no longer news that LED displays have become popular and is in use in different establishments and public spaces, such as sports arenas, stores, and transport hubs. According to a report by Nielsen, about 75% of the respondents recall seeing digital billboards in a month, showing how popular they’ve become over the years.
The rise in demand for high-resolution displays for adverts and promotions is the main reason for this rapid growth. Many people have embraced LED displays for outdoor activities because they give people an engaging visual experience.
Therefore, you need to understand the fundamentals of LED display design to offer your audience the best visual output. This article will give you insight into LED display designs and all you need to know about using them.
Types of LED Displays and their Design Framework
There are different forms of LED displays that are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Some types of LED displays include:
1. Single-color LED Displays
This LED type displays one color, mostly yellow, green, or red. It’s common for displaying text stock prices and transport schedules, which are reliable and cost-effective.
Single-color LED displays comprise an LED chip, anode and cathode terminals, a circuit board, resistors, and a power source. The LED is the main part of the single LED display, with different colors such as red, green, blue, etc.
The led contains the anode and cathode terminals connected to the circuit board to generate power for the LED.
2. Multi-Color LED Displays
As the name suggests, they can display multiple colors; hence they are more versatile. You can easily spot a multi-colored LED display in public spaces, especially retail malls, and stadiums. They display various visual content, including images, videos, and texts.
The multi-color led displays are made up of RGB LED chips. These chips are three different chips connected to one source. Each chip has anode and cathode terminals, summing the number of anode and cathode to six.
The circuit board connects each of the six anode and cathode terminals of the RGB LED to a power source. The power source provides energy and voltage to power the RGB chip.
The multicolor LED display has a resistor connecting to each LED chip to regulate the current and prevent the LED from damage.
3. Full-Color LED Displays
This is the most developed type of LED display and can display millions of colors simultaneously. They are perfect for high-profile settings like large-scale campaigns, concerts, sporting events, etc. Full-color displays create engaging visual experiences for their viewers as they can display high-resolution videos and images.
Instead of LED chips, the main component of full-color LED displays are clusters of RGB LED modules. Each module is connected to the driver integrated circuits to generate color and brightness.
The LED modules are wrapped in a protective frame, giving structural support to the LED. Full-color LED display has a control system that helps control the display and a cooling system that prevents the display’s temperature from overheating.
4. Indoor and Outdoor LED Displays
LED displays should be mounted strategically based on the result you want to achieve, and the environment where you plan on mounting your LED display will help you decide if you will go for an outdoor or indoor design.
If you need a closer viewing, you should opt for indoor displays, and the reason is that indoor displays have a higher pixel density. On the other hand, outdoor displays are for a larger audience and can withstand harsh weather conditions, direct sunlight, and other environmental factors.
There are different LED displays for different purposes, so understanding the various types of LED displays is important when choosing the right one that will fit your needs. Suppose you are planning to use a display for outdoor advertising. In that case, you must choose an outdoor LED display designed to withstand the elements and display high-resolution visuals visible from a distance.
Similarly, if you plan to use your display in a conference room or retail store, choose an indoor LED display with a high pixel density that can produce realistic and crisp visuals up close.
The first step to buying an effective LED display design is understanding the available LED displays. With the right display to suit your environment, you can capture your audience’s attention with impactful visuals.
5. Single-line Text LED Displays
A single-line text LED display is used in various electronic devices, such as digital clocks, calculators, cash registers, and electronic signs. The single-text display is similar to the single-color LED display. However, the latter is more versatile and used in various applications.
This type of LED display shows text messages or simple graphics on a single screen line. The single-line text display typically consists of a grid of tiny LEDs arranged in a single row. But some manufacturers use liquid crystal displays (LCD) to achieve the same purpose.
The structural components of the single-line text LED display consist of LED modules arranged in rows, forming a single-line display. These modules contain LEDs on circuit boards to display alphabets, numbers, symbols, and simple graphics.
Each module also has input ports that allow them to receive signals from a central controller. The controller processes signals and sends them to the right modules, which convert them to images and texts.
6. Multi-line Text Displays
As the name implies, this LED displays multiple lines of text on a single screen. Multi-line text displays are common in electronic devices like computers, smartphones, and digital signage.
Unlike a single-line text display, which can only display one line of text at a time, a multi-line display can simultaneously show several lines of text, making it easier to read longer messages or information.
Multi-line text displays consist of tiny LEDs placed on a grid pattern in the controller board. Each row on the grid represents separate lines of text, and computers control these LEDs to display graphics, text, and symbols.
Other components in the controller board are power supply circuits, resistors, and voltage regulators.
7. Dot Matrix Displays
Electronic displays consist of different types, and one of them is a dot matrix display. Dot matrix displays have a grid of small dots arranged in a rectangular pattern on the printed circuit board, and you can control each of them separately to produce a unique pattern or image.
The printed circuit board is the heart of the dot matrix display, and it contains other structural components, such as power supply circuits, resistors, and voltage regulators.
Dot Matrix displays text and graphics on a wide range of electronic devices. The dots on a dot matrix display illuminates using various technologies, including LED, LCD, and OLED.
8. Bar Graph Displays
This type of LED display design uses rectangular bars or columns to represent numerical values. Each bar represents specific data points, and the height or length corresponds to the magnitude of the value represented.
The bars are usually arranged horizontally or vertically, with the values plotted on either the x-axis or the y-axis. They are also effective at communicating complex data quickly and clearly.
The inner structure of the bar graph display comprises LEDs in rows and columns placed on a printed circuit board. They display bar graphs and other presentations through computer programs.
9. Seven-Segment Displays
A seven-segment LED display design shows decimal numerals, some alphabets, and other characters while combining seven segments. Each segment of a seven-segment display is either on or off, creating combinations representing different characters.
The seven segments, a, b, c, d, e, f, and g, are arranged in a specific pattern, with four segments making up the top part and three segments making up the bottom part.
10. 14-Segment LED Display
This electronic device is similar to a 7-segment display but with additional segments that display a wider range of characters and symbols with LEDs.
A 14-segment LED display consists of 14 segments arranged in a rectangular shape, and each segment works independently to form different characters and symbols.
The segments are arranged in a grid pattern, with two vertical segments on both sides and 12 horizontal segments at the center. The vertical segments can display decimal points, while horizontal segments can be switched on and off to display alphanumeric characters and symbols.
11. 16-Segment LED Display
The 16-Segment LED display design is similar to a 14-segment LED display but has two additional segments, making it possible to display a wider range of characters. It is an alphanumeric display with 16 segments to display letters, numbers, and other characters.
Like other LED displays, each segment works independently, creating various characters and symbols. You can also program the display to show scrolling text, animations, and other dynamic effects.
A 16-segment contains 16 segments arranged in a rectangular shape. Each segment has one or more LEDs and is tagged to a number or alphabet to specify its display position.
The segments are arranged in a grid pattern, with two vertical segments on both sides, 10 horizontal segments at the center, and two angled segments on the upper and lower ends. The 10 horizontal segments can be switched on and off to display alphanumeric characters and symbols, while the two angled segments are usually used to display apostrophes and other symbols.
12. Video Walls
One of the main benefits of video walls is their ability to create a high-impact visual experience. With their large size and seamless appearance, they can grab viewers’ attention and effectively convey a message or brand. They can also provide high-resolution content that can be viewed from a distance, making them ideal for advertising and information displays.
Video walls are made up of a large number of LED panels, with each containing a grid of small LEDs to form a large screen display. These LED panels have small, square-like LED modules to create a video wall display.
Each LED module has input ports to receive image and video signals from the central controller. The controller sends electronic signals to the modules, converts and then the modules convert the signals to images and videos.
However, video walls can also be complex and costly to set up and maintain. They require much space and specialized installation and maintenance, such as ensuring proper display ventilation and cooling.
13. Holographic LED Displays
Holographic LED displays are a type of display technology that creates a three-dimensional image by using light diffraction to project the image into space. Traditionally, holographic displays use holography, a technique involving lasers that create interference patterns on a photographic plate or halogen bulb.
However, in the LED version, light-emitting diodes are the lighting source, replacing halogen bulbs and other materials. There are various types of holographic displays, including tabletop displays, wearable displays, and large-scale displays used for public exhibitions or advertising.
This LED display has a mirror on each to create a 3D illusion. While the holographic diffuser, a special film covering the LED chips, diffuses the light from the chips to create a hologram. It also has a special projector that projects images to the diffuser to intensify the holographic effect.
14. Transparent LED Displays
Transparent LED displays are different from traditional LED displays because traditional LED displays are non-transparent. In contrast, transparent LED displays use a mesh-like structure that allows light to pass through, making them see-through.
The transparent LED displays are constructed using an array of LED tiles placed on a transparent substrate made from materials like glass or acrylic. The led tiles are connected to a power source to convert energy for the display.
When the LEDs are turned on, they let out light that passes through the substrate and create a transparent image. Transparent LED displays have inbuilt control systems that control and manage the visual resolution of the images. It has additional hardware and mounting brackets that hold the led display firmly.
15. Flexible LED Displays
A flexible LED display consists of LED pixels mounted onto a malleable material, which makes them curved, rolled, or folded easily. Flexible LED displays are protected using a malleable material see-through material from both sides to prevent the LED circuit from getting destroyed.
Numerous foldable LED screens that are fixed simultaneously make up a flexible video wall. Depending on how your screen is arranged, flexible LED displays can take any shape, and because of their flexibility, they can be installed on any surface or shape easily.
A flexible LED display has a motherboard known as a Flexible PCB (Printed Circuit Board), the major circuit board that connects other structural components of the flexible LED display. All other components, such as the LED chips, are placed on the PCB.
The LED chips are the tiny lights that produce images on the flexible LED display, and they are covered in a protective layer known as an encapsulator. The encapsulator protects the LED chips from damage and makes the display flexible.
Other components, such as Driver ICs (integrated circuits), convert video signals to LED chips. At the same time, the connector usually found on the edge of the flexible LED display connects the device to a video and power source.
16. Curved LED Displays
They are made of curved LED screens that can create a seamless curved bend around various corners. In situations where high-quality displays are needed curved LED displays are often used when high-quality displays are needed.
The importance of using curved LED displays is that they make viewing from a wide angle possible without any obstruction, irrespective of your position in the room.
The structure of the curved LED display is very similar to that of the flexible display, with the only difference being the curved frame that holds the curved shape of the display.
Its LED chips are carefully arranged in a curved printed circuit board. Other structures of the curved LED display include the Driver integrator circuits, connectors, and controllers, which work in the same manner as in the flexible LED display.
17. Spherical LED Displays
Spherical LED or LED ball displays are a relatively new display technology that creates immersive and engaging visual experiences. As the name implies, these displays are spherical, allowing for a 360-degree viewing angle.
The displayed content in the spherical LED displays has no image obstruction, attracting public attention easily. Also, it’s good to have this in a large public gathering where LED displays are needed to display interesting images or videos.
A Spherical led display has tiny multiple LED chips that emit light to the display. These chips create a 360-degree view and are placed on the spherically shaped printed circuit board to fit the pattern of the spherically framed design.
The Driver integrated circuits, connector, and controller work exactly like in any shaped-like LED display, and they are all connected to the printed circuit board.
18. Cylinder-Shaped LED Displays
Another name for this type of display is column LED screen which is suitable for indoors and outdoors, allowing for a 360-degree view of the displayed content and a better realistic 3D view.
As the name implies, the frame cylinder-shaped LED displays take a cylinder-like shape made of lightweight metals. It has tiny LED chips carefully arranged on LED panels, often made with lightweight materials like acrylic to emit light to the display.
The Driver integrated circuits of the LED display control the voltage and concert video signals to the LED chips. Other components, such as controllers and connectors, are also connected to the LED panels.
One advantage of cylinder-shaped LED displays is that you can customize them to fit the specific size and shape of the cylindrical structure you intend to wrap around. This flexibility makes them suitable for various applications, including curved walls, pillars, and columns.
19. 3D LED Displays
A professional glass is needed if you want to see 3D effects, but technology has advanced in the sense that you can see 3D effects with your naked eyes with the help of 3D LED displays.
To create a 3D LED display, multiple layers of LED lights are stacked on each other, each providing a slightly different image perspective. The lights are then programmed to turn on and off at specific times, creating the illusion of movement and depth.
The main component of a 3D LED display is the tiny LED chips arranged on a grid-like pattern. These tiny LED chips are placed underneath a clean sheet of plastic known as the lenticular lens, and this lens directs light from the chips in specific directions.
The barrier panel is another clean sheet of plastic placed in front of the lenticular lens, combined with the LED chips, to create a stereoscopic effect. Polarizing filters create a 3D effect by hanging on each side of the barrier panel.
Other components, such as controllers, connectors, and driver-integrated circuits, are the same in every type of LED display.
20. Interactive LED Displays
Interactive LED displays are a type of LED display that allows users to interact with the content displayed on the screen. These displays typically use touch or gesture-based technology to enable users to engage with the content in real time.
In retail settings, interactive LED displays can showcase products and enable customers to interact with them more dynamically. For example, a clothing store might use an interactive LED display to showcase its latest collection, allowing customers to swipe through different outfits and accessories and even try them on virtually.
The interactive LED display has a panel containing a grid of touch sensors to detect touches on the LED screen. It also has LED lights and other components, such as a control board, connectors, and controllers.
21. Wearable LED displays
Wearable LED displays are electronic devices worn on the body that display information or graphics using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They can take on various forms, such as bracelets, necklaces, hats, and clothing.
A microcontroller typically controls these displays, processes data, and sends signals to the LEDs to display the desired output. Wearable LED displays can be programmed to display various information, such as text messages, notifications, health and fitness data, or even personalized graphics.
22. LED Dance Floors
LED dance floors are unique flooring systems with LED lights that can change color, flash, and react to sound or movement. The LEDs are embedded within the floor tiles and are typically controlled by a computer program or a specialized controller.
The LED lights on dance floors can be programmed to create different patterns, shapes, and colors, allowing for various creative effects. Some LED dance floors are even interactive, responding to the movements of dancers or the rhythm of the music LED stage backdrops.
The LED dance floor comprises a series of interlocking LED tiles containing multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The panels are usually made of durable tempered glass that can withstand dancers’ weight.
Understanding Pixel Pitch and Resolution
A gap between near pixels on a LED display is known as a pixel pitch, while a pixel’s total number on display is a resolution. These concepts work hand in hand to determine the quality of the visual output from your LED display.
The measurement of a pixel pitch is done in millimeters; the smaller the pixel pitch, the higher the resolution and the sharper the image display. Consequently, a smaller pixel pitch will be more costly than an LED with a larger one. With the right pixel pitch, you can balance cost and image quality.
The resolution, however, depends on the pixels on display at once. The image will be clearer and more detailed if the resolution is higher. As the resolution increases, so does the cost of the display.
Overall, what you intend to use the display for will determine the efficient resolution and pixel pitch that you will select. Outdoor promotion will require you to opt for a smaller pixel pitch and a high-resolution display. This way, you will get sharp visuals even from a distance.
You can select a screen with a lower resolution and a larger pixel pitch and still receive high-quality images if you need the LED display for indoor use. To create a design for an LED display of high quality, you must first comprehend how the pixel pitch and resolution function.
Choosing the Right LED Technology
If you find it hard to get used to LED display designs, you might not pick the right one. Understanding the various LED technologies and how they can benefit you is essential.
Consider the following when choosing the appropriate LED technology:
- The Intended Use: examine your necessities for the LED display. When advertising outdoors, you should use an LED display design that can resist unpleasant weather conditions. Due to their resistance to extreme weather, LEDs with an IP rating of 65 or more are an excellent choice.
- Color Temperature of the LED: LEDs have a variety of color temperatures that can alter the display’s mood. A warm white LED would be appropriate for a cozy living room, while a cool white LED would be convenient for an office space.
- The efficiency of LED technology determines its lifespan and dependability. LED screens with high lumens per watt (LPW) and low energy consumption provide the best output. You will reduce both your energy bill and carbon footprint.
- Color rendering index (CRI): The CRI will survey the LED’s ability to imitate colors precisely. A higher CRI will automatically equate to better color accuracy. This feature is important in the fashion and art industries, where color rendering is vital.
Designing for Optimal Viewing Experience
When choosing an LED display design, analyze the viewing experience. It can determine how effectively you communicate your message to your audience. Elements like color accuracy, viewing angle, brightness, and contrast can affect the viewing experience, as explained below:
- Color accuracy will guarantee that the content displayed on the screen has the same color as the original design and looks realistic. With equipment alignment apparatuses or any product, you can change your presentation’s tones to your inclination.
- The viewing angle is the position from which you can best view the presentation screen. You can see the screen clearly from various positions with a wider viewing angle. A good pixel pitch and top-notch resolution can assist with upgrading seeing points.
- Brightness will keep your screen visible even in dimly lit areas. Nits or candelas per square meter (cd/m2) is the standard way to measure brightness, and you can always adjust the brightness to match the light outside.
- Contrast is the distinction between the keenest and bluntest areas of the presentation. The screen’s details will be easier to see with a higher contrast ratio. You can improve the contrast ratio by increasing the brightness while reducing the ambient light.
You can equally invest in anti-glare coating to reduce the reflections on the screen. This way, you will enhance the viewer experience and communicate to your audience effectively.
Content Creation and Management
As you aspire to get the best quality hardware, ensure your display quality is top-notch. So as you choose your LED display design, allow for content creation and management well.
Content creation involves developing engaging, informative, and appealing content to display on your screen and keep your audience glued. Hire professional graphic designers or content creators with proven experience creating content for LED displays.
Content management deals with organizing and structuring the content you want to post. To succeed, you must define a strategy for displaying, managing, and updating your content.
Content management software can help you regulate and plan your content while deciding the best format you wish to use. LED display designs can support text, video, and image formats. Whichever format you use, ensure that your content is easy-to-read from a distance and well-optimized.
Maintaining LED Display Designs
After installing your desired LED display design, you should immediately devise a maintenance plan to keep it functioning properly. Regular maintenance will keep your display working like new.
Some maintenance activities include repairing faulty parts, checking for damaged pixels, and regular cleaning. These activities will extend the display’s lifespan and help you save on repair costs.
You can take it further by working with a company, like NSE LED Cloud, that can provide troubleshooting and technical services. Access to technical support will see that you resolve your display issues quickly and minimize downtime.
Finally, make plans for replacements and necessary upgrades. LED display technology constantly evolves, and you must stay current to remain relevant.
Conclusion
You need access to valid information and useful tips to become a force in LED display design. Thankfully, this article contains every detail you need to gain a proper understanding.
While you can get amazing results in your LED display journey by applying the tips above, remember that we can accommodate your display needs. Waste no time; Contact us today, and you’ll be glad you did!
