Quick answer
Every enquiry lands on one of two paths: take a standard part from the catalogue, or open a tool for a custom one. Examples include microwave ovens using 7-segment displays and treadmills utilizing 16-segment displays. Opting for a custom solution depends on specific product needs and integration requirements.
Analysis of Applications for 3 Standard and Custom LED Display Products!
Table of Contents
Case study for 2 standard & custom LED product
OPTO PLUS LED Corp. is a leader in LED display production and often receives inquiries from customers regarding whether to use a standard LED display module or opt for a custom solution. To help clarify this decision, we have compiled examples showcasing both standard and custom LED display modules in various real-life applications.
By examining how these modules are used, we aim to explain the components of an LED display module and distinguish when it is more appropriate to use a standard module versus a custom one. This case study provides insights into how both types of modules are integrated into products, helping customers make informed decisions about the most suitable solution for their needs.
Standard LED Display
Standard LED Display Example1- 7-segment display@Microwave oven
This microwave oven uses a four-character 7-segment display with a colon in the middle, similar to our OPD-Q4010(1) series. The display is integrated into the circuit board using a mechanical avoidance design, allowing the illuminated surface to be visible through a transparent panel. This standard LED display module is used to show numerical information, such as time and cooking settings, for the microwave oven.
OPD-Q4010(1Standard LED Display Example 1-7-segment display@Microwave oven
OPD-Q4010(1Standard LED Display Example 1-7-segment display@Microwave oven analysis
Standard LED Display Example2- 16 segment display+dot matrix display@treadmill
This treadmill features 25 individual 16-segment displays, similar to our OPS-AS4020 series. The displays are integrated into the circuit board using mechanical avoidance, allowing the illuminated surfaces to be visible through transparent coverings. These standard LED display modules show numerical values and English characters related to the treadmill’s functions.
Additionally, a 7×15 dot matrix display, composed of three OPD-M35760 5×7 dot matrix displays, is used in the lower-left corner. This setup, also employing mechanical avoidance, enables the display of training intensity.
Standard LED Display Example2-16 segment displayOPS-AS4020+dot matrix displayOPD-M35760@treadmill
Standard LED Display Example2-16 segment displayOPS-AS4020+dot matrix displayOPD-M35760@treadmill analysis
Standard LED Display Example3- dot matrix display@elevator
This elevator display uses four 5×7 dot matrix displays to form two 10×7 dot matrix displays. Based on their dimensions, these displays are similar to our OPD-M35760 series. The displays are integrated into the circuit board using a recessed design, with the illuminated surface visible through a transparent cover, displaying the elevator floor information.
Custom LED Display
Custom LED Display Example1- 7-segment with icon@water heater
This water heater uses a custom display module that combines a 7-segment display with icons. The module is integrated into the circuit board using inner wells and mechanical avoidance, allowing the illuminated surface to be visible through transparent coverings. This setup displays the water heater’s temperature and units.
Custom LED Display Example2- 7-segment with icon@electric soldering iron
This electric soldering iron uses a custom display module combining a 7-segment display with icons. The module is integrated into the circuit board using inner wells, and the illuminated surface is visible through transparent coverings, thanks to the mechanical design. This setup displays the electric soldering iron‘s temperature and units.
Custom LED Display Example3- 7-segment with icon@Motocycle Dashboard
This motorcycle dashboard uses a custom display module that combines a 7-segment display with icons. The module is designed with a curved layout to complement the dashboard’s appearance, featuring tighter spacing between digits for a more compact design. In addition to icons, it can display lines and battery symbols, enhancing the aesthetic of the dashboard.
The display is integrated into the circuit board using inner wells, with the illuminated surface visible through transparent coverings. This setup shows the motorcycle’s speed and other instrument readings.
Standard vs Custom LED display – how to choose
| Aspect | Standard LED display | Custom LED display |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Ready-made products already available in the market | Tailored to the product’s specific needs & integration requirements |
| Example applications | Microwave (7-seg), treadmill (16-seg + dot matrix), elevator (dot matrix) | Water heater, soldering iron, motorcycle dashboard (7-seg with icons) |
| Typical content | Numbers / standard characters | Numbers + icons + indicators combined |
| When to choose | Needs met by off-the-shelf modules | When standard modules cannot meet product / integration needs |
Conclusion
This article analyzed the applications of both standard and custom LED display modules. A common approach for both types is using mechanical design to expose the illuminated surface through a transparent exterior. For products with larger dimensions requiring multiple digits or characters, combining standard modules provides a quick and cost-effective solution. On the other hand, custom modules are ideal for displaying fixed information or icons within limited space.
Standard LED display modules, typically square or rectangular, are often used in combination approaches. However, when a product requires non-standard shapes, custom modules offer greater flexibility.
OPTO PLUS LED Corp. has researched, developed, and manufactured LED displays in Taiwan since 2009. We support both standard and custom products from specification review through mass production. We offer both standard and custom LED display services. Customers can inquire via our official website’s quotation system and product pages. Additionally, standard LED displays can be ordered through our product catalog and website.
For custom LED displays, you can refer to the custom display services page, which includes a detailed introduction to our custom services and service process. You can also use the custom product request form to clarify your current needs, making collaboration smoother.
FAQ
A standard LED display is an existing display with fixed specifications that can usually be ordered directly from a supplier’s product catalog. The article gives several examples of standard LED display applications:
Microwave ovens: Use a 4-digit, 7-segment display for showing numeric information.
Treadmills: Use 16-segment and dot matrix displays to show information like speed and time.
Elevators: Use dot matrix displays to show the floor number.
A custom LED display is a display designed and produced based on a customer’s specific needs, such as special shapes or icons. The article provides some examples of custom LED display applications:
Water heaters and soldering irons: Use a display module that combines a 7-segment display with custom icons to show temperature and units.
Motorcycle dashboards: Use a curved 7-segment display and icons to match the special appearance of the dashboard and can display a battery symbol.
According to the article’s analysis, the choice depends on your product’s needs:
Choose a standard display when the product needs to show multiple numbers or letters, and the external dimensions are larger. Using a combination of standard displays can quickly meet your needs and lower costs.
Choose a custom display when the product needs to show fixed information or special icons within a limited space, as a custom display can better meet specific design requirements.
If you need custom services, how can I contact you? You can refer to the custom services page on Opto Plus’s official website and fill out a custom requirements form to submit your specific needs.
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How this article was checked
Author and technical reviewer: Jarvis Yang — Vice President & R&D Manager, OPTO PLUS LED
Test and verification method
Compare standard, modified-standard and fully custom options against information content, dimensions, optical target, circuit/pinout, annual volume, schedule, NRE and qualification risk. Use a standard part when it meets the real constraints; customize only where the product requirement justifies it.
Sources
| Check | What is verified |
|---|---|
| Decision | Standard → modified standard → full custom |
| Trade-off | NRE and lead time versus design freedom |
| Release | Datasheet, samples, validation and approved drawing |
Final selection and production conditions must be confirmed against the exact part-number datasheet, sample test and approved drawing.