Planar ICEBrite EL640.200-SK ALE User manual

EL640.200-SK
ICEBrite™ Half-VGA Display
USER’S MANUAL
www.planar.com

Revision Control
Date Description
July 2000 Document number OM250-01
June 2004 Document number 020-0348-00A
June 2005 Document number 020-0348-00B

Contents
EL640.200-SK Display ...............................................................................................................................................3
Features and Benefits..........................................................................................................................................3
Installation and Handling........................................................................................................................................4
Mounting EL Displays..........................................................................................................................................4
Cable Length...........................................................................................................................................................4
Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................................5
Avoiding Burn-In ...................................................................................................................................................5
Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................................6
Control Basics .........................................................................................................................................................6
Power.........................................................................................................................................................................6
Connector................................................................................................................................................................8
Interface Information...........................................................................................................................................9
Buffered Video Mode...................................................................................................................................... 9
Non-buffered Video Mode............................................................................................................................
9
Video Input Signals.............................................................................................................................................10
Video Data in Non-Buffered Mode................................................................................................................11
Video Data in Buffered Mode..........................................................................................................................11
Dimming ................................................................................................................................................................12
Analog Luminance Control ........................................................................................................................ 12
Self-Test Mode......................................................................................................................................................13
Optical.....................................................................................................................................................................13
Environmental......................................................................................................................................................14
Reliability................................................................................................................................................................15
Safety and EMI Performance...........................................................................................................................15
Mechanical Characteristics..............................................................................................................................15
Component Envelope .......................................................................................................................................15
Description of Warranty ........................................................................................................................................17
Ordering Information.............................................................................................................................................17
Support and Service................................................................................................................................................18

Figures
Figure 1. EL640.200-SK Power Curve .............................................................................................................7
Figure 2. Data/Power Connector.....................................................................................................................8
Figure 3. Video Input Timing Diagram........................................................................................................10
Figure 4. Pixel Location versus Sequence of Data in Non-buffered Mode.....................................11
Figure 5. Pixel Location versus Sequence of Data in Buffered Mode...............................................11
Figure 6. Display Dimensions..........................................................................................................................16
Tables
Table 1. DC Input Voltage Requirements. ....................................................................................................6
Table 2. Video Input Requirements. ...............................................................................................................6
Table 3. Power Consumption............................................................................................................................7
Table 4. Connector Pinouts. ..............................................................................................................................8
Table 5. Video Input Descriptions. ................................................................................................................10
Table 6. Digital Luminance Control..............................................................................................................12
Table 7. Analog Luminance Control.............................................................................................................12
Table 8. Optical Characteristics......................................................................................................................13
Table 9. Environmental Characteristics.......................................................................................................14
Table 10. Mechanical Characteristics...........................................................................................................15

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 3
EL640.200-SK Half-VGA Display
The EL640.200-SK thin film electroluminescent (EL) display is a high-
performance alternative to industry-standard LCDs and is the ideal solution in
demanding applications where superior visual performance and
environmental ruggedness are critical. The EL640.200-SK utilizes Planar’s
proprietary Integral Contrast Enhancement (ICE) technology to achieve
unparalleled image quality without the use of expensive filters. This display
excels in a wide range of ambient lighting environments while effectively
eliminating the blooming common to other high-bright displays.
The display consists of an EL glass panel and control electronics assembled
into a space-saving, rugged package for easy mounting.
The EL640.200-SK is easily interfaced using standard 4-bit or 8-bit LCD control
signals. Each pixel is individually addressable to clearly display high
information content graphics and text.
Features and Benefits
• Excellent visual performance:
High brightness and contrast
Wide viewing angle 160
• Rapid display response 1 ms
• Frame buffer provides compatibility with low-cost LCD video
controllers
• Space efficient mechanical package
• Low power
• Low EMI emissions
• Extremely rugged and durable
• Reliable, long operating life
• 4-bit buffered and 8-bit non-buffered dual-panel LCD-type interfaces

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
4
Installation and Handling
Do not drop, bend, or flex the display. Do not allow objects to strike the
surface of the display.
CAUTION: The display uses CMOS and power MOSFET devices. These
components are electrostatic sensitive. Unpack, assemble, and examine this
assembly in a static-controlled area only. When shipping, use packing materials
designed for protection of electrostatic-sensitive components.
Mounting EL Displays
Properly mounted, EL displays can withstand high shock loads as well as
severe vibration found in demanding applications. However the glass panel
used in an EL display will break if subjected to bending stresses, high impact,
or excessive loads.
Avoid bending the display. Stresses are often introduced when a display is
mounted into a product. Ideally, the mounting tabs of the display should be
the only point of contact with the system. Use a spacer or boss for support;
failure to do so will bend the display and cause the glass to break. The
instrument enclosure or frame should not flex or distort in such a way that
during use the bending loads might be transferred to the display. The
EL640.200-SK mounting tabs were designed for a 3 mm screw. Mounting
surfaces should be flat to within ±0.6 mm (±0.025"). Use all the mounting holes
provided. Failure to do so will impair the shock and vibration resistance of the
final installation.
CAUTION: To prevent injury in the event of glass breakage, a protective overlay
should be used on the viewer side of the display.
WARNING: These products generate voltages capable of causing personal injury (high
voltage up to 235 V
ac
). Do not touch the display electronics during operation.
Cable Length
A maximum cable length of 600 mm (24 in.) is recommended. Longer cables
may cause data transfer problems between the data transmitted and the
display input connector. Excessive cable lengths can pick up unwanted EMI.
There are third party products which allow this maximum cable length to be
exceeded. Contact Planar Application Engineering for more information.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 5
Cleaning
As with any glass or coated surface, care should be taken to minimize
scratching. Clean the display glass with mild, water-based detergents only.
Apply the cleaner sparingly to a soft cloth, then wipe the display. Disposable
cleaning cloths are recommended to minimize the risk of inadvertently
scratching the display with particles embedded in a re-used cloth. Particular
care should be taken when cleaning displays with anti-glare and anti-reflective
films.
Avoiding Burn-In
As with other light emitting displays, use a screen saver or image inversion to
avoid causing burn-in on the display. Displaying fixed patterns on the screen
can cause burn-in, where luminance variations can be noticed over time.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
6
Specifications
Performance characteristics are guaranteed when measured at 25°C with rated
input voltage unless otherwise specified. The minimum and maximum
specifications in this manual should be met, without exception, to ensure the
long-term reliability of the display. Planar does not recommend operation of
the display outside these specifications.
Control Basics
The EL panel is a matrix structure with column and row electrodes arranged in
an X-Y formation. Light is emitted when an AC voltage of sufficient amplitude
is applied at a row-column intersection. The display operation is based on the
symmetric, line-at-a-time data addressing scheme.
Power
The supply voltages are shown in Table 1. All internal high voltages are
generated from the display supply voltage (VH).
Table 1. DC Input Voltage Requirements.
Parameter
1
SymbolMinTypMaxAbsoluteMax
2
Logic voltage VL4.75V 5.25V
Logic voltage absolute max. VLmax -0.5V 6V
Logic supply current at +5 V I
L
150mA
Display supply voltage V
H
8V 18V 20V
VH Supply current at +8 V I
H
2.1A
Power consumption 5 V/12 V 7.5 W 17.0 W
1 Operating conditions: ambient temperature 25C, 240 Hz frame rate.
2 Absolute max. ratings are those values beyond which damage to the device may occur.
There is no overcurrent protection on either the VH or VL inputs to protect
against catastrophic faults. Planar recommends the use of a series fuse on the
12-volt supply (VH). A general guideline is to rate the fuse at 1.8 to 2 times the
display maximum current rating.
Table 2. Video Input Requirements.
Description Symbol Min Max Units
Absolute Maximum Input voltage VI
MAX
-0.5 VL+0.5V
Low-level Input voltage V
IL
0 20%VLV
High-level Input voltage V
IH
70%VLVL Vcc
Low-level input current I
IL
– -0.4mA
High-level input current I
IH
– 10 µA
All video inputs are CMOS compatible with 470 series resistors. Selftest, HS,
VIDMODE, LUM0, and LUM1 have 10 k pull-up resistors.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 7
Table 3. Power Consumption
Brightness Level 25% 50% 75% 100%
Maximum Mean (W) 3.35 5.7 8.1 10.4
Absolute Maximum, estimated (W)
70% of pixels on per row
4.5 9 13 17
Typical (W)
20% of pixels on per row
3.0 4.7 6.2 7.5
Figure 1. EL640.200-SK Power Curve (typical, @ 100% luminance level)
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
05101520253035404550556065707580859095100
Number of Pixels On (%)
VH
Power (W)
@ 12.00V

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
8
Connector
Video signals and DC power are connected to the display through a 24-contact
dual-row 2 mm square pin locking connector, Samtec EHT-112-01-S-D. The
mating connector is available through Samtec as an IDC cable assembly (Series
TCSD-12-S-XX-01-X-X). The proper connector, user-specified cable length, and
connector configuration are supplied as a single unit. Consult your Samtec
representative (1-800-SAMTEC9) for cable and connector options.
Figure 2. Data/Power Connector.
Table 4. Connector Pinouts.
Pin Signal Description Pin Signal Description
1 VID1 (U1) Video Data 2 VID0 (U0) Video Data
3 VID3 (U3) Video Data 4 VID2 (U2) Video Data
5 VID (L3) Video, Lower Panel 6 VID (L2) Video, Lower Panel
7 VID (L1) Video, Lower Panel 8 VID (L0) Video, Lower Panel
9 VCLK Video Clock 10 GND Ground
11 HS Horizontal Sync 12 GND Ground
13 VS Vertical Sync 14 GND Ground
15 Selftest Selftest Input 16 GND Ground
17 VL (+5V) +5 V Power 18 VIDMODE Selects video mode
19 VH (+12V) +12 V Power 20 VH (+12V) +12 V Power
21 LUM 0 Digital dimming 22 LUM1 Digital dimming
23 GND Ground 24 LUMA Analog dimming input
(Viewed from top of connector)
Key
Pin 2
Pin 1
Pin 1 Key
(Viewed from electronics side of display)

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 9
Interface Information
This Planar EL display has two types of video interfaces for buffered and non-
buffered modes. Changing from buffered to non-buffered mode or vice versa
can be done during operation of the display. Pull VIDMODE, pin 18, low for
non-buffered mode, and pull it high or leave it disconnected for buffered
mode.
This display includes an internal frame buffer that is active when the display is
in buffered mode. In buffered mode, the display scan rate and the display
brightness are independent of user-supplied input data timing. The display
frequency is controlled through the digital dimming feature as described
below.
Buffered Video Mode
The input timing in the buffered mode is compatible with standard 4-line LCD
single-scan controllers made by a variety of manufacturers. Designers should
select the chip set that best suits their particular architecture and price point.
The display scan rate, set by LUM0 and LUM1, is independent of the input
video frame rate. This allows the user to achieve maximum brightness even at
low input video frame rates for minimizing power consumption and EMI.
In buffered mode, four preset display scan rates can be selected. In addition to
these four luminance steps, an analog luminance-control function is available
(see Dimming on page 11). Due to the timing independence of the input data
and the display scan, an image will be shown on the display even without any
video input data. When using averaging grayscale algorithms, visual artifacts
may be more easily perceived in buffered mode than in non-buffered mode.
Note: The display includes an internal frame buffer. In buffered mode the display scan is
independent of the input video. In order to blank the display image in the event of system
malfunction, pull VIDMODE low to exit the buffered mode.
Non-buffered Video Mode
The input timing in non-buffered mode is an eight-line dual-screen interface.
The display panel is divided into an upper screen (rows 1 through 100) and a
lower screen (rows 101 through 200). Four pixels for each screen—eight pixels
total—are input on every video clock cycle. The video interface in non-
buffered mode is similar to what is used to drive monochrome dual-panel LCD
displays. The non-buffered mode provides the user with full control of the
display scan rate. It also enables the use of gradual dimming with frame rate
and the use of averaging grayscale algorithms. For additional dimming
independent of frame-rate, an analog luminance-control function is available
(see Dimming on page 11).
In non-buffered mode, video data must be supplied continuously. If the
supported frame rate range of the available display controller limits the
achievable brightness, the buffered mode can be used for high-brightness
operation.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
10
Video Input Signals
The end of the top line of a frame is marked by VS, vertical sync signal as
shown in Figure . The end of each row of data is marked by HS. In non-buffered
mode, the VS signal may be independently set to a CMOS low level at any time
for longer than one frame period. During the time of VS inactivity the display is
blank. Halting VS results in a standby condition to minimize power usage in
buffered mode.
HS
VCLK
VID0-3
VS
HS
3
First Line VID
4
1
Pixels: w x y z
Horizontal Timing
Vertical Timing
Pixels: a b c d
5
6
910
7
11
8
2
Second Line VID Data
12
Figure 3. Video Input Timing Diagram.
Table 5. Video Input Descriptions.
Num Description Symbol Min. Max. Units
1 HS high time tHSh 125 nsec
2 HS low time tHSl 160 tVCLK
3 HS to VCLK tHSsu 63 nsec
4 VID setup to VCLK tVIDsu 100 nsec
5 VID hold from VCLK tVIDhd 100 nsec
6 Video clock period tVCLK 334 (200*) nsec
VCLK rise, fall time tVCLKrf 50 nsec
7 VCLK low width tVCLKl 125 nsec
8 VCLK high width tVCLKh 125 nsec
9 VS high setup to HS low tVShsu 100 nsec
10 VS hold after HS tVShd 100 nsec
11 VS low setup to HS high tVSlsu 140 nsec
12 HS period tHS 53.6 (41.3*) µsec
VS period tVS 200 (101*) tHS
Max frame rate* 239* Hz
* Non-buffered mode

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 11
Video Data in Non-Buffered Mode
In non-buffered mode, input signals VID0 through VID3 and VIDL0 through
VIDL3 contain the video data for the screen. Video data for row
n and row
n +100 is latched on the falling edge of HS, as shown in Figure 3.
Column 1
Row 1
Row 200
U3:1
,
1
U3:100
,
1
L3:1
,
1
L3:100
,
1
U2:1
,
1
U2:100
,
1
L2:1
,
1
L2:100
,
1
U1:1
,
1
U1:100
,
1
L1:1
,
1
L1:100
,
1
U0:1
,
1
U0:100
,
1
L0:1
,
1
L0:100
,
1
U3:1
,
160
U3:100
,
160
L3:1
,
160
L3:100
,
160
U0:1
,
160
U0:100
,
160
L0:1
,
160
L0:100
,
160
U1:1
,
160
U1:100
,
160
L1:1
,
160
L1:100
,
160
U2:1
,
160
U2:100
,
160
L2:1
,
160
L2:100
,
160
Column 1 Column 640
Row 100
Row 101
Figure 4. Pixel Location versus Sequence of Data in Non-buffered Mode.
Video Data in Non-Buffered Mode
In buffered mode, input signals VID0 through VID3 contain the video data for
the screen. Pixel information is supplied from left to right and from top to
bottom four pixels at a time. Video data for one row is latched on the falling
edge of HS, as shown in Figure 3.
Column 1
Row 1
Row 200
3:1
,
1
3:200
,
1
2:1
,
1
2:200
,
1
1:1
,
1
1:200
,
1
0:1
,
1
0:200
,
1
3:1
,
160
3:200
,
160
0:1
,
160
0:200
,
160
1:1
,
160
1:200
,
160
2:1
,
160
2:200
,
160
Column 1 Column 640
Figure 5. Pixel Location versus Sequence of Data in Buffered Mode.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
12
Dimming
There are two standard methods for dimming the EL640.200-SK display. To
perform analog dimming in either buffered or non-buffered mode, connect a
100 K variable resistor between LUMA and GND. Alternatively, an external
voltage or current mode D/A converter may be used to facilitate dimming by
sinking a maximum of 250 µA nominal (for maximum dimming) from LUMA to
GND on the input connector. Open circuit voltage is 5 V nominal.
To perform digital dimming in buffered mode, the internal scan frequency is
controlled via the LUM1 and LUM0 inputs. When these inputs are left open,
the display is scanned at 240 Hz—the maximum scan rate. With the
combination of the two inputs, LUM1 and LUM0, the following scan
frequencies are obtained:
Table 6. Digital Luminance Control.
Approx. Relative Luminance Max 75% 50% 25%
LUM1 1 1 0 0
LUM0 1 0 1 0
Frame rate (Hz) * 240 180 120 60
Analog Luminance Control
Luminance control circuitry is provided to allow the user to adjust the
luminance from 5 to 100 percent of the maximum. Connecting a 100 K 
variable resistor between LUMA and GND will give a brightness range from
approximately 5 to 100 percent of the full luminance value. Alternatively, an
external voltage or current mode D/A converter may be used to facilitate
dimming by sinking a maximum of 250 µA (for maximum dimming) from
LUMA to GND on the input connector.
Table 7. Analog Luminance Control.
Approx. Relative Luminance Dimming
Maximum (No resistor connected) 100 % (Default)
Maximum (100 K resistor connected) 100 %
Minimum (O resistor connected) 5% maximum, 0% minimum
Open Circuit voltage 5V nominal
Sink Current 250A nominal, Vin = 0V
Brightness values are measured as a percentage of full On Luminance with the
external resistor disconnected.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 13
Self-Test Mode
The display incorporates a self-test mode composed of a 1 x 2 checkerboard
and full-on pattern displayed at 240 Hz. Upon power up, the 1 x 2 pattern is
displayed for several seconds, then the full-on pattern is displayed
continuously. The self-test mode is entered by leaving the SELFTEST pin pulled
high. For normal operation the SELFTEST pin must be pulled to a logic low. If
the SELFTEST pin is pulled high during normal operation, the display will enter
the self-test mode.
Optical
Table 8. Optical Characteristics.
Luminance
Lon (areal), min
Lon (areal), typ
Loff (areal), max
63.5 cd/m²
80.6 cd/m²
.20 cd/m²
screen center, 240 Hz frame rate
screen center, 240 Hz frame rate
5 points @ 240 Hz
Non-uniformity
All pixels fully lit 26% Maximum difference two of five points,
using the formula:
LNU%=[1- (min_lum/max_lum)] x 100%
Luminance Variation (Temperature)
Maximum 25% Across operating temperature range
Luminance Variation (Time)
Maximum <20% 10,000 hours at 25C ambient
Viewing Angle
Minimum 160
Contrast Ratio
240 Hz frame rate 40.5
5.5
1.5
@ 500 Lux
@ 5,000 Lux
@50,000 Lux

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
14
Environmental
Table 9. Environmental Characteristics.
Temperature
Operating -40°C to +85°C
Non-operating -50°C to +105°C*
Operating Survival -45°C to +105°C**
Humidity
Non-condensing, operating 93% RH @ 40ºC, per IEC 68-2-3
Condensing, non-operating 95% RH @ 25-55°C, per IEC 68-2-30
Altitude
Operating/non-operating 0 to 18 km (58k ft) per IEC 68-2-13
Vibration
operating/ non-operating Random, 0.02 g
2
/Hz, 5-500 Hz, 30 minutes
each axis per IEC 68-2-34
operating/ non-operating Sinusoidal, 1.50 mm amplitude, 10 g max.,
10-55-10 Hz, 1 min./cycle, 60 minutes each axis
Shock
operating/ non-operating 100 g, 6 ms, half sine wave, per IEC 68-2-27
* After 12 hours at -50°C, acclimatize the display at -40°C min. before power on.
** Operating survival: at extremes for 1 hour maximum.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 15
Reliability
The display MTBF is to be greater than 50,000 hours at 120 Hz with a 90%
confidence level at 25°C.
Safety and EMI Performance
The display will not inhibit the end product from obtaining certifications under
UL1950, CSA22.2 No. 950, and EN60950. The display will not inhibit the end
product from complying with FCC Part 15, Subpart J, Class B or EN55022 Class
B when housed in a suitable enclosure.
Mechanical Characteristics
Table 10. Mechanical Characteristics.
Display External Dimensions
millimeters (inches) width 260.0 (10.24)
height 104.1 (4.09)
depth 19.0 (0.75)
Weight (typical) 306g (10.79 oz)
Fill Factor 59.3%
Display Active Area
millimeters (inches)
width 211.17 (8.31)
height 79.17 (3.12)
diagonal 225.52 (8.87)
Pixel Size
millimeters (inches)
width .25 (0.009)
height .31 (0.012)
Component Envelope
The component envelope shown in Figure illustrates the distance
components extend behind the display. Tall components do not necessarily fill
this area. Planar reserves the right to relocate components
within the
constraints of the component envelope without prior customer notification.
For this reason, Planar advises users to design enclosure components to be
outside the component envelope. Device designers will need to consider their
specific system requirements to determine the spacing necessary to maintain
the specified ambient temperature. Air flow and surrounding component
materials will affect the depth of the air gap.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
16
Dimensions in are millimeters; inches in brackets.
Tolerances unless specified
.x
 0.50 [0.02]
.xx
 0.25 [0.01]
Figure 6. Display Dimensions.
Note: Please refer to www.planar.com/support to view the mechanical drawing.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B) 17
Description of Warranty
Seller warrants that the Goods will conform to published specifications and be free from
defects in material for 12 months from delivery. To the extent that Goods incorporate third-
party-owned software, Seller shall pass on Seller's licensor's warranty to Buyer subject to the
terms and conditions of Seller's license.
Warranty repairs shall be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. Buyer
shall report defect claims in writing to Seller immediately upon discovery, and in any event,
within the warranty period. Buyer must return Goods to Seller within 30 days of Seller’s receipt
of a warranty claim notice and only after receiving Seller’s Return Goods Authorization. Seller
shall, at its sole option, repair or replace the Goods.
If Goods were repaired, altered or modified by persons other than Seller, this warranty is void.
Conditions resulting from normal wear and tear and Buyer's failure to properly store, install,
operate, handle or maintain the Goods are not within this warranty. Repair or replacement of
Goods is Seller’s sole obligation and Buyer's exclusive remedy for all claims of defects. If that
remedy is adjudicated insufficient, Seller shall refund Buyer's paid price for the Goods and
have no other liability to Buyer.
All warranty repairs must be performed at Seller’s authorized service center using parts
approved by Seller. Buyer shall pay costs of sending Goods to Seller on a warranty claim and
Seller shall pay costs of returning Goods to Buyer. The turnaround time on repairs will usually
be 30 working days or less. Seller accepts no added liability for additional days for repair or
replacement.
If Seller offers technical support relating to the Goods, such support shall neither modify the
warranty nor create an obligation of Seller. Buyer is not relying on Seller’s skill or judgment to
select Goods for Buyer’s purposes. Seller’s software, if included with Goods, is sold as is, and
this warranty is inapplicable to such software.
SELLER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
Ordering Information
Product Part Number Features
EL640.200-SK ALE 996-0290-05 Standard version
EL640.200-SK CC ALE 996-0290-06 EL640.200-SK ALE with conformal coating
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Planar Systems continues to provide optional, and in many cases custom, features to address
the specific customer requirements. Consult Planar Sales for pricing, lead time and minimum
quantity requirements.

EL640.200-SK Operations Manual (020-0348-00B)
18
Support and Service
Planar is a U.S. company based in Beaverton, Oregon and Espoo, Finland, with a world-wide
sales distribution network. Full application engineering support and service are available to
make the integration of Planar displays as simple and quick as possible for our customers.
RMA Procedure: For a
Returned Material Authorization number, please contact Planar
Systems, Inc. with the model number(s) and serial number(s). When returning goods for repair,
please include a brief description of the problem, and mark the outside of the shipping
container with the RMA number.