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Technical Library >    Text Messaging
Bi-stable Cholesteric technology is truly unique in that it doesn’t require any power to drive the display. The image is retained after power-off. No polarizer or backlight is needed, and power is only necessary when the information is refreshed. This makes it perfect for applications such as signage, shelf labelling, e-books and USB memory sticks where updating is less frequent. As well as no power consumption, BCD contrast also improves in light and is available in many colour combinations.

In a normal monostable LCD a layer of liquid crystal material is sandwiched between two glass or plastic substrates across which a voltage is applied independently to each pixel of the display. This applied electric field may alter the molecular configuration of the liquid crystal and thus alter the optical characteristics of the display. With the aid of optical filters this can enable the device to switch between a light and a dark state. When the voltage is removed the device switches back to its original and only stable state.

The construction of a bistable LCD is similar to that of a monostable LCD. However, in contrast to the monostable LCD, in a bistable device the two molecular configurations relating to the light and dark states are locally stable when the voltage is removed. Therefore, power is only needed to switch from one state to the other. For electronic devices in which the image or parts of the image remain in a fixed state for some time, this would dramatically reduce the power consumption of the device.

Our main application for bi-stable screens is text messaging. This function allows any person within the WLAN who has a text-enabled module, to communicate with any other such module. Other applications include sensor read-outs for temperature, water flow, or virtually any sensor application that requires a visual indication of the operating conditions. Some LCD modules may be only able to read the message and respond with a programmed set of responses. The reduced energy consumption of the bi-stable technology, allows our batteries to last for much longer than other LCD technologies.
The bi-stable LCD screens offer high resolution (VGA, SVGA, XVGA or >), wide viewing angles and operating temperatures, and exceptional sunlight readability. It is possible to link up with cell or satellite providers to continue the text-messaging function, once outside of the WLAN.
Bi-Stable LCD Information Links
University of Oxford
Wikipedia (LCD)


Bi-Stable LCD Manufacturer Links
Varitronix
QinetiQ


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