PMVA Displays

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes true-black PMVA LCDs for instrument clusters?

Polytronix makes proprietary PMVA (Passive Matrix Vertical Alignment) LCDs, custom-engineered for automotive instrument clusters, appliance control panels, cockpit standby instruments, and industrial control panels. PMVA operates exclusively in negative mode with a true-black background at 1/64 duty, a wide viewing cone, sunlight readability, and wide-temperature performance. Polytronix was one of the first manufacturers to offer PMVA at 1/64 duty.

How is PMVA different from TN or STN LCDs?

Polytronix's proprietary vertical-alignment PMVA cell delivers a deep-black state, high contrast, and wide viewing cone not available from conventional twisted-nematic or STN cells — without the cost or driver complexity of an active-matrix backplane. It operates in negative mode (black background with light-color segments), requires a backlight, and enables 1/64 duty for higher-density segmented and dot-matrix layouts.

Can Polytronix add color and touch to PMVA displays?

Yes. Polytronix offers polarizer-level color screen-printing and color LED backlighting, and can pair PMVA with its Field-Sequential (FS-PMVA) technology, which uses an RGB backlight and segment-controlled ICs to drive different colors per segment over the same deep-black cell. PMVA modules can also be integrated with resistive or capacitive touch panels and optically bonded with LOCA or OCA to a cover glass.

What does Polytronix deliver for a PMVA program?

Every PMVA design is custom. Polytronix engineers the segment artwork, drive scheme, and viewing-angle bias around the host product, and integrates PMVA driver ICs, controller boards, and backlight inverters into complete display sub-assemblies tested as one unit before delivery. Modules can be ruggedized with thermal management, EMI shielding, and environmental sealing, under AS9100D, ISO 9001, and ITAR.